Replacement Windshield...OEM or Aftermarket?
 

Okay, so I'm about to go on the 4th windshield (including the one that came with it) on my 2011 Maxima.

The 1st was hit by a rock, you could easily tell something hit it hard. Fair enough.

The 2nd, installed by Safelight, just sorta seem to crack one day on the passenger side, starting under the trim, about mid-glass

The 3rd, again installed by Safelight, just sorta seemed to crack in a similar spot though there was a chip out of it so again, it appeared to get hit but....

So now, again, looks like something hit the windshield and I have an ever-growing crack which, you guessed it, is in a similar spot to the previous 2.

So I am done with Safelight to say the least. The dealer quoted me $360 + tax on an aftermarket which is a pretty decent price. Or they said an OEM is going to run around $600+ labor+ tax. I have a $500 deductible.

I've researched and it seems the OEM glass is much better but if I am just having rotten luck, I'd hate to pay $500 only to replace it again in 2 years, unless it's legitimately hit hard by something of course. It just seems the aftermarket glass can't take the wear and tear or isn't fitting right or both.

What say you all???

Well, I sure as hell wouldn't call Safelite again.

Usually the glass deductible is less than 500 bucks. Mine on comprehensive is 100

I would just call someone else. Where in the city are you located?

If it isn't ppg glass, don't bother.

In AZ, they pay YOU to replace your windshield as long as you fill the claim through your insurance. It's ****ing awesome.

First off Safelite sucks and I will never use them again. Long story so I won't go into it. Check with your insurance, like was mentioned a windshield usually is a $100 deductible. Get OEM or PPG.

seems last time i talked to them they told me it was the $500 and that usually you get it cheaper than the deductible. i mean if it comes down to $450 out of pocket for aftermarket or $500 foe oem then wtf, right?

olathe

WTF?
Are people constantly pelting you with rocks when you drive places? Cause I could see that happening to you.

Are you a scab who drives though a lot of 'on strike' picket lines?

Next step is to start shopping for a better policy once you get this taken care of.

Yep. After going through 2 windshields in 2 years, I added glass coverage to my State Farm coverage. It's like $7/month or something like that, and I've since replaced two more with zero out of pocket.

im with state farm too....i don't think i have glass coverage other than chips which they'll fix for free

Do you drive I-435 and K7 out by those Quarries a lot. Those big ass long trucks hauling chat always pull out there with cover up. Dot know why the state patrol don't ticket them.

I have always had good luck with Safelite maybe a different shop. Almost sounds like they didn't clean edges good before seating the new glass. Jut a little piece of sand under an edge is enough to get a crack started.

Usually if chips are free the deductible is smaller than the usual deductible.

Most times when they have no glass policy the chips are $50 iirc

Can't tell you how many times I've had a chip fixed while getting gas.

Ask your agent about it. It may be different in different states, but I bet there's an option.

i will but regardless i think im going with oem. the more i redad the more i see there really is a significant difference

There is a little place I think off Merriam Drive? Outer road, hole in the wall mom and pop type shop. Cheapest I found close to work, had my sons replaced there, also a gal I work with had hers replaced on a newer Ford SUV. The problem you may run into with cheap glass is it may be wavy.

and it's thinner, noisier and only has to have 80% retention instead of 100%

We're with State Farm and pay $50 for chips or $100 for replacement.

Not sure why anyone would have a chip fixed with that coverage...

I see I'm late to the party but after I recommended the girl I work with go there, I paid a little attention to the windshield and really didn't see any problems. She just bought the car about 3 months ago.

Save a couple hundred and not know the difference? your call...

If you have full coverage in Fl, they replace it for free . My advice is, move to Florida

That's for sure. Just get a windshield at that point.

Are you guys driving through meteor showers? I replace my windshield like every ten years maybe

Yeah, I've never had to replace a windshield in a car outside of one that I got into a wreck with. What I've been told is the newer windshields are being made less durable to make them lighter thus increasing MPG standards

Your riding peoples asses aren't? Back off bud my work truck drives a lot of gravel roads and slings a lot of shit.

I just paid 190.00 out of pocket for my 2004 Concorde, which has a football field for a windshield. It's after market, but between my kids, me and the wife, I've had to replace probably about 5 windshields in the last 10 years or so. Never had a problem with after market stuff, and it's a crap ton cheaper.

This.

I'd find that hard to believe. I can't imagine that there would be more than a 20-30 lb. difference in weight at the most even if they were trying to shave pounds.