Using non-OEM style windshield replacement...

[MALMGRDC]

Trying to get a feeler for those of us running around with "non-OEM" acoustic glass (or whatever it is) for the front windshield. I am having a hard time justifying $500+ for OEM style glass. Any horror stories or bad reviews using whatever Safelite offers for $200? I personally have never had an issue doing this with 3 other vehicles, but I know these cars can be kind of funny sometimes... Any advice is appreciated!

[Deckster]

I have a non oem glass and it’s totally fine I would think. I wouldn’t mind spending $500 on oem glass but I didn’t even see that option when I looked around lol.


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[mr_Law]

Essentially all glass is aftermarket. No car manufacturer makes glass. The same companies that make the oem make the replacements. If you get pilkington or saint gobain it’s the same just without the Audi logo.

Btw I’m a Safelite tech. Just tell them which manufacturer you prefer. The one they’re going to give you might be fuyao. They’ve made great changes over the last years and are even used by manufacturers as oem as well.

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[KingKostas]

Non oem is fine , just usually thinner material and u have more cabin noise, atleast i did when i had it. If u got comprehensive coverage with windshield, most spots dont have u pay the deductible


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[MALMGRDC]

Was really considering the expensive glass. It's not out of the budget or anything, but I guess I was trying to justify it. I appreciate the input! Dropping the car off tomorrow morning at Safelite for $215 out the door with a $30 discount code. Finally had a crack run the entire length of the windshield during the last snow right after my defrosters warmed up. Thanks for the input everyone!

[vce1232000]

aftermarket FYG is okay
Order Stock Part Number My Price
Yes FW02301 GYY FYG $45.69


Stock Part Number Source Warehouse My Price
Call FW02301P GYY SEK $71.75

The difference between the 2 you can . Most of the time the FYG brand the retainer is for the cowl is hanging off the glass. The Sekurit which is oem doesnt have this issue & the clarity is way better. FYG are known for distortions. btw I own a auto glass replacement biz & do installations for over 25 years. If I had the choice it will be a Sekuirt all day for me

[QuattriumMT6]

Could just be me but I noticed the windshield wipers/sensitivity to rain and the amount of rain is different between my stock glass and my current aftermarket. Wish I went OEM but that’s just my 2 cents.

[aluthman]

aftermarket FYG is okay
Order Stock Part Number My Price
Yes FW02301 GYY FYG $45.69


Stock Part Number Source Warehouse My Price
Call FW02301P GYY SEK $71.75

The difference between the 2 you can . Most of the time the FYG brand the retainer is for the cowl is hanging off the glass. The Sekurit which is oem doesnt have this issue & the clarity is way better. FYG are known for distortions. btw I own a auto glass replacement biz & do installations for over 25 years. If I had the choice it will be a Sekuirt all day for me

I was waiting on you to chime in here lol.

[vce1232000]

I was waiting on you to chime in here lol.

....

[vce1232000]

Could just be me but I noticed the windshield wipers/sensitivity to rain and the amount of rain is different between my stock glass and my current aftermarket. Wish I went OEM but that’s just my 2 cents.

Did they a new rain sensor gel

[mr_Law]

Was really considering the expensive glass. It's not out of the budget or anything, but I guess I was trying to justify it. I appreciate the input! Dropping the car off tomorrow morning at Safelite for $215 out the door with a $30 discount code. Finally had a crack run the entire length of the windshield during the last snow right after my defrosters warmed up. Thanks for the input everyone!

Just make sure to watch the process. I wouldn’t trust or allow anyone to use a pull knife or long blade on my car. They should be using what’s called a fiber line to remove your glass and protected scrapers to remove the glue. This is to prevent damage to the body of your car. A lot of companies don’t and leave scratches that cause rust over time.

[vce1232000]

Just make sure to watch the process. I wouldn’t trust or allow anyone to use a pull knife or long blade on my car. They should be using what’s called a fiber line to remove your glass and protected scrapers to remove the glue. This is to prevent damage to the body of your car. A lot of companies don’t and leave scratches that cause rust over time.

I agree with you 100% on this. Op here are some of the tools that should be used with a removal process. Every glass company or individual should have these tools. The last pictures are from a 2019 Audi R8 that I did with these tools. Urethane that is used to secure a windshield in is also important. They should be using a high modules quality urethane to not flex as much as regular urethane. This aids with the stability under harder handling conditions. I use SIKA ASAP+ myself. The urethane has to be heated to achieve a quick set up. It has a sdat of 30 minute drive away

[mr_Law]

I agree with you 100% on this. Op here are some of the tools that should be used with a removal process. Every glass company or individual should have these tools. The last pictures are from a 2019 Audi R8 that I did with these tools. Urethane that is used to secure a windshield in is also important. They should be using a high modules quality urethane to not flex as much as regular urethane. This aids with the stability under harder handling conditions. I use SIKA ASAP+ myself. The urethane has to be heated to achieve a quick set up. It has a sdat of 30 minute drive away

[]

You got that tool from someone in Safelite lol


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[vce1232000]

You got that tool from someone in Safelite lol

And

[texadelphia]

Sorry for hijacking the thread but since we have some glass guys in here, what's the criteria on repairing chips? I've got one on mine that has developed about a half inch crack. Is it worth getting repaired or would a glass shop tell me to just come back when the crack is big enough to do the windshield? I've had some luck with the permatex DIY repair kits but I'm wondering if this one is too far gone or if maybe a pro might have better success.

[vce1232000]

Sorry for hijacking the thread but since we have some glass guys in here, what's the criteria on repairing chips? I've got one on mine that has developed about a half inch crack. Is it worth getting repaired or would a glass shop tell me to just come back when the crack is big enough to do the windshield? I've had some luck with the permatex DIY repair kits but I'm wondering if this one is too far gone or if maybe a pro might have better success.

My practice has always been to advise the repair when all possible. I dont care how are you @ a windshield. There always a small % chance of leaks & damage. & if its an original windshield. You want to try to keep in in their as long as possible. Some of the aftermarket glass out here is JUNK. My windshield is pitted bad enough to when in direct sun. I will not change it unless I have to because it the original windshield to the vehicle. I use a older style bridge repair kit. As I can control the psi to maximize optical & structural results vs a automated system that have higher chances of a crackout

[texadelphia]

My practice has always been to advise the repair when all possible. I dont care how are you @ a windshield. There always a small % chance of leaks & damage. & if its an original windshield. You want to try to keep in in their as long as possible. Some of the aftermarket glass out here is JUNK. My windshield is pitted bad enough to when in direct sun. I will not change it unless I have to because it the original windshield to the vehicle. I use a older style bridge repair kit. As I can control the psi to maximize optical & structural results vs a automated system that have higher chances of a crackout

This is what I figured. There's a pretty bad patch of scratches from a failed or dirty windshield wiper right in the driver's field of vision on mine so I was contemplating just getting it replaced but I had a pretty bad experience with a replacement on my Golf and was never happy with that piece of glass. It had weird distortions on the sides that would kind of give me motion sickness and the install was sloppy. Guess I'll find a local shop to do a repair and hopefully prevent it from spreading. Is safelite the way to go for repairs or is a well reviewed independent shop a better bet?

[megarex]

"The windshield provides a significant amount of strength to the structural support in the cabin of the vehicle. For instance, in a front end collision the windshield provides up to 45% of the structural integrity of the cabin of the vehicle and in a rollover, up to 60%."

something to think about when choosing glass. OEM glass from GAP is ~$300

[mr_Law]

This is what I figured. There's a pretty bad patch of scratches from a failed or dirty windshield wiper right in the driver's field of vision on mine so I was contemplating just getting it replaced but I had a pretty bad experience with a replacement on my Golf and was never happy with that piece of glass. It had weird distortions on the sides that would kind of give me motion sickness and the install was sloppy. Guess I'll find a local shop to do a repair and hopefully prevent it from spreading. Is safelite the way to go for repairs or is a well reviewed independent shop a better bet?

No one should give their opinion on what shop or Safelite as everyone doesn’t have experience with everyone. Meaning you can have a bad experience with one person not the company as a whole.


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[aluthman]

Vce1232000 is my glass guy. I recommend him lol.

[Kevin C]

aftermarket FYG is okay
Order Stock Part Number My Price
Yes FW02301 GYY FYG $45.69


Stock Part Number Source Warehouse My Price
Call FW02301P GYY SEK $71.75

The difference between the 2 you can . Most of the time the FYG brand the retainer is for the cowl is hanging off the glass. The Sekurit which is oem doesnt have this issue & the clarity is way better. FYG are known for distortions. btw I own a auto glass replacement biz & do installations for over 25 years. If I had the choice it will be a Sekuirt all day for me

As far as I can tell the basic windshield design is the same for the B6 and the B7. Since my B6 is due for a new windshield is there anything stopping my from using the acoustic glass from a B7 in a B6?

[vce1232000]

This is what I figured. There's a pretty bad patch of scratches from a failed or dirty windshield wiper right in the driver's field of vision on mine so I was contemplating just getting it replaced but I had a pretty bad experience with a replacement on my Golf and was never happy with that piece of glass. It had weird distortions on the sides that would kind of give me motion sickness and the install was sloppy. Guess I'll find a local shop to do a repair and hopefully prevent it from spreading. Is safelite the way to go for repairs or is a well reviewed independent shop a better bet?

All I can suggest is do some research in your area. There are some real AWESOME repairs only guys that can preform magic with the new resin technology out there. There is even grey tinted color resin that blends in excellent with solar tinted glass that makes it like nothing ever happened. I always say national box chain stores can not compare with a small company or individuals as far as excellence in products & service. Perfect example if you really appreciate @ REAL pizza. You aint gonna go to a Domino's or Pizza hut

[Charles.waite]

^^ Don't see why not.

I have a Fuyao, went through insurance and it was $50 deductible after I got pegged by a huge rock on my way to Leavenworth for the Leavenworth drive a few years back and developed a huge crack. No waviness and clarity is far superior to my seemingly sandblasted oem glass.

VCE, you ever replace glass on a 4M Q7 with the heads up display? How much do those panes run? Mine has two large chips. And is repair directly on the heads up region feasible? wondering if I should find a glass guy to repair the chips. What is a good place to research? Yelp?

[vce1232000]

As far as I can tell the basic windshield design is the same for the B6 and the B7. Since my B6 is due for a new windshield is there anything stopping my from using the acoustic glass from a B7 in a B6?

nothing @ all. The acoustic is quieter for a few decibels. The laminate in between the glass is thicker

[vce1232000]

^^ Don't see why not.

I have a Fuyao, went through insurance and it was $50 deductible after I got pegged by a huge rock on my way to Leavenworth for the Leavenworth drive a few years back and developed a huge crack. No waviness and clarity is far superior to my seemingly sandblasted oem glass.

VCE, you ever replace glass on a 4M Q7 with the heads up display? How much do those panes run? Mine has two large chips. And is repair directly on the heads up region feasible? wondering if I should find a glass guy to repair the chips. What is a good place to research? Yelp?

Dune plenty of them. Most heads up display also has the ldws camera. I would not recommend fyg glass for that vehicle because of the hud area is fuzzy after the installation & the camera bracket is not oem style & have issue's being calibrated. Audi dealers around here will not even calibrate then unless its oem dealer glass. I use a Autel system to calibrate them when I do the installations. I always recommend oem dealer glass.
Audi Q7 2017 4 Door Utility
Not guaranteed to be a 100% complete listing. Click on a part number for availability.
Part Number Description
FW04144 17- Audi Q7-4D U(Encp, Slr, Acstc Intrlyr, Rn Snsr)**SEK=OE**
FW04145 (4M0845099ANVB) 17- Audi Q7-4D U(Slr, Acstc Intrlyr, LDWS, Rn Snsr)
FW04383 (4M0845099BNVB) 17- Audi Q7-4D Utility(Encap, HUD, Slr, Acstic Intrlyr, LDWS, Rn Snsr)
FW04384 (4M0845099FNVB) 17- Audi A7-4D U(Encp, Acstc Intrlyr, LDWS, Slr Ctd, Rn Snsr)
FW04385 (4M0845099GNVB) 17- Audi Q7-4D U(Encp, HUD, Acstc Intrlyr, LDWS, Slr Ctd, Rn Snsr)
FW04386 17- Audi Q7-4D U(Encp, Slr, LDWS, Fully Htd, Acstc Infrared Intrlyr, Rn Snsr)
FW04387 17- Audi Q7-4D U(Encp, HUD, Slr, LDWS, Fully Htd, Acstc Infrared Intrlyr, Rn Snsr)

[vce1232000]

Vce1232000 is my glass guy. I recommend him lol.

I only trust certain small out tech's to work on my vehicles. You are 1 of them

[Charles.waite]

Dune plenty of them. Most heads up display also has the ldws camera. I would not recommend fyg glass for that vehicle because of the hud area is fuzzy after the installation & the camera bracket is not oem style & have issue's being calibrated. Audi dealers around here will not even calibrate then unless its oem dealer glass. I use a Autel system to calibrate them when I do the installations. I always recommend oem dealer glass.
Audi Q7 2017 4 Door Utility
Not guaranteed to be a 100% complete listing. Click on a part number for availability.
Part Number Description
FW04144 17- Audi Q7-4D U(Encp, Slr, Acstc Intrlyr, Rn Snsr)**SEK=OE**
FW04145 (4M0845099ANVB) 17- Audi Q7-4D U(Slr, Acstc Intrlyr, LDWS, Rn Snsr)
FW04383 (4M0845099BNVB) 17- Audi Q7-4D Utility(Encap, HUD, Slr, Acstic Intrlyr, LDWS, Rn Snsr)
FW04384 (4M0845099FNVB) 17- Audi A7-4D U(Encp, Acstc Intrlyr, LDWS, Slr Ctd, Rn Snsr)
FW04385 (4M0845099GNVB) 17- Audi Q7-4D U(Encp, HUD, Acstc Intrlyr, LDWS, Slr Ctd, Rn Snsr)
FW04386 17- Audi Q7-4D U(Encp, Slr, LDWS, Fully Htd, Acstc Infrared Intrlyr, Rn Snsr)
FW04387 17- Audi Q7-4D U(Encp, HUD, Slr, LDWS, Fully Htd, Acstc Infrared Intrlyr, Rn Snsr)

Thanks. I can sorta piece together the option differentiating shorthand in those options lists, except Slr Ctd (solar...what?). My car is prestige so it has All The Packages™. So no chance of repair on top of the HUD polarizer/reflector element (or whatever it is)?

I was hoping to have the used car dealer replace the glass before we took delivery, but in hindsight I'm glad we didn't have them do it since it would have likelybeen half assed and used cheap glass. I've been lucky with Pilkington and Fuyao in the past but thats on much "simpler" B6/7s and our Q5 without anything more involved than a rain sensor. Having a fuzzy HUD area directly in your line of sight would be unforgivable (not to mention the wrath of wifey would be brutal). In any event I'll look around for local guys. Any tips on what to look for for an independent glass guy?

[vce1232000]

Thanks. I can sorta piece together the option differentiating shorthand in those options lists, except Slr Ctd (solar...what?). My car is prestige so it has All The Packages™. So no chance of repair on top of the HUD polarizer/reflector element (or whatever it is)?

I was hoping to have the used car dealer replace the glass before we took delivery, but in hindsight I'm glad we didn't have them do it since it would have likelybeen half assed and used cheap glass. I've been lucky with Pilkington and Fuyao in the past but thats on much "simpler" B6/7s and our Q5 without anything more involved than a rain sensor. Having a fuzzy HUD area directly in your line of sight would be unforgivable (not to mention the wrath of wifey would be brutal). In any event I'll look around for local guys. Any tips on what to look for for an independent glass guy?

I would @ google reviews. Yelp imo can be deceiving. You can repair in the hud area. I would find a repair only guy & go from there. Here's a site that you can get a quick education http://www.dailyautocare.com/windshi...r-resin-types/ . Then ask what type of system he is using. & I dont mean the cheap rainx type @ walmart either. here's a site for a recognized repair system that professionals use https://glasweld.com/windshield-repair/ . Be glad the used car dealer didnt replace. Most around here want the cheapest $$$$$ can buy to fit in the whole. Here a picture of what have some dealer want you do do to modify a ldws



A fyg equipped ldws windshield. closely @ that crooked bracket

no way this would have passed a re-calibration. I had to use a oem carlex windshield for this 2019 nissan rogue.

[vce1232000]

"The windshield provides a significant amount of strength to the structural support in the cabin of the vehicle. For instance, in a front end collision the windshield provides up to 45% of the structural integrity of the cabin of the vehicle and in a rollover, up to 60%."

something to think about when choosing glass. OEM glass from GAP is ~$300

Yes sir..... But some people dont THINK. They just want the cheapest. I tell them you called the wrong person. I dont do cheap. I do high quality. Call the cheap guy that advertises $99.00

[Charles.waite]

"The windshield provides a significant amount of strength to the structural support in the cabin of the vehicle. For instance, in a front end collision the windshield provides up to 45% of the structural integrity of the cabin of the vehicle and in a rollover, up to 60%."

something to think about when choosing glass. OEM glass from GAP is ~$300

GAP doesn’t exist anymore do they? There is still a site but it’s completely different and my account no longer works (and reset password doesn’t result in an email). Maybe a new site and new database, but they didn’t migrate old users? Not really confidence inspiring, especially since I used to order a lot of stuff from them.

Also I’m pretty sure they didn’t ship glass. So the point is/was moot.

[MALMGRDC]

Well, my gamble paid off. My new windshield looks great and there are no waves or distorted curves when looking from the driver and passenger seat. Out the door for $208! Big props to the Safelite in Aurora, Colorado.

[megarex]

GAP doesn’t exist anymore do they? There is still a site but it’s completely different and my account no longer works (and reset password doesn’t result in an email). Maybe a new site and new database, but they didn’t migrate old users? Not really confidence inspiring, especially since I used to order a lot of stuff from them.

Also I’m pretty sure they didn’t ship glass. So the point is/was moot.

my login didn't work either -poor migration, they should have hired me. I just made a new account. gap is one of the dealers in san diego, pretty sure they will ship the glass to a dealership nearest you if you ask them.

[Charles.waite]

I checked with them for new drivers window glass when my Q5 was broken into and I recall seeing they didn’t ship glass but maybe I was mistaken?

If it’s still the same old GAP then I guess I’ll make a new account. You would think they’d prioritize importing their damn customer/account database but who knows.

[KJack]

Btw I’m a Safelite tech. Just tell them which manufacturer you prefer. The one they’re going to give you might be fuyao.

Have you seen the Netflix documentary “American Factory”? It’s a look inside Ohio’s Fuyao windshield factory. Pretty fascinating contrast between American and Chinese work ethics and expectations.

[BLNT]

I saw that a few months back - interesting to be sure!

-----------

My Q8 Prestige took a rock to the windshield on the interstate a couple of months ago. It was initially a small (quarter size) chip/starburst. Last week it sent out a crack several inches... so.. time to act (or past time)!

Went online with Geico and they set me up with Safelite. However, on the paperwork from Safelite it indicated that my vehicle was a Q7, and had the following part number FW04383. I then tried to call Safelite (both the local and national number) and could only get a recording, and not even one which would accept messages - citing, of course, COVID as an excuse... however accurate that may be. At any rate, GEICO had to get in touch with them. They replied back to GEICO that they could not pull up the correct windshield in their system, and would need to check with the dealer.

Their total invoice (apparently all covered by GEICO) was $971 --- including $546 (for the wrong windshield), $168 labor, $30 "kit", $13 rain sensor adhesive, and $138 for "Recal static" (is that recalibrate?)

At the bottom it states (under comments) "Part requires recalibration (Bosch coverage)."

--------------------------

My confidence was low with Safelite - so I called the dealer, who indicated they could have the part the next day (today) and install Saturday, with a loaner vehicle.

Their rates:

Labor to install windshield 300.00

Labor to calibrate front camera 300.00

Part $1068.34 4M8-845-099-J-NVB


I got in touch with GEICO, who said I'd have to pay out of pocket if I went the dealer route, but that they would then reimburse me. The issue there is... they won't cover labor at over $40/hr and will only pay prevailing rates on the part itself. Recalibration, who the heck knows. Basically, they send me what they want to.

I have a 2000 mile road trip coming up in 10 days, and getting it done quickly, and right, is important.

Thoughts on all of this?

[audilove3]

i need a new windshield too does it make ur insurance go up if u use it during your policy? and idk what they give or send me atleast it wont look like it was in an accident. but as for now im hesitant because i dont want any increases in ins

[BLNT]

i need a new windshield too does it make ur insurance go up if u use it during your policy? and idk what they give or send me atleast it wont look like it was in an accident. but as for now im hesitant because i dont want any increases in ins

My understanding, in Florida at least, is that it shouldn't impact your rates.

[esandes]

I had OEM glass changed a couple of times then I used fuyao twice. Huge difference.

The tint on the top is much less. The glass distorts images near the left and right edge. Just cheaper.

It takes some time to get used to the distortion.

I'd get the OEM. My insurance covers glass so I had no choice.

[mr_Law]

I saw that a few months back - interesting to be sure!

-----------

My Q8 Prestige took a rock to the windshield on the interstate a couple of months ago. It was initially a small (quarter size) chip/starburst. Last week it sent out a crack several inches... so.. time to act (or past time)!

Went online with Geico and they set me up with Safelite. However, on the paperwork from Safelite it indicated that my vehicle was a Q7, and had the following part number FW04383. I then tried to call Safelite (both the local and national number) and could only get a recording, and not even one which would accept messages - citing, of course, COVID as an excuse... however accurate that may be. At any rate, GEICO had to get in touch with them. They replied back to GEICO that they could not pull up the correct windshield in their system, and would need to check with the dealer.

Their total invoice (apparently all covered by GEICO) was $971 --- including $546 (for the wrong windshield), $168 labor, $30 "kit", $13 rain sensor adhesive, and $138 for "Recal static" (is that recalibrate?)

At the bottom it states (under comments) "Part requires recalibration (Bosch coverage)."

--------------------------

My confidence was low with Safelite - so I called the dealer, who indicated they could have the part the next day (today) and install Saturday, with a loaner vehicle.

Their rates:

Labor to install windshield 300.00

Labor to calibrate front camera 300.00

Part $1068.34 4M8-845-099-J-NVB


I got in touch with GEICO, who said I'd have to pay out of pocket if I went the dealer route, but that they would then reimburse me. The issue there is... they won't cover labor at over $40/hr and will only pay prevailing rates on the part itself. Recalibration, who the heck knows. Basically, they send me what they want to.

I have a 2000 mile road trip coming up in 10 days, and getting it done quickly, and right, is important.

Thoughts on all of this?

Just so you know. The information we receive regarding your vehicle is provided by your insurance company. The dealer Does Not install glass and outsources the work to who ever they may use. Sometimes it’s actually Safelite. The reason why your insurance won’t pay is because it’s an inflated cost for simply being a middle man for the dealer.
Safelite offers lifetime warranty against workmanship and the insurance company loves that.
If your vehicle is equipped with Forward collision it Must be recalibrated which we do as well. And if the only glass available for your vehicle is dealer only then cool for you, but if you do not request OEM your insurance will not just willingly say, hey we want to pay more, let’s order oem.


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[mr_Law]

I had OEM glass changed a couple of times then I used fuyao twice. Huge difference.

The tint on the top is much less. The glass distorts images near the left and right edge. Just cheaper.

It takes some time to get used to the distortion.

I'd get the OEM. My insurance covers glass so I had no choice.

Fuyao is actually making a lot of oem glass as well


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