Windshield Repair Question (insurance, vehicle, auto, replace)

[anthony2003]

Hey guys. I'm in need of a windshield replacement and have a couple questions I was hoping you guys could answer for me.

1) The last time I needed to replace my window, the guy repairing the window mentioned two types of glass - he said one was better than the other. They'd originally installed one windshield, but part of the glass was a bit hazy so they replaced it with the other. The guy said, "This is "XXX" glass so it's much better." Do you guys know what he was talking about? He mentioned an abbreviation but I don't quite remember what it was exactly.

2) I'm going to go through my insurance company, and so was wondering if you guys knew if I'd be able to choose the "better" glass? Or do I have to just go with whatever the insurance company decides to give me?

Would appreciate any help I can get here. Thanks.

[wit-nit]

Just ask for OEM glass, that's the original equipment glass your vehicle came with. You do not have to settle for a lesser quality windshield.

[anthony2003]

Okay, will do. Thanks.

Another quick question (to you or anyone else willing to answer): Is there a way to tell if a windshield is OEM or not? I'm assuming there is, but wouldn't know what to look for to make sure that it is. Would it say, "OEM" on the windshield itself? Perhaps there's other ways to tell?

[sunsprit]

Originally Posted by anthony2003

Okay, will do. Thanks.

Another quick question (to you or anyone else willing to answer): Is there a way to tell if a windshield is OEM or not? I'm assuming there is, but wouldn't know what to look for to make sure that it is. Would it say, "OEM" on the windshield itself? Perhaps there's other ways to tell?

Replacement glass will only have the glass manufacturer's logo on it, not an "OEM" labeling.

In the aftermarket, there's only a couple of manufacturers actually supplying the glass. They also make the OEM glass for many manufacturers, and the quality/glass formulation/tint/shade is the same. Pilkington, for example, supplies glass to the OE and the aftermarket and is a very common brand to find at auto glass shops.

A dealership can supply OEM glass, which may be no different from the aftermarket supplied glass.

If you have any doubt that a shop will accept your insurance company's payment point for a windshield that you select, ask the shop if they will accept your deductible and the insurance company's payment for the work. You have the freedom to choose your own shop supplying the glass ... but it's hard to go wrong with any of the major national franchise auto glass chains.

[vmaxnc]

I remember reading something about "soft" glass but the details are lost and I'm too lazy to look it up.

Hope that helps.

hee hee

[wrench409]

Really 'soft' glass: