View Full Version : Need new windshield
MadCoder
12-19-2016, 12:42 PM
Last week I became the proud recipient of a small but determined rock flying at high speed. I haven't called for quotes on labor and glass from anyone yet. Based on some forum searching it seems best to get factory OE replacement? Sounds like Satelite does quality work? Also, temps are below ideal for windshield replacement. Should I wait until it warms up (how important is it)? I'm in north Texas (Dallas area) so that'll be March.
sjmenezes
12-19-2016, 12:57 PM
Well if it's just a chip, Safelite should be able to fix it so that the cracks don't propagate. My insurance covered the $70 charge. It should be a good temporary solution till you get a new windshield.
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Johnnycash
12-19-2016, 12:59 PM
make sure you get oem replacement, audi uses a specific acoustic glass, if you do not specify you will end up with some off brand windshield...
MadCoder
12-19-2016, 01:05 PM
Well if it's just a chip, Safelite should be able to fix it so that the cracks don't propagate. My insurance covered the $70 charge. It should be a good temporary solution till you get a new windshield.
I was going to attach a picture but I don't have permission. It is a snaking crack about a foot or so in length, originating from a very small impact point.
make sure you get oem replacement, audi uses a specific acoustic glass, if you do not specify you will end up with some off brand windshield...
Thanks. Yea I saw that in another thread; sorry I didn't specify that specifically.
k9lovr
12-19-2016, 01:10 PM
Safelite put OEM (I made sure to request it) in my car when I got a crack and did a good job
Safelite put OEM (I made sure to request it) in my car when I got a crack and did a good job
Same here. Just requested OEM and they ordered it and had it done smoothly.
Audibot
12-19-2016, 01:38 PM
When I had my windshield replaced a few years back, it was ~40 degrees out or so. All he had to do was make sure the adhesive was warm enough to work with. And he told me take it easy speed-wise a few days to make it set up correctly.
jimrobbington
12-19-2016, 02:10 PM
make sure you get oem replacement, audi uses a specific acoustic glass, if you do not specify you will end up with some off brand windshield...
This. Had non OEM installed on my A4 and it creaked. They had to redo it with OEM.
OP, have you checked with your insurance to see if they will cover it?
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Senseless
12-19-2016, 02:14 PM
If you don't need anything fancy, try Safelite Pilkington acoustic replacement. This worked great for me. Just under $500 installed. I did have have to reset some kind of error after install, but have forgotten what it was for.
colby7
12-19-2016, 02:15 PM
My insurance in California says they don't have to use OEM. They say they're allowed to use an OEM-equivalent, whatever that means.
jimrobbington
12-19-2016, 02:23 PM
My insurance in California says they don't have to use OEM. They say they're allowed to use an OEM-equivalent, whatever that means.
Same with mine, they wouldn't offer it, but inevitably had to use it to install correctly
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LYKUNO
12-19-2016, 02:56 PM
For more about windshield replacements, there's lots of useful windshield-related information at this thread (http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/554949-Windshield-replacement-good-to-know-info/). Here's a relevant excerpt from that thread: "... for those who may be wondering what the actually replacement procedure looks like, here's an article from Glass Magazine describing the 37 detailed and illustrated steps on a B8 S4 (http://glassmagazine.com/article/auto/2011-audi-s4-106964)."
superswiss
12-19-2016, 02:59 PM
My insurance in California says they don't have to use OEM. They say they're allowed to use an OEM-equivalent, whatever that means.
That's the case with most insurance companies if there is indeed an OEM-equivalent glass. I've just recently had my windshield replaced with Geico on my RS5 for the second time. Both times were done with OEM glass, because there is no OEM-equivalent glass at the moment. The insurance agent called my dealer and then called me back confirming that they are moving forward with OEM. I've always replaced windshields with OEM glass. Sometimes I had to pay the difference out of my pocket, but it's worth it for the best fit and function. Never had issues with leaking, distortion or anything else. Hopefully you have a very low comprehensive deductible, otherwise you'll end up paying for most or all of it anyway if you live in a state like California, where insurance companies don't waive the deductible on glass claims.
kristokes
12-19-2016, 03:42 PM
A crack is an automatic windshield replacement as that's deemed irreparable. In the state of Texas, your comprehensive deductible will be applied for windshield replacements.
The urethane used to bond the windshield to the vehicle structure should work without issues as long as the outside temperatures are above freezing. If you're truly uncomfortable, you can opt to have it installed inside one of their locations where the vehicle can be kept inside the entire day to let the urethane cure.
vwblackb5
12-19-2016, 03:52 PM
Not sure how it's handled in Texas but in NJ glass coverage is part of comprehensive coverage. Cracks beyond a certain threshold merit a glass replacement. Moreover, if you lease your car, turn in inspector will bill you for any windshield damage. You can certainly call Audi dealerships around you and ask for a quote and who they contract glass replacements to. Then do some social engineering with your insurance provider to coax their max they'll pay and convince them that there are no OEM like comparables to your OEM acoustic glass.
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kristokes
12-19-2016, 03:55 PM
That's the case with most insurance companies if there is indeed an OEM-equivalent glass. I've just recently had my windshield replaced with Geico on my RS5 for the second time. Both times were done with OEM glass, because there is no OEM-equivalent glass at the moment. The insurance agent called my dealer and then called me back confirming that they are moving forward with OEM. I've always replaced windshields with OEM glass. Sometimes I had to pay the difference out of my pocket, but it's worth it for the best fit and function. Never had issues with leaking, distortion or anything else. Hopefully you have a very low comprehensive deductible, otherwise you'll end up paying for most or all of it anyway if you live in a state like California, where insurance companies don't waive the deductible on glass claims.
The only difference between NAGS (primarily known as non-OE) is the logo etched onto the glass. The majority of the auto manufacturers sublet their windshield to a glass company and etch their logo onto it.
To be honest, the only time I would go with OE glass is if I was extremely anal and needed the assurance of the manufacturer's logo on my windshield so I can sleep at night or if NAGS does not make it due to re-manufacturing contracts or special embedded equipment, e.g., EyeSight with Subaru, etc. But to each its own.
kristokes
12-19-2016, 04:03 PM
Not sure how it's handled in Texas but in NJ glass coverage is part of comprehensive coverage. Cracks beyond a certain threshold merit a glass replacement. Moreover, if you lease your car, turn in inspector will bill you for any windshield damage. You can certainly call Audi dealerships around you and ask for a quote and who they contract glass replacements to. Then do some social engineering with your insurance provider to coax their max they'll pay and convince them that there are no OEM like comparables to your OEM acoustic glass.
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Unfortunately, you will need the insurance company's approval prior to any repairs or you will run the chance of having your claim denied. Most insurance companies have a glass claims network that they use and consult with so they'll be aware if NAGS (non-OE) is unavailable or not suitable for your particular vehicle.
superswiss
12-19-2016, 04:07 PM
The only difference between NAGS (primarily known as non-OE) is the logo etched onto the glass. The majority of the auto manufacturers sublet their windshield to a glass company and etch their logo onto it.
To be honest, the only time I would go with OE glass is if I was extremely anal and needed the assurance of the manufacturer's logo on my windshield so I can sleep at night or if NAGS does not make it due to re-manufacturing contracts or special embedded equipment, e.g., EyeSight with Subaru, etc. But to each its own.
Based on what I read and heard from others, non-OE glass can have fitment issues and optical distortion. Maybe that's not the case anymore these days, but that's what I found years ago when researching this topic. Either way, it doesn't seem that simple. As I said my insurance confirmed that there is only OEM glass available for my RS5, so they covered it minus my $100 deductible. If what you say is indeed the case, Geico wouldn't have covered OEM glass, because my policy only covers non-OEM glass if available.
vwblackb5
12-19-2016, 04:11 PM
Unfortunately, you will need the insurance company's approval prior to any repairs or you will run the chance of having your claim denied. Most insurance companies have a glass claims network that they use and consult with so they'll be aware if NAGS (non-OE) is unavailable or not suitable for your particular vehicle.
There are ways to get around some of these minor details. Everything is up to negotiation and there are gray areas depending on your approach, hence why social engineering is involved. FWIW, never had an issue getting OEM glass replacement for any of my vehicles (Audi/MB). YMMV
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kristokes
12-19-2016, 04:20 PM
Based on what I read and heard from others, non-OE glass can have fitment issues and optical distortion. Maybe that's not the case anymore these days, but that's what I found years ago when researching this topic. Either way, it doesn't seem that simple. As I said my insurance confirmed that there is only OEM glass available for my RS5, so they covered it minus my $100 deductible. If what you say is indeed the case, Geico wouldn't have covered OEM glass, because my policy only covers non-OEM glass if available.
If NAGS is not available, then your insurance company would have no choice but to replace with OEM. [;)]
There are ways to get around some of these minor details. Everything is up to negotiation and there are gray areas depending on your approach, hence why social engineering is involved. FWIW, never had an issue getting OEM glass replacement for any of my vehicles (Audi/MB). YMMV
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You're absolutely right; there are grey areas to every situation as nothing is ever set it stone. If you raise enough of a stink (respectfully of course), you will have no problem getting OEM replacement as customer service is the main focus for major companies nowadays.
superswiss
12-19-2016, 04:37 PM
If NAGS is not available, then your insurance company would have no choice but to replace with OEM. [;)].
Yes, obviously. That was my original point. NAGS doesn't seem to be available for our vehicles. I guess you only disagreed with the part about using OEM despite the availability of NAGS. Fair enough.
chilort
12-19-2016, 05:06 PM
I had mine replaced with Pilkington. It was then chipped within a few days of replacement. I should see about having that repaired. Pilkington invented float glass (what everyone does today). I'm sure, like many companies, they have low and high quality products. But the Pilkington glass I've used in this car and in others has been top notch. Also, Pilkington was 1/2 the price of the glass with the Audi logo.
Brother Owl
12-19-2016, 05:38 PM
I was going to attach a picture but I don't have permission.
Tapatalk is your friend when posting pics
I had mine replaced with Pilkington. It was then chipped within a few days of replacement. I should see about having that repaired.
Interesting. I'm on my third Pilkington windshield since March (12k miles). This one is also chipped already.
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MN Blue S4
12-19-2016, 05:41 PM
FWIW I can't stress enough how important OEM glass is. We just went through an ordeal getting the rear window replaced in my wife's SQ5. The glass company tried two different pieces of glass from a third party supplier and both were absolutely horrible quality (really bad optical defects in different places in both windows). Once we insisted on OEM glass, we got a perfect window.
HeymyAudi
12-19-2016, 11:45 PM
Safelite is the best.... They replaced mine twice this year since the OEM wind shield is apparently made from recycled paper plates... [mad]
Arn560
12-20-2016, 03:54 AM
Just make sure the glass says "Acoustic" on it!
MadCoder
12-20-2016, 07:22 AM
Tapatalk is your friend when posting pics
Thanks! Forgive the crappy cell pic.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161220/ad3fe5bf93c25ded83d7dc1f7ae622a4.jpg
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MadCoder
12-20-2016, 08:22 AM
Thanks for all the tips, guys. Guess I have some people to call.
If you don't need anything fancy, try Safelite Pilkington acoustic replacement. This worked great for me. Just under $500 installed. I did have have to reset some kind of error after install, but have forgotten what it was for.
Is Senseless the only one who's tried Safelite Pilkington acoustic?
Windshield replacements with Texas insurance get filed under comprehensive but it may not matter much if it costs close to $500 (my deductible).
superswiss
12-20-2016, 09:49 AM
Windshield replacements with Texas insurance get filed under comprehensive but it may not matter much if it costs close to $500 (my deductible).
FWIW, my recent replacement came out to $867 with OEM glass. The glass itself is $495, so with your deductible you are pretty much paying for the glass yourself, then $216 for labor (probably less in Texas), $40 adhesive and $60 for the rain sensor gel pack. You're probably saving at most $200 with non-OEM glass, which is only gonna help your insurance, but isn't gonna lower your out of pocket expense.
rnkjr
12-20-2016, 11:04 AM
Just had my windshield replaced at Safelite. The glass is Saint-Gobain Sekurit, the OEM. It is soundproofed, no rings, though.
draekin13
12-20-2016, 11:16 AM
I had mine replaced with Pilkington and couldn't tell the difference between this and Audi OEM. The guys that own the shop I went to said Pilkington makes Audi glass. It cost me ~$350 compared to $700 they quoted for oem
blackjak
12-20-2016, 01:45 PM
I recently had a claim with Geico for a full windshield replacement and at first they said that they would not pay for and cover the OEM windshield from Audi and that it would cost me an additional three to $400 on top of my $250 deductible. I was originally going to have Safe Lite do my install but then I was referred to a family friend and their shop is going to do it for me and they called Geico and swindled the adjuster into pulling some strings to cover the OEM windshield. So I can second the fact that if your insurance doesn't have first cover the OEM windshield it's worth it to respectfully bring up valid points and concerns about aftermarket glass fitmentand the fact you want this done right and that you feel you'll only be satisfied with OEM glass replacement.
Thanks for all the tips, guys. Guess I have some people to call.
Is Senseless the only one who's tried Safelite Pilkington acoustic?
Windshield replacements with Texas insurance get filed under comprehensive but it may not matter much if it costs close to $500 (my deductible).
As mentioned above, I'm on my third one this year. I'm really picky and I've liked the Pilkington enough to go with it again. Twice. :)
My glass guy (who is quickly becoming a friend due to our frequent appointments) also told the same thing as draekin13 about them making the OEM Audi glass.
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CDN BCN
12-21-2016, 10:00 AM
i had safelite replace my windshield 5 months ago, didn't care for the service at all. the rain sensor wasn't reconnected, the bottom of the windshield has a circular scratch and when they went to remove the housing around the rear view mirror they dropped the plastic piece and scratched the trim around the info console. 5 months later a rock hits the windshield and a huge circular crack forms... waiting as long as i can to replace. is the Pinkerton glass considered OEM?
Pilkington is not considered OEM.
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draekin13
12-21-2016, 11:17 AM
Pilkington is not considered OEM.
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This is same as I was told. The guy I talked to said literally the only difference is the lack of Audi rings in the corner of the glass. I can say it appears to be no different from the Audi glass previously. The guys I used are based in the PNW and the service I got there was fantastic. I worked at a Toyota dealership at the time and they came out to the shop and did it onsite when they had other chip repairs to do. If I need another replacement I will go Pilkington again.
MadCoder
12-21-2016, 11:32 AM
I'm still on the fence as to which glass to get. My insurance won't cover OE glass. I guess my social engineering needs some work. I got 3 quotes from 2 places. Non-OE was around $400 while OE was $750+ (installed). Those numbers might be before tax. Interestingly, one person said that if I had the lane departure option that he would suggest getting the OE glass since (he claims?) the lane departure camera(s) don't work as well with non-OE glass. I take this to imply some sort of quality step down in the optics of the cheaper glass.
superswiss
12-21-2016, 12:11 PM
This is same as I was told. The guy I talked to said literally the only difference is the lack of Audi rings in the corner of the glass. I can say it appears to be no different from the Audi glass previously. The guys I used are based in the PNW and the service I got there was fantastic. I worked at a Toyota dealership at the time and they came out to the shop and did it onsite when they had other chip repairs to do. If I need another replacement I will go Pilkington again.
All the Audis I've owned had Saint-Gobain Sekurit glass. My current one has Saint-Gobain Sekurit Acoustic glass, so not sure which models have Pilkington glass. I haven't seen it on an Audi.
http://i.imgur.com/6LYqxd7.jpg
blackjak
12-21-2016, 09:48 PM
I'm still on the fence as to which glass to get. My insurance won't cover OE glass. I guess my social engineering needs some work. I got 3 quotes from 2 places. Non-OE was around $400 while OE was $750+ (installed). Those numbers might be before tax. Interestingly, one person said that if I had the lane departure option that he would suggest getting the OE glass since (he claims?) the lane departure camera(s) don't work as well with non-OE glass. I take this to imply some sort of quality step down in the optics of the cheaper glass.
What insurance do you have if you don't mind me asking?
kristokes
12-21-2016, 10:00 PM
I'm still on the fence as to which glass to get. My insurance won't cover OE glass. I guess my social engineering needs some work. I got 3 quotes from 2 places. Non-OE was around $400 while OE was $750+ (installed). Those numbers might be before tax. Interestingly, one person said that if I had the lane departure option that he would suggest getting the OE glass since (he claims?) the lane departure camera(s) don't work as well with non-OE glass. I take this to imply some sort of quality step down in the optics of the cheaper glass.
Unfortunately, that may not be a valid argument as the blind spot detection has nothing to do with the windshield on our vehicles as they are located on the side view mirror assembly.
MadCoder
12-22-2016, 04:25 AM
Unfortunately, that may not be a valid argument as the blind spot detection has nothing to do with the windshield on our vehicles as they are located on the side view mirror assembly.
Lane departure is what he said, not blind spot. Was that an option on these cars?
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All the Audis I've owned had Saint-Gobain Sekurit glass. My current one has Saint-Gobain Sekurit Acoustic glass, so not sure which models have Pilkington glass. I haven't seen it on an Audi.
http://i.imgur.com/6LYqxd7.jpg
Only time you'll see Pilkington glass on an Audi is if it's a replacement windshield.
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