Replacing cracked windshield

[TopDown13]

Last week (while on vacation) I discovered the windshield of my '13 convertible has a large crack in it. I've only had this car since May and I want the replacement to be exactly like the glass that is in it now. Does anyone have advice on what to look for/ask for when I have this replaced?

Also- this is probably a really stupid question, but the windshield has black dots around the edges and at the top near the rearview mirror. What are these for?

Thanks!

[Nutbutt]

Black dots are shading for sun. But make sure you are getting an oem windshield. I have seen one that was replaced and it was really bad quality of tint and shading (the dots you are talking about). It was not a glass manufacturer of windshield I ever heard of.

[yotaman96]

I wouldn't get one just like you have now. I'd get one without the crack. Stock windshield is made by Pilkington. To get one with the GM logo, you'll need to get it from GM. The glass company may be able to get one direct from Pilkington, but I don't think it would have the logo.

[hworth18]

And be prepared to pay a hefty amount if you have a HUD...

[theragtopguy]

Isn't it covered under warranty?

[hworth18]

Originally Posted by theragtopguy

Isn't it covered under warranty?

He could try to get it covered if he found a sympathetic dealer. Most likely he will have to pay for it out of his pocket if the damage was caused by a rock or outside influence. One other thing to consider is that some insurance companies cover windshield replacement and it's possible that the person will only have to pay a small deductable.

Topdown13, I would try taking it back to the dealer that you bought it from and see if they can help. If no luck there, I would next call your insurance company. If insurance will cover it, the damage should not go against your policy (or atleast that is my experience in the past).

Good luck!!!

[Baldman]

The Camaro has a history of cracked windshields. I guess it's the angle or something. I've had two replacements since I've had mine in 4 years. Luckily I live in Florida and the insurance covers it for free. Both times it was hit by a stone or something on the Interstate.

[spacedriver]

I've seen a post awhile back about racing windshields which they said where stronger and lighter in weight ,around the same price as the stock one,just a thought.

[JR 1]

I got a large crack in mine after just 3000 miles. I got a factory (OEM) replacement windshield through Safelite. It didn't cost any more, you just have to specify that you want an OEM windshield instead of the aftermarket windshield they would otherwise give you. I did have to wait a few extra days because they didn't keep OEM parts in stock. My insurance covered it minus the cost of deductible. I couldn't tell the difference from the original windshield so I was happy.

I had the windshield replaced on my last car and didn't specify OEM replacement parts and the aftermarket windshield was definitely lower quality. It had quite a bit of distortion.

[Russo]

as others have said, you want a Pilkington brand windshield.. the dots are for the third visor and they all come with it.. when deciding who you want to do the replacement, find someone local, stay away from national companies regardless of who your insurance company steers you to.. another thing that gets over looked is the brand of urethane used.. we use Dinitrol and it's OE on all GM vehicles.. some companies use a cheaper aftermarket urethane that isn't the same as OE..

[Baba]

I had a fantastic experience with Safelite last Summer. I had to have my rear windshield replaced in my Honda Accord and they did a terrific job.

They came to the house at a pre-arranged appointment time and did the replacement right there in the driveway. They called ahead and told me who the tech would be who'd be performing the work and provided the correct glass with the built-in antenna. Entire job took approx. 1 hour and 15 minutes (he had to clean up all the glass from the shattered window).

[intensifi]

Remember to tell whoever you get it from that you have a HUD (if you do).

[TopDown13]

Originally Posted by intensifi

Remember to tell whoever you get it from that you have a HUD (if you do).

What's a HUD? I'm used to that terminology as it relates to housing, not cars

My deductible is $100 for the windshield. I will definitely ask for one that is OEM. That is exactly the info. that I was looking for!

BTW - there is a pit mark from a rock that must have hit the windshield.

Thanks!

[yotaman96]

Heads Up Display