Windshield replacement over $1,100?????

[priusenvy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(patsparks @ Sep 6 2007, 04:21 PM) [snapback]508173[/snapback]</div>

If the non original glass isn't marked UV reduction or something similar then the UV reduction isn't there. It isn't a after production process but the sunscreening is built into the glass, in the windscreen it's in the plastic between the 2 layers of glass.
[/b]

All car window glass blocks UV. That's why UV-sensitive photochromic eyeglass lenses don't darken when you're in a car, and why your interior doesn't get faded quickly even though you park in the sun all the time.

Do you tan and get sunburned through your windshield and side windows? I don't.

[patsparks]

Yes I do.
I work in a car all day and I do get brown on my arms and if I'm on the road all day with the sun coming through my window I can get some burning. I wear long sleaves to avoid burning.
My Prius is the first car I have ever had which has a UV reduction markings on the glass.

[jwe8f]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(FL_Prius_Driver @ Sep 6 2007, 06:12 PM) [snapback]508170[/snapback]</div>

Who made your cracked glass?
[/b]

Good question. I wonder if most failures are tied to one glass company?

Mine is DOT-20, Asahi. The full stamp says:

Toyota
Lamisafe
Asahi
M814 ASI
DOT-20
A001686

It will be interesting to see what the replacement is. BTW, I still haven't decided which way to go yet.

Also, it would be interesting for those with cracked windows reading this in the future to post what THEIR manufacturer was. We might notice a pattern!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(patsparks @ Sep 6 2007, 07:30 PM) [snapback]508213[/snapback]</div>

My Prius is the first car I have ever had which has a UV reduction markings on the glass.[/b]

Where are those markings? When looking for the manufacturer stamp, I didn't notice them... Still might be something I can use for the more expensive repair.

Thanks!

[jrfaris]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jwe8f @ Sep 6 2007, 07:01 PM) [snapback]508282[/snapback]</div>

It will be interesting to see what the replacement is. BTW, I still haven't decided which way to go yet.
Where are those markings? When looking for the manufacturer stamp, I didn't notice them... Still might be something I can use for the more expensive repair.
[/b]

We had ours replaced about 2 weeks ago. Hit by a rock near the upper driver's side corner. Developed an 16" crack down across the driver's line of sight overnight. My insurance (USAA) works directly with Safelite for glass replacement but you can use other shops if you want. Anyway I paid a $100 deductible but the bill said the total would have been $330. Safelite came out and did it in my garage. Lifetime guarantee against leakage. I've attached the label from the new one. Obviously not Toyota OEM but I really can't tell the difference sitting in the car and we've had some rain with no leaks.

[4n6]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jrfaris @ Sep 6 2007, 10:22 PM) [snapback]508292[/snapback]</div>

We had ours replaced about 2 weeks ago. Hit by a rock near the upper driver's side corner. Developed an 16" crack down across the driver's line of sight overnight. My insurance (USAA) works directly with Safelite for glass replacement but you can use other shops if you want. Anyway I paid a $100 deductible but the bill said the total would have been $330. Safelite came out and did it in my garage. Lifetime guarantee against leakage. I've attached the label from the new one. Obviously not Toyota OEM but I really can't tell the difference sitting in the car and we've had some rain with no leaks.
[/b]

I had Safelite install the same exact glass today. I am curious if you notice any distortion when looking at straight lines thru the edges of the windshield. When I look at the glass from an angle it looks wavey. When I look thru from the inside out, straight edges look like a reflection in a circus mirror. I asked for factory glass and my insurance co agreed but Safelite said they were not authorized and showed up with SGC. When I complained to my insurance co. they agreed totally and where upset that Safelite refused to install factory glass and are now insisting that they replace it. I am releived and also lucky that in Florida, insurance has to pay 100% by law.

[jwe8f]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(4n6 @ Sep 6 2007, 09:52 PM) [snapback]508309[/snapback]</div>

I am curious if you notice any distortion when looking at straight lines thru the edges of the windshield. When I look at the glass from an angle it looks wavey.
[/b]

Actually, I've always noticed that same distortion with my OEM DOT-20 glass. Good luck on the replacement, though -- if it looks better, that would be interesting too!

[4n6]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jwe8f @ Sep 6 2007, 11:03 PM) [snapback]508317[/snapback]</div>

Actually, I've always noticed that same distortion with my OEM DOT-20 glass. Good luck on the replacement, though -- if it looks better, that would be interesting too!
[/b]

Thanks, I might have just gotten a bad batch. I'll keep you posted.

[rscott0]

Hi,

I just wanted to add a few things to this thread (as background, I run the carwindshields.info site that was referenced; I don't have a Prius, but I do have a Toyota Camry Hybrid).

As far as OEM glass, the company that claimed that their $300 windshield replacement was using OEM glass was almost certainly lying. OEM glass typically costs much, much more than aftermarket glass. If it doesn't have the Toyota logo, you can assume it isn't OEM (since Toyota decides the specs for OEM glass, it would be unusual for them to request both glass with the Toyota logo and without). There are cases, though, where a car manufacturer may order more OEM glass than they need, that ends up at auto glass repair shops.

The OEM glass is more expensive because there are extensive specs (sometimes 50+ pages worth) that must be followed, whereas the aftermarket glass is designed to be close to the original, but the aftermarket glass is normally made without even having the specs to look at. Also, the process used to make OEM glass (which is done in small quantities) is different than that used to make aftermarket glass (which is made is large quantities). I've never heard of a case where someone claimed that aftermarket glass was better than OEM glass.

As reference, the Toyota Camry Hybrid OEM windshield also costs around $1,000 (plus installation), whereas Safelite charged my insurance company $237 (just $97 for the windshield). Interestingly, Safelite installs the gas Toyota Camry windshield in the hybrids, which is probably illegal (since the glass in the hybrid has an acoustic layer that the gas glass does not have).

As for UV protection, all auto glass has some UV protection (which is why people don't burn or tan *easily* in a car), but some auto glass has extra UV protection (and normally has a "UV" or similar marking).
-Scott

[Wayne]

rscott, were you happy with your aftermarket windshield?

[rscott0]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Wayne @ Sep 7 2007, 03:30 PM) [snapback]508725[/snapback]</div>

rscott, were you happy with your aftermarket windshield?
[/b]

Good question. There isn't an easy answer to the question, though. I haven't noticed any differences between the aftermarket windshield and the original OEM windshield. So from a pure look-and-feel standpoint, I'm pleased.

I don't like the fact that I got the gas Camry windshield (the hybrid Camry is heavier than the gas Camry, windshields support much of the weight of the car, so there could be a safety issue), but that wouldn't be an issue with the Prius. And I know that aftermarket glass often isn't as good as OEM glass.

So I'm not pleased, but on the other hand there is nothing tangible that I don't like about it. :)
-Scott