So, I got a chip on my brand new 2020 windshield. It's not in direct sight, bottom right corner, size of a dime with tiny short crack.
Called insurance, set up an appointment with my local Safelite.
They fixed the chip really bad. Basically just filed it in so it looked like the chip filled with resin, smooth to the touch but looks like a chip, and manager said it just to stop it from spreading. Ok, I left. I literally drove 200 yards and noticed completely new crack about an inch long next to it. Turned around, confronted the manager, he said it's because they applied pressure to it to fill the chip the original crack started to spread and new windshield is recommended. He says (and Geico confirmed) that it will be OEM new windshield, but I'm reluctant to use the same shop for replacement. They will need to re-calibrate TSS camera etc. Can someone recommend decent shop in Sullivan County NY or Brooklyn, NY or Central NJ for this type of work?
Or maybe I should use a dealership for it? But I never heard of dealership installing windshields before....

I had my windshield done by Safelight and I have mixed feelings about the overall experience.

Their overall response in terms of booking me was great, but they had a heck of a time removing my existing non-OEM windshield because it’s been replaced already. I guess the previous installer could have did a better job? They made a bit of a mess with broken glass, and caused some light damage to the A pillar facia covering. You can’t really see it from the driver position but I was there to see it happen and it was annoying. The end result was good… OEM windshield, install under insurance, 100% covered.

If I could do it over again I would have went to their facility instead of ask for a mobile installer. The guy didn’t have all the right tools, borrowed my socket to get the wipers off, and didn’t do the best job of protecting the interior. They should have used a drop cloth inside because I had to do additional cleanup after the fact inside the truck. I figure they would have been better equipped at their own shop.

I would ask your insurance company if they have any other authorized installers in their network they could recommend. I would be more concerned about reimbursement going out of network.

I’ve used safelight twice in the past with good results but not on the 4Runner. First time remote service to fill a crack, second time in their facility to replace a windshield.

I went to their facility and repair quality was very questionable. Not to mention new or extended crack.
Now I have concern about new windshield and about recalibrating of all TSS equipment mounted on the windshield.
Maybe it’s just that facility... I can’t really trust online reviews anymore. It’s really not a reliable source. And quality of work in most of the shops leaves a lot to be desired... and that’s really sad.

Not replaced the windshield on the 4runner yet but on two other vehicles multiple times I've used Safelight 5 times to replace my windshields. I've always done it at their shop as they have a controlled environment, plenty of room and a flat survive to work on. I've always left with my car cleaner then when I brought it in as they clean the side windows as well as vacuum the front when they are finished. I have had to have them come out and do a remote service to remount my rear view mirror on one of my windshields as it fell off on me while driving to work the day after they replaced my windshield.

Can’t share the positive experience. Now I’m thinking, why should I replace entire windshield? Is it possible to re-repair their SO CALLED “REPAIR”? Will try to pst few pictures.

1 st - original chip
2nd right after repair
3rd after 1 min of driving

As you can see it's a really bad job. So my question is: is it possible to redo it over and fix that crack, rather than replace the whole windshield?

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Stick with a Toyota dealership that also has a collision center. Hopefully the dealership where you bought the car has one. You’ll guarantee you’re getting a factory windshield and the dealership will oversee the replacement, making sure it’s done correctly. Then they will do all necessary recalibrations and most likely give you a loaner car while the work is being done. It’s best to leave it overnight to let the adhesives cure properly. If you have glass coverage on your insurance it shouldn’t cost you a dime. If not, you’ll have to make a claim through your comprehensive.

A rock hit my wife’s brand new BMW X2 and cracked her windshield. We took it back to the dealership where they did an outstanding job. The replacement and all the recalibration came to $1770!! Fortunately our glass coverage covered it 100%.


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I'd be stunned if you got an OEM window without paying several hundred extra out of your own pocket.

I've done 4 windows over the last ~10 years, and every time I ask, it's the same response. Toyota glass costs a lot more, insurance will pay for a generic sheet.

That said, the generic glass tends to last longer than the Toyota glass in my experience ... but that may just be bad luck.

Dealers will point you at the shop they use, which is ok if you trust the dealer.

Dealership. they will outsource it in all cases but THEY are the ones responsible for the repair and the alignment. Otherwise, you'll have the glass shop and the dealership pointing fingers at each other.

With the dealership I will have to pay out of pocket and submit all the paperwork for reimbursement.
But do l really need a new windshield? Can’t this be fixed?

I know of an independent auto glass guy in New Jersey who is extremely reputable in the Audi community. He has all the necessary equipment for heads up display and safety monitoring calibration. He’s also very open about the silicone and glass he uses for installation. I try to support small businesses when the opportunity arises.

Edit: once the crack in glass starts to run like it has, it will continue to do so until the stress is fully relieved. This usually only happens when the crack reaches an edge. Chips aren’t bad to fill and hope to avoid crack propagation, but once the crack has started, it’s better to replace.

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Thank you.

Where in NJ?
Also, about the crack, don’t they drill at the end of it to relieve it? Some YouTube videos show that they drill it halfway thru.

I forget, but doesn't the Safelite repair come with some sort of warranty?

Regardless of that, because of the crack there is nothing you are going to be able to do to repair it. Once the crack starts, that is it.

If it were mine (and I had a similar experience with a crack in my former FJ Cruiser) I would just leave it until the crack became worse and got into the line of vision. It might save you from having a similar experience with a new windshield. I once replaced 2 windshields in the span of 3 months. Both were due to cracks to the edge of the windshield, neither of which were in my line of vision.

On my FJ Cruiser, I caught a stone just after buying it. It hit the driver's side windshield wiper area and I got a circular crack, a straight crack, and chip. I left it and waited for the crack to spread. It never did. A couple of years later I caught another stone on the passenger side. That one didn't even bother me and I did not even bother to repair it. The third chip was right in the middle of my line of vision. That one caused me to finally replace the windshield, which I did just before trading it on the 4Runner.

My 4Runner has caught 1 stone so far. I heard it and looked while driving, but could not see it. A couple of hours later, when stopped for gas, I saw it. It was on the passenger side, with the rear view mirror hiding it. I had Safelite repair it (as they are my insurance company's preferred installer). No real problems with the repair and it looks similar to your repair. I still cannot see the damage, because of the rear view mirror.

One warning about having windshields replaced, I once replaced 2 within 3 months due to cracks. Several years later, I am driving in the rain and I notice water running down the inside of the windshield. Stood in the bed of the truck and looked at the roof. At the center of the windshield, the roof was bubbling, where it had rusted through. Only thing I can think is that one of the installers had scratched the paint when installing a windshield and it rusted through. Had to take the truck to the body shop, where it took them a couple of days to take the windshield out, repair the rust hole, and repaint the roof of the truck.

Jersey City.

I would never recommend trying to repair a crack. One thing with the windshield that is often overlooked, it is a significant component to the strength and structural integrity of the front of your vehicle. Glass is incredibly strong until it has even the smallest micro-flaw.