Got a rock thrown up at me via oncoming dump truck last month. Before i could get chip fixed today it cracked all the way across the dash on my way into work.

Booked for a replacement from safelite in a couple of weeks...

Done all the work myself on mine, suspension, maintenance etc. but none of my cars I have owned have needed a windshield replacement (so its new to me).

Is there anything i should be aware of or look for after installation (again this is completely new) - bad sealing? requests? anything I should be prepared for?

Stupid post im sorry but im sure someone on here has had glass replaced...

Get used to it. We lose a windshield a year the same way. We are in Montana and we wait until winter driving season is over before replacing. On the 2014 we use Safelite and it’s about $220 to $250. On the 2023, we purchased insurance at the dealer for $900. It provides for a windshield a year for 5 years. With the sensors in the windshield a replacement costs $1,200, so the insurance was well worth it. Already replaced one.

Safelite is great to deal with, just make sure to check for any imperfections in the new windshield, my first replacement on my 4th gen had a huge bubble/defect that caused weird optical illusions and I had to have them order another windshield and reinstall again because it was so bad.

if you have the heated strip for the windshield wipers make sure you get a compatible windshield or you will lose that feature. it comes in great handy in winter climates...

I had a windshield replaced on my '19 a couple years ago by Safelite. They screwed up the clips on the trim pieces at the bottom corners of the windshield where it meets the cowl. One went flying off on the highway and the other one wasn't far behind. Not terribly expensive from Toyota, but something to keep in mind.

I've awful experience with Safelite.
1. Windshield was installed crooked (left side roof gap 5 mm, right side 9 mm) they said it is within their specs.
2. Installer used 2 pieces of weatherstrip on passenger side where it should of been one continuous trim. Now there is a wind and water noise in that area due to turbulent air flow.
3. Glass is cheaply made in China by Fuyao brand all hazy now after several years and needs polishing.
G.L. with yours, I hope you have other options

We have terrible service from Safelight. I've dealt with them personally (and don't anymore) and for work with a large fleet of vehicles. Job was usually poorly done and is ALWAYS significantly overpriced. The time before the last windshield I needed for a personal car, I asked the dealer to order one and install it. They said they farmed their windshield work out to a local body shop and I should just go there directly and get the best price that way. They were right. They did a great job. I took my other car there again about a year later. Same experience. In fact they did such a good job, neither of the times did I require any recalibrations for the electronics. If you can find a body shop to do it, I would go that route.

Was in the same position about 6 months ago, dump truck dropped a golf ball sized rock while I was doing ~70 that hit about 3 inches from the bottom of the windshield. Had chips and dust all over my dash. Safelite guy came to the house and did the job in 90 minutes or so. Haven't noticed any difference from the one it had before minus a high pitched whistle I used to have in the cold driving against wind (I suspect it had a less than stellar replacement before I bought the truck). Would recommend applying rain-x or your preferred repellent. Don't know if they treat it with anything prior to installing but even using the wipers in the first rain after replacement the water didn't bead and made the visibility awful.

Used them twice in the last 2 years for my '21 Pro and had a great experience both times.

I would ask my dealer it they will install a factory W/S at insurance prices. I was a Body Shop Mgr. for some 30 years at a large DFW Chevrolet dealer and we did it all the time. I will also say that I got a broken W/S after I retired on a Honda and I asked Safelight as this is where the insurance company wanted to send me for the replacement, I asked for a Honda W/S and they called the insurance company and they ok'd a factory Honda W/S. I wanted the Honda W/S because it says Honda in the bottom corner and I wanted my car to be all factory original. I got the Honda W/S. Today W/S are very expensive, and so some vehicles will require then they be reset on the computer because of all the sensors in the glass, so I have no idea on what the insurance does on this, you might ask in advance on this.

The newer Fuyao windshields are made in their USA factory. I got a replacement a while back (5+ years?) and still holding on well. It has a little bit of pitting and I've had to repair a couple of smaller chips, but no cracks and it is still clear with no distortion.

World watches as Fuyao pursues historic U.S. investment in Dayton

Most dealers don't have the expertise to install a windshield. When they get a warranty repair, they usually farm out (sublet) the windshield to an outside glass shop.