Windshield replacement...anything I should be aware of?

[s4tress]

Was driving around on Sat and thought I heard something hit my windshield. Thought nothing of it at the time. Fast forward a few hours later, and there's now a huge crack creeping up half of my windshield.

I wasn't sure what to do - if I should take it to Audi, or a glass place, or what. My family mechanic recommended I just go to Safelite, so I now have an appointment with them set up for tomorrow. I had called Audi dealer service, and they said they outsource it anyway.

Luckily my insurance is going to cover the whole thing, with no deductible. I can't imagine how much that would have cost out of pocket.

Is there anything I should know about going to a place like Safelite? They had a few different options for what kind of glass I needed, i.e. rain sensors, lane dept warnings, etc. My car is a 2015 - I know it has the rain sensor warning, but don't think I need the lane departure glass.

Is the new glass they put in going to be noticeably different from the factory? Anything I should tell them to do, or not do, before they install?

Thanks!

w

[ALAN12186]

whatever you do make sure you get Audi OEM glass

[B18b1ex]

From what I understand, some are Acoustic. Look to see if yours is and demand the same OEM.

[SteveYem]

Another vote for making sure you get OEM Audi glass. Some insurance companies cover you for aftermarket glass at no charge, but may not cover you for OEM glass (i.e. you would have to pay the difference). First and foremost I would get written confirmation from your insurance company that your policy covers you for OEM Audi windshield glass. Then, once you have that confirmation in hand, have Safelite (or whichever shop you choose) confirm that they are indeed going to supply OEM Audi glass. And finally, I would recommend taking photos of the markings on your original windshield. Somewhere on there are some descriptive markings including the Audi logo and possible Audi part number for the glass. Then you have a basis for comparison to the replacement glass.

[bakedziti]

Your policy likely does not cover OEM glass. I just had a replacement done by Safelite last weekend, and all I can say is to make sure they double or triple check that they have the right piece of glass. Side assist options change what glass you get, and what hardware mounts on your windshield. Make sure they run by VIN to ensure you get the right piece. You'll likely end up with a Pilkington EZ-Cool Acoustic piece. If you look at the windows/windshield from the factory, you will see the Pilkington name; only difference is the lack of rings. You're insurance company may be different, but mine would not let me pay the difference. It was an all or nothing thing for me; aftermarket vs. OEM. It bothered me at first, but I guess I have to ask you what the difference is? Other than the rings, I would really like to hear/see what the difference is.

[BlownOne]

whatever you do make sure you get Audi OEM glass

+1. You have to request oem glass for replacement and it will take a week or so for them to order it.

[HeymyAudi]

A rock just skipped up and Chipped mine this morning.. Going to call Geico to have them get it done at the dealer..

[jl87]

whatever you do make sure you get Audi OEM glass

THIS x10 (seems like a lot of others agree). Got a non OE installed on my B7 A4 and it had a terrible magnifying effect on the bottom. Make sure you tell them you want Audi OE otherwise they'll just get a 3rd party.

[s4tress]

Just got off the phone with Safelite. So, they have the OEM glass, now I'm just waiting to hear back from my insurance company to see if they will cover it.

Safelite is asking if my car has lane departure warnings. I don't believe I have that - only the blind spot monitors. Does the glass have any impact on blind spot monitors? Or is that only for land departure warnings?

Also Safelite doesn't seem to have a way to look up the glass based on VIN, which was surprising. They just ask you what features your car has. So an ignorant person could just pick the wrong glass by accident, which doesn't seem to make sense.

I also opted to have the replacement done at their shop, rather than with the mobile repair. Just seemed better that way.

[draekin13]

I just had mine replaced not to long ago as well, I went with a local company that the auto dealership I work at uses for replacements. As bakedziti said Pilkington makes the OEM Audi glass and that saved me a lot of cash (no insurance involved), glass is acoustic and has the grey sun shade bar at the top.

[s4tress]

Guess I got lucky - insurance company approved OEM.

[4wheelpilot]

Was driving around on Sat and thought I heard something hit my windshield. Thought nothing of it at the time. Fast forward a few hours later, and there's now a huge crack creeping up half of my windshield.

I wasn't sure what to do - if I should take it to Audi, or a glass place, or what. My family mechanic recommended I just go to Safelite, so I now have an appointment with them set up for tomorrow. I had called Audi dealer service, and they said they outsource it anyway.

Luckily my insurance is going to cover the whole thing, with no deductible. I can't imagine how much that would have cost out of pocket.

Is there anything I should know about going to a place like Safelite? They had a few different options for what kind of glass I needed, i.e. rain sensors, lane dept warnings, etc. My car is a 2015 - I know it has the rain sensor warning, but don't think I need the lane departure glass.

Is the new glass they put in going to be noticeably different from the factory? Anything I should tell them to do, or not do, before they install?

Thanks!

w

Safelite has done good work for me in the past.
But since the cost will be covered by your auto insurance, why not take it to your Audi dealer???
I would.

[s4tress]

Safelite has done good work for me in the past.
But since the cost will be covered by your auto insurance, why not take it to your Audi dealer???
I would.

Because they told me they just outsource it anyway - and I was told they actually use Safelite! Figured Safelite does this every single day and are probably as good or better at it than the dealer. It was also just more convenient for me.

[Dubious]

USAA covers OEM replacement but you have to ask. Also have to demand OEM from 3rd parties such as SafeLite as they likely have more profit in 3rd party and will try to give the run around and longer lead times to discourage you.

[u2nelson]

USAA insurance and I used Safelite and they covered OEM no problem. I had to ask for OEM glass, they said it would take a couple days to order it or I could use their brand which was in stock. I said order it up, I want OEM. Came in two days and the replacement process was flawless, highly recommend Safelite, they do this all the time, total experts at it.

[LYKUNO]

Lots of info on windshields here:http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...d-to-know-info

[HeymyAudi]

I am currently on with Geico's glass repair and since my glass is acoustic without lane departure they said the OEM and Aftermarket was the same price.. ($213.67) I demanded OEM and they said it would take a few days but they can get it for me.. They are currently scheduling with Safelite to come out.. If you do have Geico be sure to call them instead of using the website.