Windshiled Replacement OE vs Aftermarket

[Deanno]

Windshield Replacement OE vs Aftermarket

Got a pretty big rock chip the other day on my 2011 4R. Safelite tried to repair but still way too noticeable and it's right in my view. I have extra windshield coverage so replacement is no charge, no deductible for me. Safelite is telling me that they can get OE glass no problem but that their aftermarket supplier is exact spec...and they have in stock to install tomorrow. The supplier is PGW (think it's related to PPG). Opinions on whether I should get aftermarket or OE? The searches I've done here don't bold too well for OE glass really. I do plan to bring my 4R to their shop so it's replaced in a controlled environment.

deanno

 

[rickwol]

I know that some recent posts here cast some suspicion on the quality of the OE windshield but personally I think it has more to do with environmental driving conditions and possibly a more vertical position orientation with this truck. My windshield seems to be holding up quite well. One thing to consider, if you have the TE then you probably have the wiper heating elements built into the windshield. If it were me I would make sure my replacement had it as well.

 

[Deanno]

Thanks for the reply...the aftermarket windshield is set with the wiper warmer thing. I have a 2011 SR5 with the warmers. I am a bit hesitant to go with aftermarket even though they are claiming to be exact.

 

[1engineer]

Just remember that Toyota did not make their glass. They bought it just like you only in bigger quantities. So "OEM" is really aftermarket but built to OEM Specs.

Here is some information to help you decide:

OEM Distributor Auto Glass

OEM glass is made to the same specifications as dealer glass, but not necessarily by the same distributor. For example, OEM Ford windows are the same color, durability, thickness, size, and shape as the original windshield specs from Ford. Windows labeled "OEM" are virtually identical to dealer glass except they aren't always made by the same company that originally contracted with your vehicle manufacturer.

Why? Automobile companies change auto glass contracts from year to year, so the company that made your 1972 Chevrolet window glass may not be the same company that manufactured your 2008 Chevrolet window glass. A good example of this is on or around May of 2009 PPG Industries Inc.'s spin-off Pittsburgh Glass Works LLC has entered into a partnership with Daimler AG to supply automotive glass to the German vehicle manufacturer. Under the new, multi-year contract, Pittsburgh Glass Works will be the primary windshield, door and rear windows' supplier for Mercedes-Benz cars and sport utility vehicles.

Let's say you need a new Honda windshield for your Civic. Your Honda windshield may have originally been produced by APTech "a US subsidiary of Asahi Glass of Japan", so that's the brand you'd get if you went to the dealer. If you went to a local auto glass shop here in the good old USA you'd get your Honda window from a reputable OEM distributor like Pilkington or PPG/PGW who makes the exact same windshield, to the exact same specifications. Because your windshield wasn't originally made by APTech, it doesn't qualify as dealer auto glass, but it's just as good.

All OEM distributors contract with one or more of the various car manufacturers, and that's what qualifies them as Original Equipment Manufacturers. OEM is a good choice for your Honda Civic unless you absolutely have to have the Honda logo on your windshield.

Aftermarket Auto Glass

Aftermarket auto glass is made by companies that do not contract with any car manufacturers.

What Are The Markings On Automotive Glass?

The "E" mark simply means that the glass is ISO 9002 and EEC approved for sale in Europe. Chryslers and Fords made for export have these when sold (Neons, Cougars, etc). Sekurit (the trademark of France's Saint Gobain Group) is the primary supplier to Ferrari. SIV (Societe Italiana di Vitres- Italian Glass Company-part of the UK's Pilkington Group) is another supplier. Sekurit, Sigla (German subsidiary of LOF/Pilkington), and USA's PPG/PGW (the same PPG from CART Indy Cars) are suppliers to Audi, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and BMW in Germany. APTech (US subsidiary of Asahi Glass of Japan) supplies the M-class SUV made in the USA. Ford (aka "Visteon"/Carlite) and Daimler Chrysler are the only two automakers that fabricate their own autoglass in the world. The manufacturer of the glass (regardless of the trademark) is listed in the logo. The number that follows "DOT-" is the code that tells who made it.

This is good information for anyone especially the last paragraph. Hope this helps.

 

[ClockWork]

Does the aftermarket glass have the hydrophobic coating? FWIW I can't stand the coating as it causes issues with the wiper blades and opted to have regular glass installed.

 

[rickwol]

Just remember that Toyota did not make their glass. They bought it just like you only in bigger quantities. So "OEM" is really aftermarket.

True. Toyota uses many suppliers for many parts and it's perception of reliability and quality is in no small measure attributed to using suppliers that meet certain benchmarks. Safelite has been a leading provider of auto glass for a lot of years and they do a lot of work in my area but as with a lot of things your satisfaction will most likely be determined by the standards your local local Safelite outfit puts on itself.

 

[thebwlife]

I've had 3 different safelite windshields (on different cars) and they were just fine. They do this every day all day, I'd have them do mine if I needed one.

 

[Renegad44]

Good info here. My LE seems to be a "rock magnet," as the windshield, with warmer, has been hit 3 times since purchase in April 2011. Three nice hits, with two good runs, and a star . I'll be having it replaced shortly, so I appreciate all the info guys. :thumb3: :cheers:

 

[UtahSooner]

Toyota Glass install @ Safelite Today

I'll second most of the previous comments here -- I had OE and Safelite replacement glass installed on my old 3rd Gen (2 separate instances a couple years apart) and the Safelite glass was good quality.

That said, I just had Toyota "OE" glass installed today on my 2010 TE at Safelite. I went in last week to have a small chip repaired in the middle of the windshield and it cracked out when the tech was cleaning it out -- small chip turned into an 8" crack -- Merry Christmas to me I guess... at least they were nice and waived my $100 deductible on the replacement.

New glass looks as good as the old OE glass which, funny enough, was replaced in August after a rock chip on the original glass just below my wiper cracked out (bad) in a drive thru car wash. Yep, I've had 2 OE windshield replacements in ~ 5 months. Those are the breaks when you live in a cold/snowy climate with sand/salt covering the roads all winter and slurry seal/pea gravel asphalt repair work in the summer...

Anyway, they said that there is aftermarket glass available now and if this had happened next month (2012) then my insurance wouldn't have authorized the OE glass -- they will typically go current model year and one previous since the OE glass from a dealer is significantly more expensive than the aftermarket glass (I think the OE glass was ~$675 when I had it done in August).

Bottom line, if your insurance authroized the OE glass then I'd go that route this time. If you were paying for this out of pocket then it would be another story. Regardless, you'll probably have the opportunity to try out the Safelite aftermarket glass in the next few years anyway!

 

[Deanno]

Awesome info...thank you all. I opted to wait the week for OE since it isn't going to cost me anything. However, I also feel more comfortable going with the PGW...next time

deanno

 

[Qjake]

As mentioned in post2 (before all the tech talk which was very informative btw. thx :thumb3 make sure it has the wiper deicer.

Also wouldn't be suprised to see the safelite tech at the dealer changing your windshield