bvl

Would have to see where they got the OEM to support the quality hypothesis. If I was given the choice between PPG (who does a lot of glass) vs. stock made in China Safelite glass, I want PPG. This isn't to slam any and all things imported from China, but there are many products that are made on the cheap overseas in volume that happen to come from there. I was told that the Safelite glass was one of them by an employee.

I have had 3 replacements on my 2002 WRX via Safelite. Why three? Well first one didn't last all that long since there were quality issues in the glass (didn't seal...is that water coming in? why yes. Yes it is. Really guys?). They took care of that one, then a few years later crack #2. I used the same place (drive in, wait vs. at home/mobile). I had no real choice unless I went out of pocket with my insurance (USAA at the time, not some chump company). In all honesty the last one they put it didn't seal well either (can hear wind hiss in one corner) but it doesn't leak and I am tired of dealing with them.

Compared to the 2002 Subaru OEM glass, the replacements used simply did not have the same quality. Appearance, ease of chipping (how quickly does the glass start to pit? All cars as subject to micro-meteors when driving )

*My* experience is that Safelite uses **** glass but we often have no alternative because of the thieves ^D^D^D^D^D^D insurance companies have colluded with this company. If you try go elsewhere (say a local glass shop that uses PPG) you often get a hard time.

Its possible like paint, most OEMs are using thinner/cheaper glass now. I had original glass on my Miata. Pitted to hell, but it hit with plenty of highway rocks over 155K miles and was still chugging after 20 years. It did deserve a new windshield but I did not find a place I trusted to use good glass by the time I got sold it.

- b