Windshield Replacement

Alright, for all of those that have already had to replace a windshield, I'm seeking some opinions.

After nearly 6 years of ownership, I finally have a crack from several rocks thrown during my road trip back up from SC last weekend. The crack is from the bottom center of the windshield up about 6" so I don't think it can be repaired.

I will probably go through insurance but haven't decided yet because I assume I will have to pay a deductible which may be about equal to or more than the cost of replacement. Want to get it quoted first.

That brings me to the questions where I'd like to hear some opinions. I saw the thread recently here about the guy who had Safelite damage pinch welds during windshield replacement. I've used them in the past with no issue (they replaced 2 windshields in my old JGC with rain sensing wipers), and mine being 2019, I don't have to worry about camera, rain sensing wipers, or other nanny gadget recalibration - should be a simple replacement. My fear is they also try to use non-OEM glass, which I'm not crazy about. Also see my dealer has a body shop that will do replacements.

So here are my questions seeking opinions:

1. Use Safelite or go through dealer body shop?
2. Is pushing for OEM glass worth it? Can you specify that if using Safelite?

 

1. I vote for Safelite. I've used them in the past without issue. I had a 21' Tacoma windshield replaced and they calibrated it fine and got the camera settings right.
2. I really don't see what the big deal is with OEM vs Aftermarket glass. I mean, it's fucking glass. How much different can it really be? Maybe there's a heater coil in the OEM for the windshield defroster? When I had the one on my Taco replaced, I asked for OEM and they said "No problem, it'll cost more though!". I wasn't paying, so I didn't care but they showed me two quotes. One with OEM glass one without. OEM was DOUBLE the cost. But you can get OEM if you ask them for it.

 

My OEM windshield died the same way. I used a private glass shop that the local dealerships use. They replaced all associated window surround parts. I haven't had a problem since install.

I know people put a lot of stock in OEM glass. But I don't know if I buy it. I also have the dumb 4Runner with no special windshield sensors etc.

 

I've used Safelite before. It was inexpensive, I just paid out of pocket. If your truck has any sort of active cruise control or lane keeping get OEM glass. Otherwise just get whatever is cheapest.

 

Thanks for the quick replies. I forgot about the wiper heater so I guess it may have some special shit.

As for OEM glass, I thought I read on here a long while back that aftermarket glass may be thinner. Then again, maybe I'm making things up. I'll search around again to see

 

I don't know about OEM vs. aftermarket glass. My experience has had both looking sandblasted in a relatively short period of time and the upright window profile of the 4Runner has always been prone to damage regardless.

My 2019 had 2 star chips within the first year and a half and I repaired them both to keep the OEM install alive even though they are visible. I have had bad luck with replacements.

My 06 Tundra had three windshields. The third was installed by a local, private glass shop (I now trust and would use rather than Safelite or dealer's choice to answer the first question). They found the second installer (Safelite) to have done a shit job resulting in unseen rust developing below the window frame at the firewall.

it wasn't good at all. I used to think it didn't really matter who replaced a windshield but I'm snake-bit now.

 

I've been driving around with a cracked windshield for at least two years, essentially deciding that was better than rolling the dice with a new install. It certainly seems that the quality of the installer is more of an issue than the glass itself. And the OEM cracks if you look at it funny so can't really see how it could get much worse with aftermarket glass.

 

Yeah, my wife had her windshield replaced in the '14 JGC by dealer recommended installer (which was also one of the insurance recommended installers) and we had to take it back twice for leaks. The light sensing rearview mirror also starting having issues at the same time, always being dimmed regardless of light. That was never fixed.

I'm hesitant to use anyone but this isn't something I'll do myself

 

Wiper heater works on my aftermarket glass. I forgot I have that one electronic.

 

Good to know, I'll probably go ahead and get an estimate from Safelite online and not worry about OEM glass

Thanks again for the replies everyone!

 

Check local installers too. My local mom and pop beat Safelite by almost $200.

 

Shit, I'm showing my age a bit (or at least before inflation). Last windshield I had replaced by safelite was about $300 total and they had to come back because they didn't realize it had rain sensing wipers.

That was almost 15 years ago now though

 

Just ran it through safelite, looks like about $480 for replacement and about +$440 for OEM glass.

When going through the website, I know I have heated wiper elements and also assume I have auto dim rearview (which apparently makes a difference). Will have to check if 2019 had that but pretty sure I've experienced auto dim rearview

 

Yes, you do. in that sense my 19 SR5P and your 19 ORP are the same.

 

You can choose the shop that does the work, thus I chose the dealership which used OEM. I’ve heard safelite uses thin aftermarket when compared to factory.

 

Do not use Safelite. They use Chinese manufactured glass branded as Fuyao. Most of their installations are crappy installs. They did a horrible adhesive job on our 2006.

 

I would use OEM glass in my opinion, and as for Safelite, I would drive with no windshield before I would let them install another windshield in my 4Runner

 

One additional thing to consider based on my experience... we have had 4 windshields replaced in the last 3 years and we live in Florida. I thought it was a state law that allowed you to get the glass replaced for free. Yes it goes through your insurance but there is no deductible. What I didnt realize was that the insurance company considers that a claim. I got a call from State Farm just yesterday saying that they are dropping us because of too many claims. And they are also losing my home owners and umbrella policy and they know that. So it may be better to pay out of pocket depending on where you are.

 

Never use safelight. There was just a thread on here about them cutting into the windshield frame. They rush the job with a sawzall. They have done this to multiple runners already.

https://www.4runners.com/threads/safelite-damaged-pinch-weld-replacing-window.44194/#post-710264

 

We replaced the front glass in my wife’s 22 Limited with PGW after a crack. There’s a thread here somewhere on that decision where lots of the 4Runner Brethren shared thoughts.

Been a year and a half at least and no issues at all. Has the wiper heater element and it works fine. Half the price of OEM too.

 

My experience replacing windshield on my 2017 4Runner.

I used Safelite.

• The cost was dirt cheap. Its was $310 or 314, something like that after tax and everything. So didn't bothered calling insurance. Payed out of pocket.
• I had no problems with installation for the most part, no leaks at car washes, the trim pieces have very minimum scratches. But the rear view mirror cover clip was little loose. But doesn't fall off wheeling.
  
• But the Safelite windshield (I think the brand is Fuyao or something like that) seems very weak compared to original Toyota windshield.
  • The original Toyota glass material was strong and never leaves any chips or mark against very small chips / dirt. Vs Safelight glass get chipped / leaves a mark on every tiny chip/dirt it hits on daily driving. So I'm thinking they are made with cheap material. Reminds me "You get what you pay.")

• I asked the Toyota dealership if they do any windshield jobs and they responded they are using Safelite as their windshield repair partner.

• If I need a new glass for my new 4Runners I'm thinking to as Safelite if they can give me a OEM Toyota glass, I will pay whatever the balance insurance don't want to pay.

 

I got the dealership to order my OEM windshield, then I set up the appointment with my insurance company.

 

On my previous car the windshield was replaced with aftermarket and it was - as far as I could tell - fine.

It had the heated wiper elements in it too but I never used it so can't tell you about performance there.

 

I currently don't have windshield coverage with insurance. I'm not sure if I should add it to my policy or just pay out of pocket. I recall Toyota was offering coverage on this, but declined.

I'm not a fan of the complication of things with all the added bells in whistles on theses newer cars. Also, I'm not paranoid of a repair being done correctly as well after hearing about the damage in the post you mentioned.