Had my windshield repalce by Safelite. Not satisfied.

[Dr GP]

Had a stone chip with crack proliferation in the black area in the lower part of the windshield. Originally had a tech come out to the house to repair it. Technician said he was uncertain of how well he could do the repair since he could not visualize the extent of the cracks because it was in the black area. So since I had a $100 deductible,decided to replace the entire windshield, especially since the original showed extreme pitting that was especially annoying when driving in the direction of sunshine. No problem scheduling an appointment to come out to the house. Took about 45 mins . Tech was very professional. BUT. today I'm diving it for the first time and there is significant distortion in the windshield especially when I am looking toward the right side road edge. Called Safelite and they are sending out someone to evaluate it on Tuesday. BTW, I had a similar issue with the OEM windshield on my 2002 A6 2.7t. I'll keep you posted .

[jasonsowers]

They don't use OEM glass. The distortion is the waves in the cheap and soft glass. You get what you pay for and never use non OEM glass. It's going to pit worse than the glass you have bc it's so soft.

[SDV325]

Agreed, have to specifically mention OE glass or they will give you the cheapest crap they have. I called around and AUDI stamped glass would have been over $800 for a windshield, compared to $250 for cheapo glass.

Found a shop that will do OE equivalent glass for about $540, turned out to be pilkington, same stuff as the door glass. I'm pretty sure thats an OEM windshield without the Audi stamp, definitely satisfied.

[b8audis4]

When I originally got a quote through them they came in the cheapest at around $400. Then I asked for OEM glass and it was closer to $700, so I just ended up going to the dealer at that point to get a loaner for the day. I would see if you can pay the difference for OEM glass since this glass isn't right.

[cspcrx]

We had this issue on our Tacoma. Here in AZ its bad any way but seemed like every year we needed a new windshield and they seemed to chip and crack more easily than the original one did.

So we asked for OE/OEM glass and they tried to play the other was the same. There is a great thread on the forum about this if you search also.

Anyway the current windshield has lasted over two years. There is absolutely a difference.

[Dr GP]

This was arranged through my insurance co. Perhaps I can contact them as well. Not sure it will help though. But it doesn't hurt to try.

[4RingRook]

I went through the dealer/insurance on my last replacement. I got a Pilkington as well.

[Dirt]

Agreed, have to specifically mention OE glass or they will give you the cheapest crap they have. I called around and AUDI stamped glass would have been over $800 for a windshield, compared to $250 for cheapo glass.

Found a shop that will do OE equivalent glass for about $540, turned out to be pilkington, same stuff as the door glass. I'm pretty sure thats an OEM windshield without the Audi stamp, definitely satisfied.

You're correct: Pilkington makes the OEM Audi glass and your windshield is essentially OEM minus the Audi rings.

[LINDW4LL]

This was arranged through my insurance co. Perhaps I can contact them as well. Not sure it will help though. But it doesn't hurt to try.

I'd contact insurance, tell them replacement quality is unacceptable given the distortion, and ask to have it redone with OE Audi glass.

[k9lovr]

So I recently went through the windshield process and was originally scheduled with Satellite who has done a few of my windshields with no issues in the past. The day arrived for the appointment and when I arrived I asked if it was OEM or OE Equivalent. They went to check and then had me come look at the glass. It had a big stamp of made in China and NO mention of brand. I told them I didn't want the glass because of distortion issues I have read about. Went back through my insurance who does not pay for OEM outside of two years from new on the car. They stated satellite can source glass from many manufactures and I should call them back and request a different brand such as Pilkington. Meanwhile I called another glass company and I asked if they could provide the brand of windshield they would install and they told me it was Pilkington so I went with them and had zero issues with the glass.

I would let your insurance know you are unhappy and want a new piece of glass.

[DFS4]

I had my 14 S4 windshield replaced by safelite, when the tech arrived we discussed the differences between the safelite and the OEM, Safelife tech went back to shop and brought out a OEM Audi windshield. The OEM was twice the cost however. I have nothing but praise for safelite

[MN Blue S4]

I had the rear glass replaced in my wife's SQ5 last year. First piece had terrible distortion so it was replaced with a piece that still had distortions but in a different place. Both pieces of glass were just awful. Finally got it right with OEM glass on the third try. I learned my lesson and will always ask for OEM glass in the future.

[jimrobbington]

Similar experience here with safelite. Had windshield replaced under insurance, they did not use OEM glass. There was a scratching/squeaking noise with the glass in the a pillar area. They came bavk out to investigate, had me drive him around for a minute you produce the squeaking so he could hear it, and they replaced it with OEM glass and had no issues after that.

Sent from my SM-G930VC using Tapatalk

[Senseless]

Yes on Pilkington at Safelite; not sure if Audi OEM is any better or necessary except for HUD and sensors, maybe. Drop it at the shop instead of the mobile service.

[bhvrdr]

Don't forget the oem is "acoustic" and should have that stamped right on it. Make sure you insurance company didnt try and get out of providing the same.

[Dr GP]

I will call my agent tomorrow. The glass that I do have from Safelite is acoustic.

[veacomp]

I had Safelite replace mine but I requested OEM acoustic and have had no issues. Make sure to specify OEM and acoustic and you should be fine.

[steampunkjunker]

Paid for 2 rock chips / small cracks at safelight and they don't look as good as I hoped. Going to do OEM glass at some point. Wawanesa has an extra coverage for OEM parts. Just not sure if I should have the dealer do it or safelight.


Sent from my iPad using Audizine

[LYKUNO]

Paid for 2 rock chips / small cracks at safelight and they don't look as good as I hoped. Going to do OEM glass at some point. Wawanesa has an extra coverage for OEM parts. Just not sure if I should have the dealer do it or safelight.


Sent from my iPad using Audizine

The first replacement I had done was performed at the Audi dealer. Audi OEM glass was used, but I learned that the dealer contracts with Safelite to do the installation. A Safelite tech does the work at the dealership. The installer shredded the edge of the driver's side A pillar cover with his knife (used to cut through the sealant). Hard to see it, but I know it's there. Also noticed there were some fine scratches on the paint on the driver's side A pillar, and on the roof near the top of the windshield. Suspect the installer used a dirty rag to wipe those areas. Didn't notice these issues until a week later when washing the car. Buffed most of them out, but a few can still be seen in the right light.

Second replacement I went to a Safelite location (in a different city). Mentioned I wanted the OEM glass and got it. Also mentioned the issues I experience with the first replacement. The tech reassured me that they would be careful, and they were. Completely satisfied with this second install, and would use them again.

I would ask your dealer if their techs do the windshield replacement, or if they contract the work out to Safelite or another glass repair company (even if the work is done at the dealership).

[s4buckeye]

My Audi OEM glass is Saint-Gobain and not Pilkington on the Q7, and seemingly every Audi I have had is SG.

Have had a few replacements, always requested OEM acoustic and got it. Then again, I pay a little extra for an OEM endorsement on each car through my insurance as well....

[superswiss]

My Audi OEM glass is Saint-Gobain and not Pilkington on the Q7, and seemingly every Audi I have had is SG.

Have had a few replacements, always requested OEM acoustic and got it. Then again, I pay a little extra for an OEM endorsement on each car through my insurance as well....

+1... I have so far heard good things about Pilkington, but yes, Audi OEM is Saint-Gobain and not Pilkington. I never had an Audi that came with Pilkington glass at least for the windshield. I'm on the third windshield for my RS5 and my insurance initially want to only pay for OE equivalent glass, but when they went back to check it actually turned out there really isn't OE equivalent glass at least for the RS5. Not sure if it's the acoustic part or what, but they immediately agreed to pay for OEM glass again. I had my dealer order the glass to make sure it's the correct one. Never had issues. Always went with OEM glass on all of my cars. Too many stories like this out there about optical distortion and fitting issues with OE equivalent glass.

[sacandagaD]

There are three classifications of glass. The car comes with "OE" glass, so you must specify "OEM" glass or you may get "Aftermarket" glass.
Audi is no different than any other industries that assemble a finished product. They put their original glass needs out to bid, so one year Pilkington might have it and the next St. Gobain Sekurit. Regardless of manufacturer, "OE" has to meet Audi's specs and has the Audi logos stamped on them. However, the replacement "OEM" glass most likely will not have the the 4 rings on it, but should be of like quality and built to specs. "Aftermarket" glass has no such standard to adhere to.

[cspcrx]

Its the "OE Equivalent" you have to watch out for.

[superswiss]

However, the replacement "OEM" glass most likely will not have the the 4 rings on it, but should be of like quality and built to specs.

All the replacement OEM windshields I ever had had the same stamp and logo as the original glass. I took the picture @bhvrdr posted above and it's from my RS5 after it got replaced the first time. It's exactly the same glass that was there originally. I think you are talking about OEM equivalent glass, which is supposed to be the same exact glass as OEM, minus the logo. However, I have a theory on that. Any production process turns out different quality items. Not every item is perfect even if built to spec. I know that the way the tire industry works for example is that the highest quality tires go to the OEMs and the lowest quality get distributed through the discount channels. There are generally reasons other than branding why prices vary. I wouldn't be surprised if the same happens with glass manufacturing. The highest quality glass goes to the OEMs and the ones that are still technically within spec, but at the lower end of the scale get sold as OE equivalent and then there is aftermarket glass that doesn't adhere to any spec.

[sacandagaD]

..... I think you are talking about OEM equivalent glass, which is supposed to be the same exact glass as OEM, minus the logo."

Yes, it may not be made by the exact manufacturer of the OE glass, but is accepted by the dealer as a replacement for OE glass. And depending on car make, it may or may not have the logo on it.
Regardless, bottom line: OEE glass is to be avoided at all costs on a car you care about.

[Dr GP]

Update.

Today the Safelite tech showed up with the intention of punting in another of the same brand of windshield. BTW, the windshield that was originally used was a Fuyao glass. They are a Chinese company but the glass is made in the US by US workers. They make OEM and replacement windshields. The propaganda on their website says the replacement windshields are made the same as the OEM windshields and they are used by VW and other companies. Anyway, I told the tech, that if they out in another windshield and it has distortion, I would have them replace it again. And that I had already been in contact with my insurance co. Tech called his foreman and they agreed to put in an OEM windshield at no extra cost to me. Rescheduled for Thursday. I'll let you know how it works out.

[DufraineMK6]

I had to reschedule my suv for a follow up appointment because the top seam leaks air and I can push the glass out making the air noise even louder. I wonder if this is because I didn't use OEM glass.

[jygesq]

If you get Factory glass, the only other issue is the skill of the installer.

[Dr GP]

I had to reschedule my suv for a follow up appointment because the top seam leaks air and I can push the glass out making the air noise even louder. I wonder if this is because I didn't use OEM glass.

Glass is good, Installation not. I would go back to whoever did the replacement and make them fix it. It may need another windshield. If the windshield is not installed properly, the air bags will not work as designed in a crash. Windshield is actually a structural component. It is made to stay in place so it can support the inflated air bag. If you had it replaced under your auto insurance, you can get them involved. In any event, get it fixed asap.

[CDN BCN]

interesting posts here... i had Safelite replace the windshield about 1.5 years ago, needs replacing again! i can't tell you how many times i requested OEM glass and got Pinkerton, there is a difference in materials. also, safelite scratched the interior of the car, there was a scratch on the windshield that distorted light and they didn't correctly reconnect the rain sensor. i'll do my best to have someone else install the next windshield.

[bhvrdr]

[SDV325]

^^Same thing happened to my Subaru. Found a great deal on a windshield, too good to be true it seems as the following replacement rust was everywhere.

[bhvrdr]

^^Same thing happened to my Subaru. Found a great deal on a windshield, too good to be true it seems as the following replacement rust was everywhere.

Ive had 4 cracks repaired on the FJ because of this as opposed to just replacing the windshield. I dont want anyone breaking that paint seal.

Mike

[wtrsxn]

I have had similar experience with Safelite, ended up wasting so much time dealing with them to get it fixed.

[Dr GP]

Don't forget the oem is "acoustic" and should have that stamped right on it. Make sure you insurance company didnt try and get out of providing the same.

This is exactly what was installed by the Safelite tech today. Life time warranty. Or until another rock damages it. Have to now pay for new inspection stickers again. $11. No big deal.

[ojmcneill]

Safelite sucks. They're always trying to screw you bra. I had the windshield replaced on my previous a5 and after they swore it would be an OEM one, I came out to find the tech installing some shard from Zimbabwe or something. He was half way through finishing and I piched a fit. They ended up replacing with OEM but only after I had to threaten arm breakage. Sorry for the rant but this post brought up a bad bad memory.