Windshield replacement / Glass quality

John

When I had a similar problem (truck - stone - crack), I was confronted with the choice of 'after-market' or OEM glass. I chose the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) to retain the 'Toyota' brand name on the windshield to complement the overall car. The other choice I had was PPG (Pittsburgh Plate Glass) which reportedly had the same 'shading' along the edges. Either would have been acceptable to me from the standpoint of quality.

In Texas, comprehensive auto insurance includes glass replacement, so the difference in costs was not a material consideration. The invoice to my Insurance Company was about $645. If you're paying 'out of pocket,' you may want to go with an 'after market' brand just to save the $$$.

The shop which replaced my windshield completed the job in less than 45 minutes. They cautioned me to leave about 1" openings at the top of the windows and avoid slamming the doors for one day. I've had no rattles or leaks. Another good surprise, they were able to preserve the license and inspection stickers from the damaged windshield.

 

I live in an area where they use rocks on the road in winter, actually sand but it includes the rocks free of charge. As a result I have had several windshields replaced in a variety of vehicles over the years, not the Prius yet fortunately. I have never had a problem with after-market windshields, for me they have performed as good as the originals. Just try and make sure you get a good reputable place to install it so there won't be any leaks.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Lake Superior @ Nov 9 2006, 01:36 PM) [snapback]346370[/snapback]</div>

I am confused. How would a crack in the windshield affect air bags?! Please explain to me if anyone has a clue. :huh:

 

Quote Lake Superior: "...winter driving conditions up here (November through April) will scour it badly..."

Is this due to chemicals or salt treatments due to ice and snow? The only time I've had a 'scoured' windshield is from old, hardened wiper blades. We don't get much frozen precipitation in Texas in the winter.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ceric @ Nov 9 2006, 10:57 AM) [snapback]346390[/snapback]</div>

OK I'll take a wild guess. If the windshield were badly cracked and you had a wreck with the windows all rolled up the increase in pressure inside the car from the airbags exploding might cause the windshield to break completely and blow out. But that doesn't even sound like a good theory to me and I made it up. Also if the wreck were that bad the windshield would most likely break anyway. I guess I don't have a clue either but I would like to know too.

 

Out of all the aftermarkets offered, try to go for PPG. It's by far the best glass as far as quality and optical clarity.

 

I received a rock thrown from a passing pickup truck about four weeks ago, causing a foot-long crack in the front windshield. I contacted my Insurance, here in Ottawa Canada, and was told I had a $300 (Cdn) deductible, and that a claim would not affect my premiums. I took the car to a local Apple Auto Glass shop, who told me the cost would be in the order of "slightly more than $600" (Cdn), because the only supplier of a Prius replacement windshield was Toyota. Apparently the majority of Apple Auto Glass's replacement glass comes from generic suppliers.
The job was well done.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Lake Superior @ Nov 9 2006, 05:08 PM) [snapback]346655[/snapback]</div>

Thanks for passing that on John.

 

You should be able to go to the Tax office and explain the situation to them and get a new registration sticker printed for you. After all, that is all it is anyway, something they printed up on the computer. And take your car back to the same inspection station you last got inspected at, show your inspection certificate (white sheet of paper that obviously said your car passed) it will have their station name, and number letting them know you did infact get your sticker there. Both places once you explain what happened should give you new stickers, with the same expiration dates as what you already had, at a minimum charge, to no fee at all.And visit: irvine auto glass

 

I replaced my windshield last year. $165 for an aftermarket one installed. (Not the best install job) All auto glass must be safety glass, and front windshields laminated. Not sure what other issues there can be if it fits. When I priced it, I got higher quotes, my usuall guy went from $175 to $225 overnight, so I went elsewhere. Some shops have salvage glass. That would give you a good deal on OEM glass.