Windshield Cracked, Suggestions:

[DC runner]

Wife and I are on a trip to the Gulf to enjoy the off season and the last of the warm weather.

Drive down through a decent storm. When we get to the hotel in Pensacola we find we drove within 100 miles of a tornado. So a hefty storm. No issue.

Park, enjoy the evening, wake up to go to breakfast and discover a HUGE curved crack starting at the right side of the windshield. No impact point. No crack. No damage to the car, just a huge crack.

It starts at about 4 inches and settles (just got home to TN 3 days later) at around 7 or 8.

Now, my understanding is that the type, location and length all mean I cannot repair it. Geico (my insurance) who I have glass insurance with told me to have it replaced.
They admitted they prefer repair to replacement, as it is cheaper, but that mine warrants a complete replacement. I can go to any glass place, even though they recommend safelite (have a deal with them).

So. Suggestions? Anyone near Chattanooga TN with any recommendations. In my years of driving, never had a window needed replacement so this is all new to me.


One rule. I can't do dealer or body shop. They apparently charge more for labor or some deal that geico doesn't cover. So, I can pick any auto glass repair shop.

 

[MikeInNH]

Here in NH if you go to the Toyota dealer or even the Lexus dealer they just call in Portland Glass to do the replacement. Most dealers across the nation do this.

A glass shop is by far the best place to go. They specialize in this.

 

[jimithing]

Yeah, call a couple of the local Toyota dealers and ask them if they can recommend a local company. I found my glass guy that way - he's replaced a couple of windshields for me on various vehicles and been good.

If they won't give you anyone then honestly I'd use a company like Safelite rather than an unknown local company simply because a national chain should have a local office back where you're from in case there's ever a problem with your install.

Safelite AutoGlass® - Windshield Repair & Replacement

Here where I live they're a little more expensive than my local guy but only by around $25.

 

[dadigab]

You definitly want to replace it. Windshields are a part of your truck's structure. Its a vital part of airbag deployment. Alot of guys can replace glass but few do it right. Do your homework on glass shops. Installers should be certified not just the shop. Big difference. If your ins. wont cover total cost of bill pay the balance out of pocket for the right shop. Especially if you wheel, your windshield frame/glass reflexes under regular use, stresses while off roading could get extreme. The glass can take alot of abuse if done right.

 

[big04runner]

I have used Safelite Auto Glass two times on my 4Runner. The original windshield cracked after 4 years and had to be replaced and about 3 years later a rock shattered part of the new windshield and it had to replaced again. My insurance coverage allows it to be replaced with an OEM Toyota windshield, which takes a day or two extra for them to receive. Anyway I was happy with their service and the job they did. In fact, the same installer came to my house both times 3 years apart. I won't hesitate to use them again if I need glass replacement again.

 

[emmwhat]

I'd have safelite replace the glass but have them get glass from the dealer not their own stock.

This is what I usually do if I have to replace a windshield, figure safelite replaces glass every single day and that's all they do, the dealer hardly every replaces windshields and a lot of time they don't at all (they have a 3rd party like safelite do it).

But, safelites glass is cheap, breaks easier than oem, and it usually has small - big waves in the glass.

I think oem glass iirc isn't much more, maybe like an extra $200 but well worth it.

 

[stevec5000]

I needed to replace the windshield on my pickup because it had about 30 cracks in it for gravel hitting it over the last 30 years so I went to a windshield glass dealer, bought one and put it in myself. Would probably do the same thing on the 4runner even though they are a bit harder to replace now.

 

[talonjade]

Some one once said that the newer 4gen 4runners had thicker glass then the older say 03-0? ones... maybe worth looking into if you don't already have it


although u could get dat bullet proof window and say F**U rocks! LOL :bigok:

 

[Gatafly]

Do not use Safelite glass. They are not an American owned company and they use cheap glass from China. Do a google search and I guarantee you will never want to use them. I have used several companies over the years and have been totally satisfies with Auto Glass Specialists. I have watched their work and they are very careful and thorough. The glass that I had them do a couple times was all OEM right from the dealer and I did not even ask for it.

 

[CrimsonCountry]

I feel your pain. I had an "encounter" with a large rock on the interstate and had to have mine replaced earlier this year. I'm located ~2 hours away in Huntsville and used Glass America. Apparently, they do all the glass work for the biggest Toyota dealership here in town.

The first windshield looked "ok" (wasn't exactly factory appearance to me) and was also making a slight pop/rubbing sound when heading into the wind so they replaced it again under warranty (warranty their work for life).
I am now on my second aftermarket windshield with no major issues. They used the factory trim and molding this time and everything looks great. However, me being the anal person that I am, I have noticed a seam on the top of the window trim that has "opened up" allowing me to see the metal underneath. I realize this shouldn't be an issue but I am constantly on the lookout for any signs of leaks (already took my A-pillars and Headliner down just to check....).

Long story short, just make sure you get them to do it exactly how you want it done the first time. I think my experience with Glass America has just been bad luck but who knows. Also, I too asked for "OEM" glass and was told over and over that this was the exact same glass (doubt it). I can tell a small difference in the curvature in the upper left and right-hand corners. Overall, i'm still not 100% happy but am tired of dealing with it....

 

[Sungod]

I can't count how many windshields I have had replaced. I had a jeep wrangler for a while with a flat windshield and it seemed like I replaced it every 6 months.

The insurance rules vary from state to state. In Va it is covered by insurance, but you have to pay a deductible. My deductible is $100 and I can get a glass shop to replace it for $125 so It doesn't make sense to go through insurance. In Fla there is no deductible for windshields and if it can't be repaired, it gets replaced.

As for installers, I don't think it really matters. Windshield replacement isn't rocket science and if it doesn't leak, they did their job. Everyone I have used has always bad mouthed the previous install. I think it just goes with the territory. Glass is glass, it really doesn't matter where it comes from. They all have to meet DOT standards.

 

[MikeInNH]

Windshield replacement isn't rocket science and if it doesn't leak, they did their job.

I agree it's NOT rocket science..but it can still be screwed up. I had a windshield replaced on my pathfinder...It didn't leak at all...but it wasn't sealed correctly. The area the glass is sealed against started to rust out. It had to do some major body work to fix it. Never went back to that place again. And my insurance company no longer uses them as a glass shop because of the problems.

 

[Sungod]

I agree it's NOT rocket science..but it can still be screwed up. I had a windshield replaced on my pathfinder...It didn't leak at all...but it wasn't sealed correctly. The area the glass is sealed against started to rust out. It had to do some major body work to fix it. Never went back to that place again. And my insurance company no longer uses them as a glass shop because of the problems.

No, they did you a favor by rusting up your crackfinder to get you out of it sooner. :bluejump:

 

[DC runner]

I tend to keep it quiet, but many on here know what I do. I work in Congress and do policy development and anylasis. Congress is not the most popular place(don't blame me, I try to keep them as educated as possible) and so I keep a low profile on the matter.

BUT.. I have a huge degree and it is my job to know how to parse bull**** from reality. I am paid to know how to research. I am trained on how to tell the difference between junk science and real science and I can tell you, this glass experience is the most frustrating.

Geico wants me to put aftermarket glass in. I have, upon a morning of serious research, come to the conclusion that aftermarket class is NOT the SAME or LIKE glass. It doesn't hold a candle structurally to manufacturer glass.
I won't bore you, but I read more than a few very serious scientific reviews that suggest aftermarket glass from China not is not only failing prematurely but are willfully violating DOT standards.

2. The conclusion, and there is a law to change it, is that DOT standards on aftermarket glass is woefully bad. It appears aftermarket glass has a far higher fail rate, as well as a far higher static stress rate (which helps lead to failure).
Windshield failure kills.

Do not use aftermarket windshields.


SO. In an effort to help everyone. Here are some LIES I heard today from Geico. I don't blame the customer people. They are told what to say by the higher ups.

1. The glass is the same.
- False, as stated above. I can present data if anyone is interested.
2. Only 4 Glass makers, therefore all the glass comes from the same place. Toyota just slaps their name on it and charges more.
------ ****ING FALSE. The DOT lists over 800 registered windshield glass makers. MOST OF THEM are in China, shocking. Some other countries that make glass in your car - Turkey. Syria. Morrocco. All places I hold in high esteem quality control wise.
Laugh.
3. These glasses are "like" or "Same" quality. Incorrect. If you consider "general shape" as your only qualifier, then yea. Then again, I could take clear plastic trash bags and cut them in same shape and it would fit this definition.
In ALL of the areas that matter. In safety and structural support, aftermarket glass FAILS to meet almost ANY standard.

Finally. I have a 250 dollar deductible and was told that if the glass had to be replaced, I was responsible for the deductible and they pay the rest.

I asked safelite how much it costs to replace MY HUGE 4runner's windshield with the aftermarket.
218.95.

218.95. So, I am paying the entire cost. Why do I have auto insurance again? I called Geico and as polite as possible explained that the nice lady who sold me my policy many years ago use glass coverage as a selling point.

Why have I been paying Geico glass coverage and comprehensive coverage if at the first chance they shy away?

Oh and also. That is safelites standard rate. Geico never told me this. They just wanted to keep quiet at the fact it was so cheap even as they said "Don't worry. Just pay the 250.00 and we cover the rest, because we appreciate you so much". When what they mean is, we throw such cheap and ****ty glass on, you are actually OVERPAYING.

I also told them I was shocked at just how CHEAP the glass was they were putting in my car if the TOTAL install was 218 dollars when NEW DEALER glass is 800 from rock auto.

This is long and I am frustrated. Sorry.

 

[MikeInNH]

No, they did you a favor by rusting up your crackfinder to get you out of it sooner. :bluejump:

I just hope that my 4runner is CLOSE to being as reliable as my pathfinder....

Last I heard it was approaching 500k miles...and still running strong.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

My insurance company has a partnership with Safelite so I went through them. The first windshield that I got had a huge imperfection in it that actually skewed the vision of the driver, so I had them come back out and replace it with another one that was perfect.

 

[Sungod]

I tend to keep it quiet, but many on here know what I do. I work in Congress and do policy development and anylasis. Congress is not the most popular place(don't blame me, I try to keep them as educated as possible) and so I keep a low profile on the matter.

BUT.. I have a huge degree and it is my job to know how to parse bull**** from reality. I am paid to know how to research. I am trained on how to tell the difference between junk science and real science and I can tell you, this glass experience is the most frustrating.

Geico wants me to put aftermarket glass in. I have, upon a morning of serious research, come to the conclusion that aftermarket class is NOT the SAME or LIKE glass. It doesn't hold a candle structurally to manufacturer glass.
I won't bore you, but I read more than a few very serious scientific reviews that suggest aftermarket glass from China not is not only failing prematurely but are willfully violating DOT standards.

2. The conclusion, and there is a law to change it, is that DOT standards on aftermarket glass is woefully bad. It appears aftermarket glass has a far higher fail rate, as well as a far higher static stress rate (which helps lead to failure).
Windshield failure kills.

Do not use aftermarket windshields.


SO. In an effort to help everyone. Here are some LIES I heard today from Geico. I don't blame the customer people. They are told what to say by the higher ups.

1. The glass is the same.
- False, as stated above. I can present data if anyone is interested.
2. Only 4 Glass makers, therefore all the glass comes from the same place. Toyota just slaps their name on it and charges more.
------ ****ING FALSE. The DOT lists over 800 registered windshield glass makers. MOST OF THEM are in China, shocking. Some other countries that make glass in your car - Turkey. Syria. Morrocco. All places I hold in high esteem quality control wise.
Laugh.
3. These glasses are "like" or "Same" quality. Incorrect. If you consider "general shape" as your only qualifier, then yea. Then again, I could take clear plastic trash bags and cut them in same shape and it would fit this definition.
In ALL of the areas that matter. In safety and structural support, aftermarket glass FAILS to meet almost ANY standard.

Finally. I have a 250 dollar deductible and was told that if the glass had to be replaced, I was responsible for the deductible and they pay the rest.

I asked safelite how much it costs to replace MY HUGE 4runner's windshield with the aftermarket.
218.95.

218.95. So, I am paying the entire cost. Why do I have auto insurance again? I called Geico and as polite as possible explained that the nice lady who sold me my policy many years ago use glass coverage as a selling point.

Why have I been paying Geico glass coverage and comprehensive coverage if at the first chance they shy away?

Oh and also. That is safelites standard rate. Geico never told me this. They just wanted to keep quiet at the fact it was so cheap even as they said "Don't worry. Just pay the 250.00 and we cover the rest, because we appreciate you so much". When what they mean is, we throw such cheap and ****ty glass on, you are actually OVERPAYING.

I also told them I was shocked at just how CHEAP the glass was they were putting in my car if the TOTAL install was 218 dollars when NEW DEALER glass is 800 from rock auto.

This is long and I am frustrated. Sorry.

You are seriously putting way too much thought into this. Glass is Glass. Making it in the US doesn't make it any better or worse. Rocks don't care where it comes from. Just go with a reputible glass company and move on. Having a Toyota stamp does not magically improve the quality.

As for your insurance, if you don't like it, move to Florida where there is no deductible for windshield replacement, but also don't ***** about higher insurance premium prices.

If Safelite is at $219, my guess is local non-chain glass companies are probably $150. I think that is what I paid for mine which has been in for about 3 years now with no issues.

 

[MikeInNH]

BUT.. I have a huge degree and it is my job to know how to parse bull**** from reality.

What the h*ll is a HUGE degree?? This I gotta hear!!!!!

There may be companies that sell inferior glass from china..but that doesn't mean they ALL DO...or that the glass you get from the dealer isn't from one of the inferior glass places in China.

The glass company I use get's their glass from PPG. PPG manufacturing in North America is in Canada. It's cheaper to manufacturer it here then to ship it from China. Glass is heavy...and it's not such a high profit item to have companies jumping at the chance to import it from China.

As for Geico....Not very impressed with them. I know 2 body shops that if you have Geico insurance..they'll tell you to take your business elsewhere.

 

[dadigab]

You should do some research on insurance companies and their policies. My comprehensive ins. is only $50 for OEM glass. Full coverage required by financial institutes is not full coverage to cover you in all situations it only covers their principle interests, your vehicle. As a A.S.E. certified collision repair technician with credentials in supplemental airbags systems for Mercedes Benz, BMW, Chevrolet, and Chrysler. Windshields do a lot more than keep rain out and bugs off your teeth. Do the right thing quality glass from quality shops. If you don't believe call around to your quality collision centers and ask them how important windshields are. If this were door glass i would say go with cheap Chinese made glass, save your green for new mods or extra gas or beer.

 

[superman3043]

I'm not positive, but I think what insurance companies can do for you regarding windshields is state dependent. Here in my state, I'm pretty sure we're actually allotted by our insurance companies 1 FREE windshield PER YEAR. No deductible. It's kind of nice.

And also, Geico sucks balls. I was previously with them on two separate occasions because they're cheap, but they'll never have my business again. Hard to deal with when you need them and are quick to drop your ass when the sledding gets rough. That gecko can kiss my ass.

I've had my windshield replaced once. Free of charge, payed for by my insurance company. There wasn't anything terribly wrong with it. It had a crack in the lower passenger side corner since I bought it that wasn't a big deal, but was badly pitted just from 150K miles of highway windshield time. Went with what I think was a small local chain of auto glass specialists in the Charleston area called Glass Masters. They came to my job and did the install in the parking lot while I worked. Overall it was fine. The glass seems to be just fine. Nothing spectacular but nothing shoddy as far as I can tell. Only complaints were that the adhesive that came on the mirror mount sucked so the mirror fell down in like a day. Went by their shop and they fixed it. The strips that run along the roof (rack) and down to the windshield looked like they might have taken a slight beating when he did the work. And the guy didn't do a good job of remounting my GPS antennae which sits wedged between my dash and windshield... Not a big deal. I fixed it. Overall... It's a windshield, how satisfied/dis-satisfied could I possibly be. I've had it done now probably a year and a half. No issues.

Don't know if this was helpful. Just sharing my experience really.