Well, the time has finally come where my windshield has to be replaced. What, if any experiences have people here had with aftermarket windshields? The one aftermarket windshield that seems to be promoted here in Canada is the PPG. Any good or bad comments about PPG? Is there anything in particular that I shoud pay attention to while the windshield is being replaced?

 

PPG (Pittsburgh Plate and Glass, based in Pittsburgh home of the Steelers) has been in business for 125 years. They have been making OEM glass since the beginning of the auto industry. They've stayed in business so long by making high quality products.

Windshield replacement is a no brainer. Don't sweat it. Just make sure that the shop backs up their workmanship with a guarantee/warranty against leakage or breakage due to improper installation. Any reputable shop should do this.

 

I did manage to run into these> http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/...Off0273004.htm

http://www.free-press-release.com/ne...187303884.html

http://www.safewindshield.info/blog/...8/3167469.html


I ran into a friend who had a problem with an aftermarket windshield he had put in for like 100 bucks @ a local GlassMasters here in Mphs.A week later his Dodge magnum had a stress fracture in the windshield. The windshield was replaced but with an OEM windshield.He mentioned something about the cheap windshield beind made with low quality materials but no details.It may be a "you get what you pay for" scenario.

 

Yeah, I recommend PPG. When I first picked up my Maxima in Mar of 07 the windshield had a rock chip in it. I wanted to replace the whole thing but the tech recommended that I just get it repaired. His logic; the money spent on the repair ($80) could be used against a future replacement, (around $240 at the time) if I so decided, for up to 2 yrs. He even put that in writing. Although I still haven't replaced the windshield; you can't beat that, plus the repair is still holding up nice.

 

Full coverage insurase does not cover the windshield relecement?
I though it did, call you agent and confirm.
my 2cents

 

I am looking at replacing mine soon. Mine got a rock thrown at it (on highway) last week and put a bullseye on it about a "nickel" in diamater. D*** it was loud, I thought I was shot. Interesting thread - I have never replaced a windsheild before so this will be good use when I get it replaced/repaired.

Oh by the way my full coverage insurance won't replace it either.

 

You have to take in account the deductable.

 

i have a ppg windshield and have had no problems. my family owns an auto glass company and they only use ppg glass unless ppg doesnt carry the glass for a certain car. the best thing i would suggest it not to trust the people say any auto glass replaced for $50. they have a guy like that down here and he uses glass that has defects in it or ones found at the junk yard.

 

I have not tried this per say but I have a friend who got his insurance company to replace the windshields on 2 of his vehicles, for free. He's had the same insurance company for a number of yrs (20+) and had not made any major claims and always paid on time. So he asked them to replace his windshields on his Suburban and his wifes Accord due to them being scratched from normal wear and tear. He lived in Tx at the time. Believe it or not the insurance company (Allstate) did.

 

Well, I just got a price for the windshield. $175 installed. Thats a PPG glass. Spoke with insurance and they will not cover it. The 175 was at a place in detroit michigan. $360 in Canada. They must think people are stupid over here.

 

When is your inspection due? Only asking because if you can wait until it mid spring/early summer, glass places lower their prices because they know people want to get their glass relplaced asap which means higher prices right after winter.

im in ny and went to safelite in late april, early may and only paid 150 installed.

 

Michigan doesn't have vehicle inspections. You can drive half a car down the highway as long as it runs. Some counties require emissions inspections.

 

I believe there are stricter safety regulations and standards in Canada for windshields and therefore might have some influence on the price.



Just a thought.

 

i had mine replaced just a week or 2 ago with a PPG on my 03 max, No problems so far

 

Actually PPG just sold the glass unit it is now called PGW (Pitsburg glass work) In a Maxima ULN (aka Pilkington) or PPG is OEM depending on the year. I use PGW (PPG) And Pilkington every day and have no problems with either. Try and stay away from safelite and XYG glass that is not OEM by far.

If your looking to price shop, check out my profile for my web site can help you find a good deal.

Larry
15 Year NGA Certified Auto Glass Technician

 

I paid safelite 298 bucks,...and its had a lifetime warranty

 

Make sure you're getting a reputable installation as well as a quality piece of glass. If you can get a referal from a friend/neighbor/co-worker in your area that is always good. Poor windshield installation can lead to everything from leaks due to improper sealing to cracking.

 

As of October 2, 2008 Kohlberg and Co. (a private equity firm) bought 60 percent of the PPG auto glass business and PPG retains 40 percent equity in the company. They're still headquartered in PPG offices at PPG One plaza in downtown Pittsburgh. It's the same people making the same glass at the same plants under a slightly different name.