Cracked Windshield - Safelite?

[Paraphoe]

Hey all. New adventure this weekend! I discovered an crack seemingly out of nowhere in my windshield! I think it had something to do with the 20 degree weather and blasting the defroster. Didn't think that could actually crack the windshield, only make an existing crack worse - but regardless, it's there and it's too big to fix without a full replacement.

Safelite is quoting me $258 - which I think is a pretty good price considering I was expecting to go for $500+ like they just charged my friend for her Jeep 3 weeks ago.

So my question is this - has anyone has work done by these guys before? How was the quality and how did it hold up long term? Any whistling, leaks, rust, problems down the road?

Also, should I request Ford glass or just go with whatever replacement they offer for the $260? Considering getting a quote from my local Ford dealer, but expecting a $900 price tag, stealership style.

Any help appreciated. I want to make SURE I'm not getting something that's going to give me issues or be of any lesser quality than my 16 year old OEM glass.


Thanks guys.

 

[lobo411]

Sounds like a rip. I had a new windshield installed on my 1996 for $120 all included (Ford glass) about 5 years ago. Just used a random local auto glass company. Not a whistle or leak in all that time.

 

[asafley]

Here in Colorado Springs, I got my Windshield replaced for a little over 200 from SafeLite. I also specifically requested for Carlite (Ford) glass, which they had in stock. Otherwise, I have been pleased with their work for the most part. No problems for the past 2 years since I had it done.

 

[toypaseo]

Back in 2008, I paid $165.12 total for a windshield installed. I requested PPG or Carlite (or some other "popular" brands I can't recall at the moment), and got PPG.


As for Safelite, I have an experience and a recommendations with that brand:

• Had a Safelite brand windshield installed in a 1981 Mazda GLC. I think it was like $125 installed. Had a buddy "lightly" knocking on the windshield to set of my crappy alarm, and it cracked.
• Had a few glass companies tell me to avoid Safelite brand windshields. They were made overseas, so the quality and durability were subpar. Yes, the price was cheaper, but in that case, you get what you pay for.

Shop around, pay in cash, demand a brand you trust.

 

[frickea86]

Had safelite install my windshield on my 97 Explorer about 5 years ago now. They installed their "diamond glass" series and has a lifetime warranty to never crack. 3 months after I had it installed a bus threw a chunk of blacktop at the windshield and it hit so hard it bent the wiper and just scuffed the glass. I thought for sure it was coming though but didn't even chip it. Still going strong 5 years later.

 

[RomeovilleIL]

I've had 2 windsheilds replaced by safelite, one explorer and most recently a crown vic. Both times they came to me, took less than an hour, and installed carlite glass. No leaks, no issues. Been very happy with the service. (both $0 deductible insurance claims, but did see the bill was around $250)

I'm sure you can get a local glass shop to do the work for $50 less, but nice thing about safelite is they are nationwide so if you have a warranty issue while traveling away from home they are available to fix it. Not so much for the local guys. $50 is worth it for my piece of mind.

** on a different but related topic: many ppl with these older explorers have dropped full coverage and carry just liability, which makes sense versus the book value, however make sure you keep comprehensive coverage (acts of god such as storms knocking down tree limbs, animals like deer in the road, and rocks and such hitting the windshield). Generally costs under $100 per year and has very low deductibles

 

[swshawaii]

Carlite Key acronym is OEM.
http://carlite.com/why-carlite/

Safelite:thumbdwn:
See reviews.

 

[my98nnj]

Ford doesn't make glass, they build cars/trucks.
I put PPG in a few years back for $180

 

[SuperBee73]

I've had 2 windshields replaced by Safelite. No problems with either. One was done at my office in the parking lot, the other I took to one of their shops because the weather was cold and crappy outside. It was a fast and easy job for them since they have the right tools and do this type of work over and over.

 

[Paraphoe]

I called them today. They warranty their brand of glass the same as OEM and claim it's manufactured in North Carolina. I inquired about the OEM glass and the quote I was given was $274 + tax and disposal fee. SO I'm looking at around $315 or so. So basically $40-50 more for OEM. Sounds pretty damn good to me, and with a lifetime warranty on worksmanship and mfg defects coupled with the ubiquity of the Safelite brand, I think I'm going to go with these guys and try to get it done this weekend.

Thanks for all the advice and input guys, wouldn't have known about OEM or Carlite glass.