Replacement Windshield...OEM or Aftermarket?

[petegz28]

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???

[DaFace]

Originally Posted by petegz28

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

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.