[bhardy]

Hello All,

I noticed this week that I had a couple small chips in my windshield so I figured I could just have a mobile glass shop fix the chips. Since I have the MY13 2.5XT Touring model, which has the deicer in the windshield, I was informed that fixing the chips would not be possible. Not really what I was hoping for as I wasn't expecting the expense but I get it so I wanted to get a few quotes on a new windshield.

I got two quotes for aftermarket glass (with the heating element) and both of them are $220 +tax. Pretty reasonable. I also wanted to see how much the OEM windshield would run so I called up my local dealer (Santa Monica, CA) to get a quote. The parts department quoted my $920 + labor and tax?!?!?! I know OEM is usually more expensive but over 4x as much seems a bit off to me.

I'm hoping that some other SH owners or any generation in general could offer some advice as to what they have done in this situation. I imagine some of you have installed an aftermarket windshield. Any issues? Things I should look out for?


Any advice would be great. Thanks in advance!

 

[SoCalFozz]

Go aftermarket, less likely to break again. Buy the windshield without the deicer. Glass shop I talked to said absolutely no problem on Subaru if you don’t hook up the deicer. Since you’re in California I seriously doubt you need a deicer!

 

[ForesterBill]

What's the big deal with the deicer? My 2010 Limited had the wiper deicer and I had several chips fixed over the years. You might want to try another glass shop. Safelite did mine.

If you go with aftermarket glass, I hear that PPG/PGW or LOF makes good glass.

 

[ILuvMySubaru2]

Did they also tell you that not only is the OEM glass 4x as expensive but also may take months to get one because there have been so many OEM windshields breaking?

 

[Kevin]

Also check this thread: https://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f322/2018-subaru-forester-windshield-crack-edited-780995/

 

[bhardy]

@SoCalFozz @ForesterBill @ILuvMySubaru2 Thanks all for the input, much appreciated!

I had Safelite quote the replacement but I'll see if they can just fix the chip. If not will definitely go with Aftermarket after reading all this issues other owners are having with their OEM windshields.

And thanks @Kevin for the thread recommendation!

 

[frankinmaine]

I had a chip fixed once. $50

But it was just to the left of my prime line of sight. Small. But it drew the eye.

If I were going to keep the vehicle, and I could add $200 to it, I would. I am thinking about replacing my 15 windshield. Grit and speckles.

 

[DragonSubie7]

@bhardy - Have you considered adding glass replacement insurance on your auto policy?
If you have it, they will typically fix cracks and chips for free and replace the windshield when a repair isn't possible.

 

[HeyChris]

I had to replace my windshield earlier this year and went with OEM glass. With most aftermarket glass it will be wavy (distortion) as you look across the windshield. Something I cannot stand, it messes with my eyes too much.

You may wish to inquire with your insurance company and see if there is a windshield rider on your policy...

 

[Natedog]

What's the big deal with the deicer? My 2010 Limited had the wiper deicer and I had several chips fixed over the years. You might want to try another glass shop. Safelite did mine.

If you go with aftermarket glass, I hear that PPG/PGW or LOF makes good glass.

X2. My windshield chipped, starred (many) and then spiderwebbed even after having all chips and starts quickly fixed, new car glass is cheap crap. I don't have the de-icer on mine (would be nice) and recently went with aftermarket glass, at a local independent glass shop that has done many repairs for me over the years and asked them all the questions about wavy glass, distortions etc. They said guaranteed and they always pre-check it for waviness. I checked it out before paying and gotta say it looks good...and I'm very picky.

 

[Alex.F]

The safe choice it to go with OEM glass. Your insurance will cover it if you lean on them.
A large portion of your roof strength (70%) I think depends on the glass. Aftermarket glass is not built to the same standard as OEM, often times thinner & has fewer layers, this means more noise & less if any UV protection.
Correct install is also very important. Many replaced windshields will pop out during crash reducing rigidity of the passenger compartment & effectiveness of air bags.
Lots of windshield safety information available on the web. I did the research when I had to replace mine.