Windshield protection

[alxman]

I optioned the car with thermally and noise insulated glass. Overall, I am satisfied as it really keeps the cabin very quiet and seems to help with the temperature control. Of course, the weather is just starting to get warmer so we will see whether it makes a difference in “Hotlanta” in the middle of summer. The glass is supposed to be more resistant to breaking, probably because of the laminated build up. However, the glass seems more prone to chipping from road debris. I already have two less than a mm chips after driving on the highway. I considered placing a plastic protective film. However, one of the best companies in Atlanta, the one that did the PPF and ceramic coating, talked me out of it. They could happily take my money, but felt it was more cost effective to replace the windshield if it were to get damaged. They claimed that the film tends to get scratched by the wipers and then turns hazy and that it usually needs to be replaced in 1-2 years at most and at a cost of $400-500. I thanked them for their honesty. Just wanted to share it here in case someone else was thinking about it. My only concern is whether if and when the windshield needs replacing whether it would be available if not “made in the USA”. Same concern about any other parts the car may need in the future…

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[PrudentOcean]

Replacing the windshield is going to be expensive not just because of the cost of the glass, but it would also require calibrating the cameras by the rearview mirror.

I would rather replace the film than the glass.

 

[alxman]

Replacing the windshield is going to be expensive not just because of the cost of the glass, but it would also require calibrating the cameras by the rearview mirror.

I would rather replace the film than the glass.

It’s usually covered by the insurance. However, I didn’t think about the need for camera calibration. Hmmm

 

[PrudentOcean]

Also consider your deductible, that may be the same as the cost of replacing the film.

 

[alxman]

I found this article interesting. I am disappointed at Porsche if it’s true they cheap out on their windshield manufacturers:

 

[alxman]

Also consider your deductible, that may be the same as the cost of replacing the film.

I have good insurance. But you are right that the deductible may cost about the same. Do you have any experience with the film? Does it scratch easily and causes the windshield to look hazy when the sun hits it? That would be a negative point!

 

[PrudentOcean]

I have zero experience with the film. Just saying that given the cost of replacing even a standard windshield, replacing the film every couple of years makes economic sense to me.

I had a friend who needed to replace a windshield on his SUV, he used SafeLite. The cost of the glass (clear, single pane) was roughly what his deductible was, but then he still had to go to the dealer to get the cameras calibrated because SafeLite doesn’t have access to the tools.

 

[seabird]

I found this article interesting. I am disappointed at Porsche if it’s true they cheap out on their windshield manufacturers:

It's nonsense. Porsche windows and windshields are mostly made by Saint Gobain Sekurit, which is the largest glass manufacturer in the world and curiously not mentioned at all in the post you found, while competing brands are. As Sekurit makes windshields for all the brands accused of "cheapening" with zero citations, data, or evidence of any kind, it sounds a lot more like an axe to grind against a supplier than any objective reality.

The brands he specifically recommends also supply OEM glass to those same manufacturers as well--even just using VAG examples: Pilkington (Audi/Porsche) and Fuyao (VW). PPG/PGW used to be used as well for American market VWs.

 

[USMA81]

Over the years I have had the windshield replaced on several BMW’s and Porsche’s. On one of the first, I was disappointed with the replacement, which didn’t provide as much sound proofing as the OE glass. They went cheap on the glass. On a subsequent replacement on a different vehicle, I had to fight mildly with the insurance company to specify OE glass (they gave in after some hassle). On none of the replacements was the recalibration an issue.

Film might prevent small chips, but it won’t do much to protect from bigger rocks.

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