WIndscreen Replacements - They're all the same?

[economicpygmy]

I've got a large crack in my simple windscreen (no gadgets). I have to use 1 of 3 fitters: Autoglass, Auto Windscreens* or National Windscreens.

I looked on here and owners club forums to see what to watch out for. Some people have moaned that the screens being crap. To mitigate this I requested an OE screen (from the fitter with the best reviews) because although I have use of another car, I don't have time for problems.

The chosen fitter* rang me up to tell me that *they* have rejected the OE screen and I would have to pay the full OE price £900. Perplexed I asked if they have contacted my insurer, to which they replied they haven't. I said that no t&c about this and if I was paying, firstly I would get an independent guy to do it, secondly, if they are refusing, Ill just try the other two competitors to see who will OK an OE screen. They are now going to 'reconsider when the managers back'.

Ultimately I'm sure its the same glass from the same manufacture made to the same spec, but they cant guarantee this and I just think, why take the risk?

Has anyone ploughed though this waffle? Is this just the standard BS to reject first pass?

Edited by economicpygmy on Monday 5th September 13:40

[jjones]

Had to have a replacement screen in a 1 series bmw. They turned up, put the screen in, made a chip in the paint and left again. When I tried to drive the car the distortion from the glass was horrendous - like drunk vision. They said they would come and assess it but that would take a week as they needed the glue to dry before they could change it. Didn't use the car for a week as it was dangerous. Installer came back out, said he agreed it was bad, fitted another from the same manufacture "that they just started doing business with". Sounded like flannel. Got another free paint chip on the second install as well much less distortion but not as good as the OEM glass.

[kalniel]

Sounds about right - OE screen will be whoever made/makes it for the car proper, replacement job will be someone a bit more local like Pilkington. It'll meet the same specification (solar attenuation, accoustic etc.) and chances are they'll already do that without you needing to chase up, but it's worth you specifying the features anyway to ensure it, especially if there were different variants that you could have had OEM. Especially important if you have a camera system as they need to make sure the distortion is the same or callibrate it again post install.

I've heard of replacement screens being a bit thinner but I didn't especially notice that with my own (was a UK-made Pilkington) - if so I'd file it under additional weight saving and pretend it would have cost a bomb to have specified that with the car originally. I've not noticed any increased propensity to crack/chip with the replacement, but if so, claim again I guess.

Edited by kalniel on Monday 5th September 14:28

[SteBrown91]

I had this issue when autoglass replaced the screen on my old 3 series. Fitted a screen with Chinese writing on that had loads of whistling at high speed.

When I then had to replace the screen on my Golf a couple years later I just paid a local company to do it outside of the insurance. It wasn’t a OE part but was assured it was a good quality part and the guy did a great job for a sensible price.

[economicpygmy]

Thanks guys, fills me with confidence Ill persist.
It took 5 minutes to call dealer and check cost; glass and fitting/surround kit is £750. So basically AW want me to pretty much pay for the entire windscreen if I want OE.
What on earth are they proposing to fit that costs about £10 lol

[bigandclever]

I think pinging Glassman of this parish might be worth it.

[JakeT]

bigandclever said:

I think pinging Glassman of this parish might be worth it.

This. If it’s a keeper I’d rather pay and have the job done properly with good quality glass.

[jonwm]

My missus used to work form National Windscreens, I wouldn't recommend them to be fair, but they would charge you more for the branded "VW/BMW/Audi" windscreen at request.

They would get loads of PH type on the phone requesting/ demanding a branded one, they are essentially all the same but just the logo at the bottom apparently.

[jollysoutherner]

Speak with Glassman on PH. I wouldn't go anywhere else

[Chubbyross]

Yes, Glassman is your man. Hopefully he’ll see this thread and come to the rescue.

[Glassman]

economicpygmy said:

I've got a large crack in my simple windscreen (no gadgets). I have to use 1 of 3 fitters: Autoglass, Auto Windscreens* or National Windscreens.

I looked on here and owners club forums to see what to watch out for. Some people have moaned that the screens being crap. To mitigate this I requested an OE screen (from the fitter with the best reviews) because although I have use of another car, I don't have time for problems.

The chosen fitter* rang me up to tell me that *they* have rejected the OE screen and I would have to pay the full OE price £900. Perplexed I asked if they have contacted my insurer, to which they replied they haven't. I said that no t&c about this and if I was paying, firstly I would get an independent guy to do it, secondly, if they are refusing, Ill just try the other two competitors to see who will OK an OE screen. They are now going to 'reconsider when the managers back'.

Ultimately I'm sure its the same glass from the same manufacture made to the same spec, but they cant guarantee this and I just think, why take the risk?

Has anyone ploughed though this waffle? Is this just the standard BS to reject first pass?

Standard with most inscos and their nominated repairers. The arrangement (which they invited you to agree to) is, broadly, to replace a damaged windscreen (or glass). There usually is some smallprint specifying what they will, or won't allow but much of it is vague and ambiguous. If there is no stipulation on OE parts, I don't think they (the repairer) can ask for a supplement? They're keen to honour the deal they have (which may well be on average invoice value) by fitting the cheapest product they can find (enter ALL aftermarket brands, including Pilkington).

It does also get a bit complicated for them to do. Usually they would have to get approval. Once they have that Central Purchasing would have to raise an purchase order; someone then has to physically order that windscreen (which would then go to their distribution warehouse). It can take a bit of time to get to local branch/fitter's coverage area.

On a separate note, ask any fitter about the experience(s) between fitting aftermarket glass and genuine, OE. You won't find many who don't say that OE is better by far.

[P. ONeill]

jonwm said:

My missus used to work form National Windscreens, I wouldn't recommend them to be fair, but they would charge you more for the branded "VW/BMW/Audi" windscreen at request.

They would get loads of PH type on the phone requesting/ demanding a branded one, they are essentially all the same but just the logo at the bottom apparently.

Definitely not all the same, I’m sure Glassman, who seems well regarded in this Parish, will confirm.

[Glassman]

P. ONeill said:

jonwm said:

My missus used to work form National Windscreens, I wouldn't recommend them to be fair, but they would charge you more for the branded "VW/BMW/Audi" windscreen at request.

They would get loads of PH type on the phone requesting/ demanding a branded one, they are essentially all the same but just the logo at the bottom apparently.

Definitely not all the same, I’m sure Glassman, who seems well regarded in this Parish, will confirm.

Correct.

The OE part is manufactured from a blueprint that the car manufacturer owns. The 'equivalent' offerings are all copies often quite some way off the correct size, never mind the quality differences.

It should also be noted that whilst Pilkington is still regarded as a big name and a reputable brand, it is Japanese owned (since 2006) and the operation has been globalised after the parent company NSG consolidated smaller plants from around the world. When you look at the word, PILKINGTON on a piece of glass, there will be a dot over, under or beside one of the characters. These origin markers tell us where the glass was manufactured; Aken (the old SIGLA plant) Cacapava, Changchun, Sao Paolo, San Salvo, Sandomierz, Orja, Munro, Shelbyville to name a few.

You can put a genuine main dealer windscreen made by Pilkington against an aftermarket version also by them and there will be differences. It's not just a stamp.

[economicpygmy]

Glassman said:

economicpygmy said:

I've got a large crack in my simple windscreen (no gadgets). I have to use 1 of 3 fitters: Autoglass, Auto Windscreens* or National Windscreens.

I looked on here and owners club forums to see what to watch out for. Some people have moaned that the screens being crap. To mitigate this I requested an OE screen (from the fitter with the best reviews) because although I have use of another car, I don't have time for problems.

The chosen fitter* rang me up to tell me that *they* have rejected the OE screen and I would have to pay the full OE price £900. Perplexed I asked if they have contacted my insurer, to which they replied they haven't. I said that no t&c about this and if I was paying, firstly I would get an independent guy to do it, secondly, if they are refusing, Ill just try the other two competitors to see who will OK an OE screen. They are now going to 'reconsider when the managers back'.

Ultimately I'm sure its the same glass from the same manufacture made to the same spec, but they cant guarantee this and I just think, why take the risk?

Has anyone ploughed though this waffle? Is this just the standard BS to reject first pass?

Standard with most inscos and their nominated repairers. The arrangement (which they invited you to agree to) is, broadly, to replace a damaged windscreen (or glass). There usually is some smallprint specifying what they will, or won't allow but much of it is vague and ambiguous. If there is no stipulation on OE parts, I don't think they (the repairer) can ask for a supplement? They're keen to honour the deal they have (which may well be on average invoice value) by fitting the cheapest product they can find (enter ALL aftermarket brands, including Pilkington).

It does also get a bit complicated for them to do. Usually they would have to get approval. Once they have that Central Purchasing would have to raise an purchase order; someone then has to physically order that windscreen (which would then go to their distribution warehouse). It can take a bit of time to get to local branch/fitter's coverage area.

On a separate note, ask any fitter about the experience(s) between fitting aftermarket glass and genuine, OE. You won't find many who don't say that OE is better by far.

So its possibly that they just don't want the hassle so have told me a £££ figure to put me off i.e. the 'difference' is basically more than I can buy the screen and accessory parts from Subaru retail and have it delivered next day.

BTW thanks.

Edited by economicpygmy on Tuesday 6th September 12:51

[JagYouAre]

Twice I have had to get a windscreen replaced, both times it's been done by Autoglass (they appear to have exclusive contract with my insurer). Both times I requested an OE part and it has been approved by the insurer relatively quickly with no questions and no additional excess.

The most recent time there was a bit of a wait because getting the part from JLR took a while. When they carried out the replacement they commented that the car model was so new (most recent XF) that they had to contact JLR to get them to send them the calibration stuff over. I couldn't fault the work done but I know from looking at reviews that there is a wide range of quality amongst these national chains and it's a bit pot luck who you get.

[vikingaero]

One of my cars has an inferior replacement windscreen compared to OEM. The replacement doesn't seem optically correct at extreme angles and seems to be more prone to tiny chips/pock marks.

[economicpygmy]

JagYouAre said:

Twice I have had to get a windscreen replaced, both times it's been done by Autoglass (they appear to have exclusive contract with my insurer). Both times I requested an OE part and it has been approved by the insurer relatively quickly with no questions and no additional excess.

The most recent time there was a bit of a wait because getting the part from JLR took a while. When they carried out the replacement they commented that the car model was so new (most recent XF) that they had to contact JLR to get them to send them the calibration stuff over. I couldn't fault the work done but I know from looking at reviews that there is a wide range of quality amongst these national chains and it's a bit pot luck who you get.

Good to know. The reviews for Autoglass are very much hit and miss but Ill move onto them if I get no joy.
And on complete failure, possible road trip to glassman

[Heaveho]

vikingaero said:

One of my cars has an inferior replacement windscreen compared to OEM. The replacement doesn't seem optically correct at extreme angles and seems to be more prone to tiny chips/pock marks.

I'd agree that aftermarket / replacement glass seems to mark more easily.

[economicpygmy]

Glassman said:

Standard with most inscos and their nominated repairers. The arrangement (which they invited you to agree to) is, broadly, to replace a damaged windscreen (or glass). There usually is some smallprint specifying what they will, or won't allow but much of it is vague and ambiguous. If there is no stipulation on OE parts, I don't think they (the repairer) can ask for a supplement? They're keen to honour the deal they have (which may well be on average invoice value) by fitting the cheapest product they can find (enter ALL aftermarket brands, including Pilkington).

It does also get a bit complicated for them to do. Usually they would have to get approval. Once they have that Central Purchasing would have to raise an purchase order; someone then has to physically order that windscreen (which would then go to their distribution warehouse). It can take a bit of time to get to local branch/fitter's coverage area.

On a separate note, ask any fitter about the experience(s) between fitting aftermarket glass and genuine, OE. You won't find many who don't say that OE is better by far.

It's a good job I have other cars.

After further discussions with the insurance company I got a phone call from Autoglass to say glass had been ordered, then in stock and then to arrange appointment. Then I get a phone call saying that there has been a mistake and they want the full cost for the OE screen lol

The autoglass guy was getting infuriated, but I was asking a simple question:
OE glass retail £750 to me.
OE cost to them £530 (leaked after becoming slightly irritated).
Non OE el-cheapo presumably much cheaper.... £300??
=
Difference would be an extra £750. Erm, maths fail.

"Oh but its not the difference because you're not including fitting costs" while I'm sat there thinking, you already have to pay for fitting, overheads AND the glass then Im giving you an extra £640 (excluding excess) which is more than the cost of the glass to autoglass. If we exclude the fitting kit, presumably something they have to purchase in either case, that means the non OE windscreen costs £110; reassuringly cheap! Is that realistic?

Above you said "average invoice value" so I guess there is some odd contract calculation that results in me paying way over the odds.

And apparently there is no difference in the screen quality other than the logo... so I asked for the manufacture/spec which they couldn't give.

At one point the guy was frantically typing in the background, presumably bhing to a colleague, which is unfortunate as I don't like to wind up anyone but if you cant explain the costs in simple terms then thats what youll get.

Edited by economicpygmy on Wednesday 21st September 16:38

[Glassman]

economicpygmy said:

And apparently there is no difference in the screen quality other than the logo... so I asked for the manufacture/spec which they couldn't give.

I'm just an insignificant independent windscreen guy and even I can provide evidence to help with that there question.