Windshield replacement (should I get OEM glass?, how to determine a good shop)

"Doug McCrary" > wrote in message
news:_dY8f.16742$ti.14559@trnddc02...
>
> Yeah, if you read above you'll see I looked for, but couldn't isolate such
> law.
> Asked for chapter and verse. No specific response.

Then the people to ask (in person or on the phone) would be a Vehicle
Compliance Officer or Inspector. You can find those at a DOT Scale. They
will (around here anyway) look up the pertinent section of the Act and photo
copy it for a person.

Brian

In article .com>,
says...
>
>
>I just got a rock chip in my winshield, directly in my line of sight on
>my 97 Honda Accord. According to California law, I can't patch it, I
>must replace the winshield.
>I got a quote from a local glass shop chain.
>The cost is only $180 including labor.
>This seems way too inexpensive (although perhaps prices have dropped in
>recent years.)
>I am almost sure the the replacement is not OEM.

It probably isn't OEM. I've had windshields replaced for as little as $125.


>Is it important to use OEM replacements? Not only for safety reasons
>but for quality reasons as well.
>Also, the shop told me I can drive away in about 1/2 hour. This seems
>fishy to me as I would believe that the adhesives need to cure
>properly. I would appreciate any advice.

1/2 hr? They must be damn fast. I've watch windshields getting replaced and
it takes longer than that to do the job right. Rushing means making a bigger
mess that will take more time to clean up. Once the work is done, you can
drive right away. It will take a day or so to fully cure, but that doesn't
really affect the windshield unless you get caught in a storm.
---------------
Alex

In article . com>,
says...

>My experience with non-OEM glass is that it is as tough (or breakable)
>as OEM glass. There can be differences in quality however. I have
>seen non-OEM glass with a not well formed outer surface. As a
>consequence the windshield wiper misses one or more low spots in the
>glass. If it were me I would insist on OEM glass from the dealer.

Another difference I noticed when I got a windshield replaced was that the
OEM glass was thicker than the new windshield that was put in. Not sure if
that makes any difference.
-------------
Alex

Doesn't your insurance cover windshield replacement? In Mass it does.
MLD
> wrote in message
oups.com...
> I just got a rock chip in my winshield, directly in my line of sight on
> my 97 Honda Accord. According to California law, I can't patch it, I
> must replace the winshield.
> I got a quote from a local glass shop chain.
> The cost is only $180 including labor.
> This seems way too inexpensive (although perhaps prices have dropped in
> recent years.)
> I am almost sure the the replacement is not OEM.
> Is it important to use OEM replacements? Not only for safety reasons
> but for quality reasons as well.
> Also, the shop told me I can drive away in about 1/2 hour. This seems
> fishy to me as I would believe that the adhesives need to cure
> properly. I would appreciate any advice.
> Thanks
>

"Alex Rodriguez" > wrote in message
...
> In article . com>,
> says...
>
>>My experience with non-OEM glass is that it is as tough (or breakable)
>>as OEM glass. There can be differences in quality however. I have
>>seen non-OEM glass with a not well formed outer surface. As a
>>consequence the windshield wiper misses one or more low spots in the
>>glass. If it were me I would insist on OEM glass from the dealer.
>
> Another difference I noticed when I got a windshield replaced was that the
> OEM glass was thicker than the new windshield that was put in. Not sure
> if
> that makes any difference.
> -------------
> Alex
>
>First thing honda do not make glass they buy them just like any other
>company and OEM and non OEM are often actually made by the same company.
>the ONLY difference may be a honda logo printed on the glass so do not
>waste your money paying honda's mark up on the same glass. Second thing yes
>modern adhesives are very high 'grab' and surface cure in less than 30 min
>so you can drive the car after this short a time but the adhesive does not
>fully cure for 3/4 days so do not slam doors hard etc for about a week as
>the glass may move slightly.