Black Dots & a Cracked Windshield

Its called a "third visor" and if your glass company doesn't know what they are, I suggest finding a new glass company. The replacement should be OEM or a copy made to OEM specs which would still have the third visor.
Fernsmom

 

Stick the OEM windshield. I've seen posts where others have gone the cheap route and had problems with leakage, wind noise, and vibration of the glass.

 

I dont know about your location but in Florida windsheilds are covered under car insurance with no deductible. state law to encourage folks to replace or fix bad glass.

 

I agree with the posters who recommend OEM replacement at the dealership. Not only do you get OEM glass and parts, but in the event of collateral damage to your car during the installation (which has happened to me), you are in a better position for warrantied repairs than at a small unaffiliated glass shop.

And yes, windshield replacement has gotten very expensive. That is why my glass deductible is $50.

 

Well, if you have extra money you want to get rid of please send it to me.

Otherwise, go to a glass specialty place to have your windshield replaced. If you think the dealer actually does this you need to stop buying swamp land and bridges! He calls the glass specialty place and they come and install the windshield for him, bills him, then he marks up the bill (a lot) and charges you or your insurance company.

Example - the anti-Prius (2001 Nissan Pathfinder) needed a new windshield. Dealer wanted $1200 or so. Best price from glass specialty co. was $320. It ended up being exactly the same as the Nissan part (had "Nissan" on the bottom right). It was done professionally with no damage to the vehicle and it didn't leak. When I had it replaced I asked about the Prius, as I was thinking of buying one at the time, and was worried the large windshield would be expensive. Not so, same price as the anti-Prius.

Oh, and the "black dots" are part of the plastic laminated in the middle of the windshield, and are there to reduce optical reflection/glare along the edges and around the rear-view mirror.

 

Anymore I think almost all worthwhile car insurance includes glass replacement with a small (usually $100, sometimes $50) deductible. And making a claim doesn't, or isn't supposed to, have a negative effect on your rates. Check with your insurance carrier.