My Mitsubishi evo is 10 years old and on her 1st windshield and I live in one of the harshest places out there. That thing was built to last.Did this recently on my 2015 and trusted independent glass shop recommended aftermarket, I mentioned reading about waviness, distorted view etc. They said, hadn't had this problem, they pre-check every new piece of glass for this and if somehow I didn't like it, they would swap for other brand (I pay the difference). I'm very picky and have been happy with this glass, but all windshields are flimsy junk compared to cars from the 1960s and 70s. I paid about $275 complete.
I inspected the windshields on the 2019s on the dealer lot and they were also AGC acoustic glass.The OEM on the 17-18 Foresters are complete garbage. The worst I have ever come across.
No sure if they are using the same manufacturer/process in the 19's.
Regardless, I would recommend aftermarket all day if it works seamlessly with ES.
What brand of aftermarket glass did you have installed?Did this recently on my 2015 and trusted independent glass shop recommended aftermarket, I mentioned reading about waviness, distorted view etc. They said, hadn't had this problem, they pre-check every new piece of glass for this and if somehow I didn't like it, they would swap for other brand (I pay the difference). I'm very picky and have been happy with this glass, but all windshields are flimsy junk compared to cars from the 1960s and 70s. I paid about $275 complete.
This is what I think will ultimately need to or wind up happening that causes manufacturers to address this issue. Once insurance companies begin denying claims due to multiple replacements is when the customer frustration will significantly amplify.With acoustic glass having better absorption of sound energy, manufacturers have used that benefit to reduce the thickness of the exterior and interior panes of glass to cut down on weight for fuel consumption purposes. The articles I've seen on this have suggested some manufacturers have left the exterior panes the same thickness while the interior panes were thinned, but I don't think that is a universal given.....in those articles they've stated the thickness decrease kept the structural integrity at "satisfactory" but didn't quantify what that means (probably an admitted loss in durability).
My wife works in insurance claims and windshield claims on newer vehicles utilizing acoustic glass is a trend they are noticing. They are lobbying some states to change laws around their requirements to offer replacement coverage as currently written.
Aftermarket may not offer acoustic glass. It may not all be bad to go that route, but you may see a loss in sound insulation as a result.
