Windshield replacement

[SeaBass]

I have a 2010 4Runner and a rock chipped the windshield. Safelite did the best they could in trying to fill the chip with resin, but the chip was so deep you can still see a dot on the windshield. My insurance company will cover an OEM replacement windshield. Should I have Toyota install the windshield or do you think a company like Safelite has more experience installing windshields? Thanks

 

[philsey]

Ask your ins. agent for a recommendation.

 

[Will733]

Who's your INS company?

AAA sucks now and won't replace mine... telling me that it got too expensive for them to offer windshield repairs to everyone due to others "abusing" that privilage.

 

[Rob_G]

I have a 2010 4Runner and a rock chipped the windshield. Safelite did the best they could in trying to fill the chip with resin, but the chip was so deep you can still see a dot on the windshield. My insurance company will cover an OEM replacement windshield. Should I have Toyota install the windshield or do you think a company like Safelite has more experience installing windshields? Thanks

How big of a dot? Is it in your line of sight? The other alternative is just leaving it alone for now.

Rob

 

[SeaBass]

The repair is a little smaller than the size of a fingernail. I called Geico and there wasn't any problem when I asked to replace it with an OEM windshield. (Probably because I am a new customer) The claim rep. said it was my choice on where to have the repairs done, but she also said that if I go to the dealer, I may have to pay out of pocket since the dealer will be above the competitive price.

 

[adio3x]

You should try filling it in by yourself, go to autozone and get this stuff called Permatex Windshield repair kit. Its suppose to look like nothing was there. I was wanting to to it to mine, but it snowed the next day and spider cracked all the way across my windshield.

 

[TOYSTRY]

I had the same thing happen this week, SAFELITE filled it in but as you stated, you still notice that it was chipped because of the fragmented pieces under the repair. The repair was free through my insurance (USAA), but I doubt, unless you have a ZERO deductible, that your windshield will be replaced for free.

As for the installation, you'll want a windshield shop to install it vice Toyota Dealership. Windshield shops changed a couple dozen windshields a week, I bet Toyota only does them a couple times a year. Ask to get the Toyota OEM glass, but have it installed outside of Toyota (SAFELITE) again perhaps.

My .02 cents..

 

[MaylonTRD]

Our 2010 4runner is on its third windshield already in less than a year. I have USAA and have to pay a full $500 deductible so I've just paid out of pocket. I would definitely have a glass repair company change it out over the dealership. As said above, they are more qualified than a Toyota tech who doesn't change them very often. Why are we getting so many broken windshields? Is it because it sits very upright rather than leaned back like most vehicles?

 

[PocketRocket]

Most dealers do not change out windshields themselves. They usually have a subcontractor arrive to the dealership, with windshield in hand and change it out for them. So use a windshield glass shop if possible, your insurance company can make some recommendations.

TIP: Whoever you do use to change out the windshield, right after the change out, drive it for a few miles with the radio off and listen for any unusual airflow or whistle... That is a sign that the seal was not properly placed around the windshield. It is much easier to turn around and take it back for adjustment while its fresh.