sprtdsgnGS

I have a couple of cracks in my front windshield and I'm thinking of replacing it. has anyone had any prior experience with this?

a few years back I had the dealership work on the famous creaks and I know they stuffed felt in between the windshield cowl area. Would that need to be redone?

I would request a factory windshield but I'm concerned if it might make the creaking worse or if it would affect the integrity of the car.

jdmek998

No it shouldn't change anything. Good luck on getting a OEM windshield if you are going thru insurance.since your car is older they will always install aftermarket unless you pay the difference between aftermarket and OEM. Ask what brand of aftermarket glass they use cuz it might be the same as OE glass just with out the Lexus name on it.

sprtdsgnGS

Yep, you're right. Just called GEICO, if I want the factory windshield my out of pocket cost is $1,000. The aftermarket glass is no cost to me. They didn't know what brand but said there are only 3 companies that manufacture the glass. They also said it will work fine with the the rain sensors, and is guaranteed for life.

Gotcha350

Pilkington is the OEM for Lexus...that's what my dealer told me.

The only other one I would consider outside of them or OEM is PPG.

Unfortunately insurance will not pay for OEM glass for these cars...they are too old now...I was able to get State Farm to agree to pay 50% but that still had me coming out my pocket $700...so I went with the dealers recommendation and went with Pilkington....its good quality...but might not have all the add ons that are in the OEM glass...im not sure...

gr8fulRed

just curious....what kind of features/add ons does the OEM windshield provide that an aftermarket will not? I didn't realize other than fit/finish/quality of construction....there would BE any differences.

Gotcha350

Some don't have the UV coating.

I think in either 2009 or 2010 the glass had a sound dampening layer or something like that added...sometimes the aftermarket glass omits stuff like that.

XxGoKoUxX

If you do go aftermarket, make sure you're there to watch them put on and remove your mouldings.

A friend of mine's had an issue with her car where they broke the tabs and then GLUED it on. She argued over and over about it until they decided to replace it.

Also make sure the glass has no waves in it.

EDIT: Also, make sure to wiggle your rearview mirror to make sure they mounted it correctly too!

GL!

sprtdsgnGS

Yeah, the above post is exactly why I'm thinking of just living with the two small cracks/ chips....

XxGoKoUxX

I was happy when my Acura Legend's windshield was replaced, I believe it came with the UV coating as it was tinted a little blue on the front windshield.

I checked for all of the above and was happier with the new glass than when I was with my OEM glass.

It's up to you what you want to do with your glass, I'd replace it if I were in your shoes, you never know when the next hail storm hits us Floridians again lol, and those chips and cracks are dangerous.

sprtdsgnGS

Did a little more research,, Glass Doctor here in Tampa will guarantee Pilkington glass, while Safelite will not guarantee the brand, and I understand that many times they will use their own brand glass which they manufacture in Ohio. Just info if others need to know. ..