Does anybody here have any opinions on the value of OEM vs after market windshields? Anybody have a favorite after market glass maker. The price difference is about 4x.

OEM Toyota glass is around $850. PPG makes good glass for about $170 installed. GL

I just had my 2015 windshield replaced by safelite for $320 installed (including fee for coming to me). I can't tell a difference between it and the OE glass. The higher price is because I have the wiper warmers built in.

Only concern I would have with Safelite, is they are notorious for improper removal and install of windshields. Often have found damaged around the pillars and roof from improper removal. And with improper install poor application and sealant that down the road ends up resulting in rust. Just be careful and make sure it is put in properly with proper weather stripping. In regards to OEM vs A/M it literally just comes down to what you want. Although OEM is usually a little bit stronger/thicker thus more resilient to chips, and cracks. I guess is this not covered by insurance or are you paying out of pocket?

it is covered under insurance and in Cali there is no ding on your rates for this claim.

So far i have been offered FYG glass and PGW but i have no idea if these are going to fit properly.

Had my windshield crack one day when the defroster heated it up a bit. Seemed odd to me and I wondered if it was maybe defective somehow. There's a whole big thread on this issue somewhere. In any case I decided to go with another glass and it has been fine. I think installation is the key thing. An oem replacement not installed correctly would be more of an issue.

Definitely find an installer that will do a good job. The people that did my windshield for the previous owner did a terrible job. I wish I knew who did it because they would owe me correct installation and repairs to the roof because it's rusting now. See here for details: What did you do with your 4runner today?

In addition, some of the black adhesive never dried for some reason, so it makes a mess if I try to pull it out. It's messy stuff, and it can be hard to clean off if they get it on the paint.

Take detailed pictures of how it's installed from the factory to make sure they do it right, and carefully check for any damage like scratches. After all the adhesives dry, you could try to gently pull back the weatherstripping and look for hidden damage.

My windshield is Pilkington, and it's covered in tiny pits from road grit. I don't know how long it's been installed for.

I agree, PGW (PPG) makes really good replacement glass. I use their glass in my work truck which is in some extremely rough environments daily, and have never had any issues.

Since we are in the topic of replacing glass. Here is my day that related to glass.

01:00-09:00 someone that do not have my truck key decided they want to take a bag of shop towel and Toyota tool pouch from the trunk. Eventhough truck lid was cover from the lid cover thingy, they break the passenger side rear quarter panel window to grap the stuff.

09:00 I filed a Glass claim for rear quarter panel window with Geico. Gonna cost me $50 for deductible.
Got a claim number for Safelite to do the work.

09:30 Called Safelite to verify that work order has been file from Geico. Yes they said. Asked what kind of part they are ordering, they said aftermarket part. Told Safelite I want OEM. Safelite said to talk to Geico.

09:45 Called back Geico and ***** about aftermarket part that Safelite suggested. Geico said for this one time only they will allow Safelite to use OEM. email and new work order from Geico to Safelite sent.

10:00 Called back Safelite to verify that Geico resubmit the work authorization and that they will be ordering OEM. it would take 5-7 business days to get the part.

Thats my day.

also Toyota dealer price for OEM rest quarter panel window $335, online search OEM ~ $200

I need to read Geico fine print about Glass Claim...

My windshield was sand blasted in Death Valley this past winter so I had it replaced. My insurance allows a free windshield replacement each year so the price was covered. The insurance company didn't allow an OEM windshield, but they said that Toyota uses Pilkington as the OEM glass provider and that the Pilkington windshield is the same thing but just doesn't say Toyota. I see no difference from the original. The dot pattern around the rearview mirror is exactly the same, and the glass looks the same. On my last 4Runner, I had the windshield replaced and could definitely tell it wasn't the same as the OEM. I don't remember what brand that one was, but I'm definitely very happy with the Pilkington.

I'm on my third windshield.

They're all the same.

If you have a crack, the windshield heater will make a propagate real fast.

A lot of threads on replacement windshields. Here's one that I thought was interesting.
Well, this stinks. (Windshield)

i have a PPG windshield on mine, with the warmers - its pretty solid. it has some chips in it at this point but I'm sure it will crack in the next year or two and i'll have it replaced with another PPG.

id like to have Toyota glass, but the only reason id want it is because it says toyota on it.

I have had a PPG and now have a Pilkington. Both have had the heated elements on them. The PPG got blasted and chipped really bad when I had to drive down 25 a lot.

Both look real clear when new, but quickly get pitted (so did the Toyota OEM).

I had the same...a crack during the winter that then grew all the way across the lower 1/3rd of the glass...looking to replace it in the next two weeks. It happened while my wife was driving so i cannot attest to anything hitting it, but she says nothing did so...

Ive gotten a few estimates, ranging from 350-600...with and without the windshield warmer option...ill just choose and move on...%$#@ happens, ya know.