Non-OEM windshields?

Is this an insurance deal? Because in Wisconsin, at least, they're required to pay for OEM if you insist.

I've had two Saabs over the years with non-oem windshields, and I haven't liked either of them. The tint is wrong, I thought they were more glare-y. I'd spend the extra cash and get the right one, and if it's an insurance claim (should be) demand the right part.

I know that Saab have used IR (infra red) reflecting windscreen glass on cars since at least the NG900. It is unlikely that the non-OEM glass will have this feature so you should ask the supplier about this feature. This kind of glass makes a significant difference to the AC load and in-cabin temperatures.

Sorry, forgot to mention that. I have a $500 deductable on my policy, and no special windshield-replacement deal. The Saab windshield is only $380, so the insurance doesn't help.

Hm.

ShazWozza wrote:

Hm. So it sounds like I'd better spring for the good glass. Bummer.

Thanks guys! Gary

I just wonder if there is such a thing as non-OEM glass? Surely Saab don't make the windscreen glass themselves, they probably source it from a common supplier, e.g. Pilkington. I wouldn't worry about it provided the windscreen is the exact specification for the model, which it has to be in any case. I once had a windscreen fitted from AutoGlass on my 9000 and there was absolutely no difference.

No, it wasn't just a Type 4 car windscreen, there are differences in colouring and the sun stripe.

Right, but to Saab's spec. The PPG or more generic replacement you'll get on the cheap, however, is made to fit the opening, not to meet Saab's specs.

(shrug) some people can't hear the difference between amplifiers, or see the difference between normal and HD TV.

An additional factor is that in a unibody car, the windscreen is a significant percentage of the strength of the body. I'm not sure I want to go with the lowest bidder when it comes to a structural element. And the glare is definately worse with the aftermarket windscreen in my 900 as compared to the stock ones.

Hello! Pilkington is a leading auto glass manufacturer of top notch quality. Used by many car manufacturers over the world.

That's fine, but in the US, you're not going to get Starla exhaust components, Pilkington glass, or Sachs suspension parts, as the "house brand" when you're buying parts. You'll get PPG glass, or someone you've never heard of, for a windshield. If it was the same folks that made glass for Saab, sure, but the only way to get that here is from the dealer. Been there, done that. Several times. It should go without saying that not all third-party glass is equal. But what would I know, I've only had two cars with crap replacement windsheilds.

OK, just to mention that the skill of the fitter is also important, and don't drive the car for 24 hours.

And, don't slam the doors with the windows closed while the adhesive is curing. And hope that the environmental conditions were right when they replaced your windshield at the side of the road. and...and...and...

Disagree.

Had the windshield replaced in my "00 9-3 at an independent glass shop in Pontiac, Michigan and it was Pilkington. I didn't ask for any thing other than a new windshield.

OK, lucky you. This is all not the central point, though, which is that getting the right glass is worth spending the extra money on.

I'll second that.

My '94 spec 9000 was appreciably more comfortable in the sun than my '93. Simply due to the glass.

Graham

There certainly is such a thing as non-OEM glass. Here in Australia (where we have a lot of windscreen damage due to stone chips and thermal cycling) the largest supplier of after market glass has their own glass source (probably China) and a mobile fitting service. I would imagine that similar companies operate in the US and other places. Their glass is cheaper, but but it doesn't have the same IR shielding. This has nothing to do with tint or a sun shield stripe.

Perhaps in the higher latitudes IR shielding is not such an issue, but it sure is here. After parking a car in the sun on a normal summer's day you can get a burn from holding the steering wheel. The ritual is to open the car, start the engine without contacting the leather seats with your body, wind down the windows and run the AC for a few minutes before it is safe to get in and drive.

OK, but then it's not a windscreen up to Saab's specification. Here most people have a windscreen insurance included with an excess of 50 GBP. If the windscreen breaks we drive to a glass shop who fits a new windscreen which has to be up to specification. In my case I got a Pilkington windscreen, which seemed identical. If it's called 'windscreen replacement', so why would you expect anything less?

Car windscreens are such advanced technology that manufacturers go to specialist companies rather than making them themselves.

Ah. Progress. We are talking about the same things after all then. Here, the insurance company is required to pay for the proper equivalent, yes, but if you or they want to cheap out, ones that fit but aren't "right" are available.

Why do companies like "Viracon", who made my 900's windshield exist? I'd imagine, to make profit. Based on the one in my car, it's certainly not to make OEM-equivalent glass.

Yes interesting that. On insurance policies here, you can have optional windscreen cover too, but because of the excess, if you don't have it you lose money still. But a high excess still means lower premiums, so it's offset in other areas.

I really do not like the idea of having to pay extra for choice of repairer, but the insurer I'd prefer to use for my Saab's (Shannons here in Oz) won't insure me because my car hasn't had full-comp insurance for almost a year now. sigh. At $300+ for rego, the same for full-comp, and again for compulsory 3rd-party, I decided to not renew the full-comp last year.

It's a really merry-go-round to get the right insurance options with the right sort of discounts.

Craig.

Our policies don't have an excess for the "Glass Cover".

The crucial point here, however, is not the excess but whether a windscreen event is counted in the all important No Claims Bonus.

UK policies don't count a glass claim against the no claims bonus.

Graham