windshield replacement

[4-tified]

My 2006 2.0T windshield got smacked HARD by a decent sized rock on the highway.
At first it was a very ugly spider webbed hole about 1/2" wide on the right passenger side just outside the wiper area.
It spread and 2 long line cracks spread out from the web. One is to right edge and the other has extended into the wiper area.

So, I need to replace it.
I found a place online that has GREAT pricing.
Since I have insurance they will discount my deductiable by $50.
So, instead of paying my $250 deductible, I will only pay $200.
They say my windshield is nearly $500 (maybe a bit more?) since I have the rain sensor function.

My question is; has anyone else had their windshield replaced and was it the SAME as the OEM?
There are not a lot of windshield makers in the whole industry to begin with.
Most are made by PPG for OEM and replacement.
However, I just want to make sure because the lady said my windshield replacement will be exactly as Audi ordered it. However, she also said it was "green tinted" shield.
However, when I look out my windshield it appears to be a slight gray tint not green like the other windows in the car.
Anyone got some experience with that?

Also, I've been looking very closely at my shield lately and I've noticed a very odd thing I have not seen on any of my other vehicles current and past.
The shield has an odd "watery" coating either somewhere on it or in it.
It's there if you look for, you'll see it. However, in passing you don't see and it doesn't disrupt the view.
I've noticed more under partial sunny conditions and looking along the glass not directly at what's in front of you.
Anyone else seen this?

They will either come to where I work or to my house to replace it.
I'm waiting until it gets warmer again and I'm having it done at my house so I can be there.

Thanks for any input.

[AAAA]

My 2006 2.0T windshield got smacked HARD by a decent sized rock on the highway.
At first it was a very ugly spider webbed hole about 1/2" wide on the right passenger side just outside the wiper area.
It spread and 2 long line cracks spread out from the web. One is to right edge and the other has extended into the wiper area.

So, I need to replace it.
I found a place online that has GREAT pricing.
Since I have insurance they will discount my deductiable by $50.
So, instead of paying my $250 deductible, I will only pay $200.
They say my windshield is nearly $500 (maybe a bit more?) since I have the rain sensor function.

My question is; has anyone else had their windshield replaced and was it the SAME as the OEM?
There are not a lot of windshield makers in the whole industry to begin with.
Most are made by PPG for OEM and replacement.
However, I just want to make sure because the lady said my windshield replacement will be exactly as Audi ordered it. However, she also said it was "green tinted" shield.
However, when I look out my windshield it appears to be a slight gray tint not green like the other windows in the car.
Anyone got some experience with that?

Also, I've been looking very closely at my shield lately and I've noticed a very odd thing I have not seen on any of my other vehicles current and past.
The shield has an odd "watery" coating either somewhere on it or in it.
It's there if you look for, you'll see it. However, in passing you don't see and it doesn't disrupt the view.
I've noticed more under partial sunny conditions and looking along the glass not directly at what's in front of you.
Anyone else seen this?

They will either come to where I work or to my house to replace it.
I'm waiting until it gets warmer again and I'm having it done at my house so I can be there.

Thanks for any input.

Is the company safelite? I had 2 chips w/in 3 wks of having the car. I had them come out to do patch jobs since they were both small enough and had not spread yet. One of the "risks" is that while putting pressure onthe crack to fill it, it can spread. Well one did. It's about 4in long. It will pass inspection since I have the paperwork saying it was filled and replaced. But its an eyesore.
I had my windshield replaced on my GLI by safelite, and it just was never the same. The material was different, and cheap. Wipers never worked right, water looked like it wasn't supposed to be there when it rained (if that makes since). If you have a 250 deductible, I'd go to the dealer and see what they can come up with, unless you know that company is getting as close to oem as possible. Nothing will be as good as the factory though.

[tom26]

I had a similar crack in my windshield too, it was in the shape of an upside down "L" coming up from the bottom, near the wipers, and it just kept getting bigger and bigger. I took it in to get it replaced as well as get a new hood and here in Florida you get a free windshield with insurance. I don't know the company that replaced it but like the poster above me it just doesn't feel the same. Every time it rains and I turn the wipers on they always screech, very annoying.

I haven't noticed any deformities or anything in the new windshield and other than that screeching noise it looks great.

[nadroj81]

My 2006 2.0T windshield got smacked HARD by a decent sized rock on the highway.
At first it was a very ugly spider webbed hole about 1/2" wide on the right passenger side just outside the wiper area.
It spread and 2 long line cracks spread out from the web. One is to right edge and the other has extended into the wiper area.

So, I need to replace it.
I found a place online that has GREAT pricing.
Since I have insurance they will discount my deductiable by $50.
So, instead of paying my $250 deductible, I will only pay $200.
They say my windshield is nearly $500 (maybe a bit more?) since I have the rain sensor function.

My question is; has anyone else had their windshield replaced and was it the SAME as the OEM?
There are not a lot of windshield makers in the whole industry to begin with.
Most are made by PPG for OEM and replacement.
However, I just want to make sure because the lady said my windshield replacement will be exactly as Audi ordered it. However, she also said it was "green tinted" shield.
However, when I look out my windshield it appears to be a slight gray tint not green like the other windows in the car.
Anyone got some experience with that?

Also, I've been looking very closely at my shield lately and I've noticed a very odd thing I have not seen on any of my other vehicles current and past.
The shield has an odd "watery" coating either somewhere on it or in it.
It's there if you look for, you'll see it. However, in passing you don't see and it doesn't disrupt the view.
I've noticed more under partial sunny conditions and looking along the glass not directly at what's in front of you.
Anyone else seen this?

They will either come to where I work or to my house to replace it.
I'm waiting until it gets warmer again and I'm having it done at my house so I can be there.

Thanks for any input.

I dont' know if the rain sensor function is actually part of the glas, its something that "sticks to the glass"

You should consider getting glass coverage from your insurance company though. It is ~10 dollars a year and there is no deductable. I havent' had to have a windshield replaced but the rest of my family is very unlucky with rocks.

[4-tified]

I dont' know if the rain sensor function is actually part of the glas, its something that "sticks to the glass"

You should consider getting glass coverage from your insurance company though. It is ~10 dollars a year and there is no deductable. I havent' had to have a windshield replaced but the rest of my family is very unlucky with rocks.

I too don't believe the sensor has anything to do with the glass.
I think that maybe it's the added labor of mounting the rearview/sensor unit.
Maybe that's the cost.

However, there is definately something on or in the shield that I can see.
I don't know if it's there on non sensor shields.

Also, it would be great to have the "extra" shield insurance coverage, but that must be a state or insurance company thing.
State Farm in Indiana doesn't offer such a thing.
They used to cover repairs for free. A LONG time ago I think I remember they even covered shields for free. Not anymore. In fact, this year State Farm stopped covering the repairs even. I think it's because they pretty DON'T work.
My '03 BMW had a cracked shield as well and I tried the repair instead. The cost was almost $90 and insurance paid it. However, the "repair" did NOTHING, 0, zilch, nada.
That might be why they stopped paying for it.

Comprehensive is the portion that will pay for my A4.
Luckily, the on line shield replacment company is offering me a $50 discount on my deductible. $200 ain't bad. On my BMW I left the small knick. BMW charged $300 on the lease return. But, they also offered to split it with me 50/50 due to the great condition of my lease return and payment history.

My A4 damage is much worse though and I want a new shield.

Thanks guys.

[eLusive]

I recently got a phat rock tossed up in the air by a big rig and now i got this 2 inch crater with spiders. I called up audi for a quote and they told me it would be 299 for the windshield (w/rain sensor) and 100-150 install at the dealer. Im going thru insurance and paying the 250 deduct. I'm pretty sure if you go oem you shouldn't have any propblems.

[4-tified]

Here's an update.
I called my local Audi dealer and the SA says he thinks there IS a difference between OEM and some of the aftermarket replacements.
He wasn't clear as to what the differences may be.
From what I have experienced in the past and from what I've read, I don't think there is much, if any, difference between standard good quality aftermarket and OEM.
Pretty much none of the automakers make their own glass. They spec what they want and need and the few glass makers out there, make the glass and fill the order.

Be that as it may, I'm going with the dealer replacing my shield as I trust them more with the install as well as getting the sensor and mirror on correctly, plus if I have trouble with it I know where the dealer is.

Total cost is $475 including tax in my area (Chicago area).
Not bad.

[Con]

i had it replaced at my dealer for 550. i'd say if the price is close, then go there.

Don't go to mcgrath audi to replace... thats where i got mine.. i would highly not recommend going there.. but if you'd like to know the whole story pm me.

[chrislane31]

I just replaced my wife's windshield. In Fl you get windshield for free, but they are the cheapo after market ones that suck. I told them that I wanted an OEM one that had better say VW/AUDI Sekurit on the glass and it did. It cost $120 instead of being free. But if somebody looks at the car it looks like the original one and no problems with more chips later because of a cheap windshield. Just tell the ins company that you want an oem windshield and see what it costs. You get to pick what parts go on your car. You can request only oem parts when you wreck it why not for the windshield.

[booch]

i just went through this. i have geico who prefers safelite, i agreed, but only if they ordered the OEM glass directly from the dealer. the lady said she would and it was authorized. i was a little worried they might just be saying that though.

when i showed up to have it done, i asked them to bring it out so i could inspect it before they touched my car, sure enough, it was an audi oem windshield complete with logos and the rain sensor plastic plug attachment from the dealer.

they installed it and it is great, which is understandable, considering its the exact part. if you fight with your insurer they will authorize an OEM part, just explain why.

my dad wasn't so lucky, he didn't mention anything and ended up getting a purplish looking peice of glass for his a6. it pays to haggle a little sometimes.

[SD Turbo]

I have windshield insurance through geico. I think I pay $16 extra for a year. When patching the crack it will cost you nothing, and the repair people even come to you work or home. When you do a replacement it’s $50. I have had two rocks hit my windshield within 6 months. I got them both patched, and at my next Audi service I’m going to have Audi replace it and claim it through geico. The best thing is that the either claim (patch or replacement) does not effect your premium at all…

[AAAA4]

i had the same thing happen to me. I got my windshield replaced for 465 due to the rain sensor. I went with what the place called the premuim glass. Living here in the rain i use the senor all the time. it works just not as well as the stock glass did. next time it happens i am going to the dealer.

[4-tified]

Thanks everybody.
It seems there IS a difference among different shield glass.

My insurance, State Farm, will pay for replacement and I pay my deductible $250.

Great info, thanks!

[INTEGRATION]

I'm actually about to go out to have my crack filled in 20 minutes. I'll keep you guys updated.

[4-tified]

I'm actually about to go out to have my crack filled in 20 minutes. I'll keep you guys updated.

Do we really want an update on how well you did getting your crack filled? [:p]

I kid, I kid. [:D]

[INTEGRATION]

Do we really want an update on how well you did getting your crack filled? [:p]

I kid, I kid. [:D]

Guess not haha. But apparently the crack is too elongated and it made its way to the rain sensor...

But I've gotten a few quotes for non-OEM windshield replacements and it averages at about $400 for parts and labor. (Be sure to mention that your OEM glass has a light "bronze" tint so a more proper replacement can be sourced)

[4-tified]

Guess not haha. But apparently the crack is too elongated and it made its way to the rain sensor...

But I've gotten a few quotes for non-OEM windshield replacements and it averages at about $400 for parts and labor. (Be sure to mention that your OEM glass has a light "bronze" tint so a more proper replacement can be sourced)

I'm hoping the Audi dealer knows what to get since it is Audi, well I HOPE they know.
[:)]

[INTEGRATION]

I'm hoping the Audi dealer knows what to get since it is Audi, well I HOPE they know.
[:)]

The dealer quotes that i got so far are even more rape, some dealers are more than double what was quoted by other auto glass shops. Audi OEM glass sucks anyways, the glass on my old Integra was stronger because it took a hit from an even larger rock and wasn't even phased by it.