Replacement windshield

[Jeppo]

In a freak accident, a small tree came down just as I was moving along my driveway. This began as a 5” crack. A few days later, it’s now 9”.

For those of you that have replaced windshields, is there anything about the Safelite non-branded glass that made you regret choosing it vs the more expensive OEM glass? For various reasons, I’m going to pay for this and not file a comprehensive claim.

 

[Cdubya]

Safelite has always been great for me. Like their mobile installation that saves me time and convenience. I haven't replaced a windshield in a few years. I would call to make sure they can calibrate lane centering and things like that. It would suck to have them install new glass but still have to make a dealer trip to get the functionality restored.

 

[MattC0509]

About 6 months ago I had them replace mine after the windshield wiper arm slipped out of my hand slamming down and instantly sending multiple long cracks through the windshield. Cost was about $1000 total here in Texas from Safelite and I haven't had any issues since then. That said I can't stand and never use items like LKA.

 

[UNBROKEN]

Safelite swapped mine well over a year ago…no issues at all since.

 

[Jeppo]

Thanks for the responses. So, none of you specified OEM glass (which, understandably costs a bunch more).?

 

[Stone17]

What year is your ST? The new ST has a Explorer ST profile on the right lower side of the windshield.

 

[MattC0509]

Thanks for the responses. So, none of you specified OEM glass (which, understandably costs a bunch more).?

I didn't specify. Was prepared to push them on getting a factory replacement if the first had any issues but mostly couldn't stand the giant crack's and just wanted it replaced ASAP.

 

[Jeppo]

What year is your ST? The new ST has a Explorer ST profile on the right lower side of the windshield.

2021
Is this the profile?

 

[I Bleed Ford Blue]

Safelite replaced my windshield a year ago. I specified an OEM glass as my car was less than a year old at the time. My new windshield came with the pigtail and the heating element embeded into the glass for the wiper de-icer that was deleted after the 20 model year. I still haven't hooked it up, but plan to someday.

 

[Mekks082]

 

[hbalek]

Mine is a 2020 and I never noticed that on mine but I don't care because I like having heated windshield wipers and front camera washer, etc.

 

[Stone17]

2021
Is this the profile?

This .

 

[Jeppo]

This .

I don’t see it on my 21.

 

[Jeppo]

It took a couple weeks for the OEM glass to arrive. The tech came to my house and was gone 1:10 later, including the over the road recalibration. I found it fascinating to watch the process. The new glass does have that silhouette while what came on the car didn’t.

 

[mycbtech]

the camera "Calibration" is not necessary IMO. the camera doesnt rest or attach itself to the glass and unless the glass has additional tinting there is no need to pay the extra crazy fee for calibration.

for context my GF Escape Titanium needed a new windshield. I took off the plastics, after finding out how much it was to calibrate, just to see what it would take to calibrate and found the camera was attached to the roof of the car so basically floating over the glass. after refusing the calibration and getting the install the lane assist and other features of the adaptive cruise control continued worked as it should. I can only see calibration being needed if they bump the camera while installing.

 

[viking]

It took a couple weeks for the OEM glass to arrive. The tech came to my house and was gone 1:10 later, including the over the road recalibration. I found it fascinating to watch the process. The new glass does have that silhouette while what came on the car didn’t.

Jeppo,
Did you use Safelite then? And did you specifically ask for OEM glass when scheduling the appointment?

 

[Jeppo]

Jeppo,
Did you use Safelite then? And did you specifically ask for OEM glass when scheduling the appointment?

I got a referral to a local mobile service that seems to do the majority of the dealer, better body shop and auction house work here. They were a bit less than Safelite and I was 101% satisfied with the entire experience. I did specify OEM glass which they quoted at ~ $200 more than aftermarket.

 

[viking]

I got a referral to a local mobile service that seems to do the majority of the dealer, better body shop and auction house work here. They were a bit less than Safelite and I was 101% satisfied with the entire experience. I did specify OEM glass which they quoted at ~ $200 more than aftermarket.

OK thanks for the info.

 

[Eljaber]

My wife's 22' ST just got a new windshield from SafeLite. They were easy to schedule and came out two days later (today). I opted to just get what they had in stock, versus having to order an OEM with the little ST in the corner and waiting months as they could not provide an ETA. It took the guy about an hour, including a 5 minute drive for re-calibration.

It sucks, the car only has 4k miles, but a rock hit the windshield in TX on our way home. We have glass included in our insurance policy, so cost was $0.

 

[musclecarman39]

I have to have the windshield replaced on my 21 ST. When you guys had yours replaced, did the oem replacement have the tinted strip at the? All the ST's I've seen have this. Is this oem or a dealer add on?