Windshield Replacement Recommendations?

[Ponto]

Re: Windshield Replacement Recommendations?

I've had excellent experiences with aftermarket glass so far.

On my Mazda 6 I got a "boulder" about 1 inch diameter into the windshield and it just left a small chip.
On the civic the glass lasted 4-5 years before the Calgary cold finally caused it to crack.
My Jetta has aftermarket glass and it's already taken quite a few hits from travelling around BC but no chips yet.

I'm sure a lot of OEM auto glass comes from China now, so whether it's a OEM or not, it's probably going to be decent quality.

I believe it's the installation that is the most important factor, if the installers use low quality glue, don't clean the seal, don't align the glass right so it's not resting against the base, and in general just do a slap it together job, your glass will have issues.

If I had a new 2014 Golf R where I wanted to keep the OEM logo on the glass, I'd get OEM glass, but as afar as my cars go, aftermarket glass has proved quite reliable and satisfactory.

Further to my previous, I wasn't referring to OEM directly. More so any glass that is aftermarket, there is higher quality Canadian Glass vs. Cheaper wherever made glass. That is where i noticed the biggest difference in quality and longevity of the glass through our harsh winters of sanded roads. The Canadian glass is said to be harder, hence why it won't pit as easy.

[PRY4SNO]

Re: Windshield Replacement Recommendations?

I can get 99% of your windshield's installed for $200-350 (with or without rain-sensor). Typically need 1-2 days notice for booking.

Let me know when you need one and we'll make it happen.

Note: This applies to ALL makes and models, not just euro cars

Have a chat with Alex, he should be down to help out another forum member

[PRY4SNO]

Re: Windshield Replacement Recommendations?

Found this from a quick google search on OEM vs aftermarket windshields:

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) windshields are created differently than aftermarket ones (aftermarket parts are ones that are sold to replace the original parts of a vehicle). An article named “The Truth About OEM Phoenix Auto Glass Parts” says that “OEM auto glass standards require 100 percent windshield retention in frontal barrier crash tests, while DOT only requires 80 percent!” and that “Some aftermarket parts do not match the tolerance, thickness, and shape of OEM auto glass parts; therefore, they can have a higher rate of leakage, wind noise, imperfect fit, solar performance, and optical distortion”. Note that glass “from an OEM manufacturer” is not OEM glass, it’s just glass from the same company that made the original part (which may have completely different specs).

[Chris]

Re: Windshield Replacement Recommendations?

Thanks for all the input, folks!

I think I'm going to go with Cal Alta as they have a Groupon for $130 off windshield replacements and their quoted cost ($350 before coupon discount for a windshield with rain sensor) seems to be the best. I'm probably going to hold off until the roads start getting cleared as I'm sure with my luck I'd just get another stone chip if I replaced it right away.

[Ur0Drivr]

Re: Windshield Replacement Recommendations?

I used Cal Alta a couple of years ago and it's been fine for me

[lulu]

Re: Windshield Replacement Recommendations?

buddy of mine out a little shop does it for 245, all of my friends go to him.

[witchcraftz]

Re: Windshield Replacement Recommendations?

Found this from a quick google search on OEM vs aftermarket windshields:

I searched for that and it's an interesting read, however that's quoted from an article written in 2004 using data from 1996. I'd like to think that in the last 18 years the technology has made the differences in manufacturing processes irrelevant. But then again maybe not.

The DOT specifications are 5 inches max on the roof crush test with 1.5 times the vehicle weight and for windshield retention are "each windshield mounting must be anchored in place and retain one of two specified percentages of its periphery in a crash situation". So all mounting points have to stay mounted and the area surrounding it can only become detached to a certain percent.

I can't find anything from OEM glass manufacturers stating what their test are. So I can't compare them to the DOT standard above.

What is needed is an independent set of crash tests comparing the differences in cars with OEM glass and aftermarket glass. Anyone got a few million?

[danno]

Re: Windshield Replacement Recommendations?

Off topic but I went to cosmos to get a quote on my bumper and there is a black rs4 there with 25k in front end damage. Thought of you or ginch, luckily it's neither of you.

On topic I'll be going to cal Alta again as well in may.