OEM Glass Replacement - necessary?

Hey guys,

Just wanted to get your feedback on OEM glass vs. generic. I have a large crack in my '13 Tacoma and need to get the windshield replaced. I believe if if go OEM, the cost may be over $1,000 (does this sound right?), but if I go generic it will be much less, probably in the neighborhood of $400-$500.

I want OEM obviously, but I'd be putting the claim through insurance. If it's less than $1,000, my rates won't go up at all. If it's more, there's a small chance they'll go up a little bit.

Just wondering what you guys would do? OEM glass and risk a slight increase in rates or go generic?

 

Isn't the only difference having a laser etched VIN in the glass itself?


I could be completely wrong, my only experience is with Hondas.

 

I think OEM glass has some sort of UV protection.

 

I went generic, seems to be doing just fine so far. I didn't even ask about OEM, as long as the generic had the same frit and tint, I didn't care.

 

I don't see any problem with a vendor like Safelite if they provide a warranty with the service and the product. Have had 2 windshields replaced by them with no leaking water/air/etc, and the most recent was at no cost to me through insurance. Not sure if 2nd gens are more touchy when it comes to replacement?

 

If the vehicle is under warranty and you take it to the dealer they may install OEM glass or have a company come in and replace it with a generic glass. Generic is just as good.

As for vin etching this is done easily. Its simply blue sticky paper they slap on the glass and use an etching agent and put it on the paper with the vin on the paper. We do this to all the PDI's at my work and same for replacement glass. OEM glass and Generic both have the UV films laid into the glass as well so it will offer the same protection

 

Could be, the glass company I talked to said that the places that manufacture glass do it for multiple automakers. So whoever manufacturers toyota's glass basically sends it to toyota and then they put their stamp on it. But you can get the glass without the stamp, possibly from the same manufacturer or a similar quality as aftermarket.

Not all aftermarket is the same quality (I heard Safelite's glass has visible waves in it when you look from the side), but in general it should be the same. I just like the idea of OEM glass cause my truck's still new.

 

Safelite installed my glass, there is no visible wave in the glass. The only visible difference is the way the outter seal sits. It's not a big deal, the seal just looks slightly different than OEM, no better or worse, just different.

 

As long as it doesn't have waves when you look at it dead on I don't see a difference lol. It's a new truck, but $600 difference for that seems really steep.

 

It's very possible that is the case with Safelite cause they are using the lowest cost alternatives that are lower quality, I wasn't complaining because it was free tho. I would feel the same as you with a brand new truck, still in that period where you want everything original.

 

Thanks everyone for the feedback. Sounds like I'll probably go generic. I'll see what the exact quote would be for OEM replacement and if it's less than $1,000 I'll do that. Otherwise I'll go generic. I don't have to pay anything out of pocket, just don't want my insurance to go up for a stupid rock hitting my window lol (and I'm sure there will be more).

 

OEM glass. Mine was $1000. Your insurance will not increase. Safelite glass is no good. They have distortion.

 

If you would like to purchase my windshield, I will sell it for $1,000.00

Come pick it up at the shop!

 

Safelite replaced mine in jan and I have no waves or distortion. Honestly looks just like my factory.

 

a grand?!?! jesus!

one of the few benefits of Florida: the state pays for windshield replacements as long as you have proof of insurance.

 

Yes $1000 for oem glass but Safelite installed it. I paid $100 deductible so why bother with generic glass when it's the same deductible.

 

I put 3 windshields in the first 05 I had. Long commute and lots of construction those years. Kept getting rocks hitting them. Each time it was only like $250 and that was installed, not my deductible. It wasn't till after the third time I wised up and got glass coverage. And just last month I had to replace the windshield in my Capri and it was $225 installed. Unfortunately Hagerty doesn't do glass coverage separately and I have a $500 deductible on that policy.

 

I went with generic and everything is fine. No problems at all.

 

Same here in SC

 

I am on my second window replacement with my 06 and I don't see any difference. I used safelite.