I have a cracked windshield and was wondering if anyone has experience with replacement. Dealer or glass shop like Safelite or Royal? Looks like a complicated replacement and maybe hard to remove/replace moldings and reseal. I'm leaning towards one of the aftermarket places but don't wan't to save a few bucks at the expense and aggravation of a bad job. Any advice appreciated. Thanks.

 

The aftermarket places are pretty experienced. I cracked one on my Honda Element. Interstate came to my house, did a perfect job, all for my Insurance $100 glass deductible..

 

My windshield just cracked last week. It's from a small pit below the driver's wiper that goes up from the dash and to the right. 8" long. Not being covered by insurance. I could get it repaired from the dealer.

Any Houstonian out there? Do you have any glass replacement recommendations?

Thanks!

06 MCa HB/W

 

lotta post out there on this. Don't use OEM glass, it's soft and pits quickly. PPG is the brand to go with, if you can. Have them order the plastic clips from MINI, 'cuz they'll break for sure when the old one comes out.

 

Thanks. I'm planning on PPG just need to know where to go. Oh, I have the rain sensor too. I'd like a recommendation instead of randomly picking from the Yellow Pages.

06 MCa HB/W

 

had my '06 replace with 4500 miles on it with a PPG through Harmon glass Very happy with the service $270.00 w/o sensor.

 

I had Safelite do two for me [non-sensor] and they did a great job. The companys that do this are only as good as the people they have doing it, so you'll probably get a lot of pros and cons on Safelite. I live in central Ga. and the Co. was out of Macon Ga. They came 80miles round trip and charged around $235.00 each as I remember. Were also right on time.

 

I went to Safelite in Albuquerque in 2006, after I hit a grain of sand or perhaps an aphid and the brittle mini-glass cracked. Excellent work, excellent product. The new glass is stronger or has more give to it-- 1 year ago a rock-strike left a big chip which still hasn't attempted to spread.

Note: Some glass installers have different prices for insurance-referrals and guy-off-the-street installations. My deductible was too big to mess with insurance paying for it, but USAA offered to set up the Safelite appointment for me via their computer. That way when I showed up for the glass, I got charged the cheaper price, then paid it ($200). If you have a big deductible and no glass freebies, might ask if your insurance company will set up something like this.

--doug

 

Thanks for all the replies. I'll talk to my insurance agent again. I have a high deductible and they only cover glass repair. Mini dealer quoted $450 w sensor.

This is my first car so it's all new to me.

 

I've had mine replaced twice. Once from asphalt thrown onto the winshield and craked in 2 places. Second was when a boulder ( looked like it ) came off a quarry truck and hit right at eye level where my wife was sitting. Didn't go thru but was close. The first time I let dealer do the replacement for originality as car was 4 months old. The dealer did not get the trim back right. The second was done at a reputable glass dealer/installer and was very well done. Be advised car must sit and dry for 8 hrs. and no car wash drive thrus for 24 hrs.

 

actually three part reply

1. Did you find 'search' yet? This question is weekly....

2. I've used SAFELITE many times over the years. They, and their glass product, are good....but as noted only as good as you local franchise. But the one time I had an issue they fixed it pronto. They've done my 02 twice now.

3."you're deductable is high" ... glass claims typically fall under the comprehensive part of your policy, not the collision part. Talk to your company. You may find, as many have, that you can drop your 'comp' deductable to zero for about 1/4 the cost of a windshield annually..... some companies have a totally sep' glass rider at similar low costs. I changed my anual comp from $250 deductable to zero, for 3 cars, for the price of a dinner for two at Applebee's. Never hurts to ask.

 

1) Yes I searched but I didn't find many local (Houston) glass companies mentioned. I'm mostly asking if anyone's had experience using a Houston glass or repair shop. I called Bavarian and they quoted higher than the dealer.

3) I have $1000 deductibles on both collision and comprehensive. I called earlier but I can check on zero when I call again.

Thanks everyone for all the advice.

 

PPG Where you get it installed, is your choice. I'm only guessing, but I think a strong majority has had the best luck with PPG.

 

I have PPG and it is holding up very nicely.

 

like said before if you have it replace make sure you replace the clips on your pilar covers. Otherwise the covers will fly off around 45MPH with other possible damage resulting.

 

Does anyone know how many clips there are under each pillar cover? on realoem.com shows there are clips and grommets for a total number of 8 each. Is it 8 on each side or 4 on each side? # 16 is grommet and #17 is clip. When the windshield is replaced, must the grommets be replaced like the clips? Folks who have experience in this area, please offer assistance.

I appreciate your advise.