A small stone (the chip was about 1mm in size...ugh!) has cause my windshield to start to spider. Was wondering what the general consensus is on replacements...should I insist on OEM replacement? Is there anything special about the factory windshield?

Thanks,

KC

2000 S70 GLT-SE

From experience (many windshields in my 850) the OEM is not superior. Just a lot more expensive. It is manufactured by Pilkington who are good, but there is equivalents. In Australia the Australian Autoglass brand is definitely more chip resistant and suffers less erosion pitting (plus 1/4 the cost). Like another re. said, the installation is critical - probably more important than the screen itself. Most dealers sub the install out anyhow so good luck!

You want OEM parts and, most important, someone who knows what

they are doing when they install a windshield. The windshield

is a structural component of a car. It provides strength for

rollover protection, etc. The glues used to hold it in are picky

(glass must be cleaned well and only handled with gloves -- oil

from fingers can cause the glues to not set up). Don't skimp

here since replacement windshields installed incorrectly are

a safety hazard.

I'd also avoid the ones that replace the windshield in your driveway

unless you never have foul weather this time of year.

Thanks for the reply.

I got it all scheduled and worked out. The shop that is doing the repair is the shop that my dealer uses for windshield replacement. They will be using a factory windshield, and will do the work in my driveway...and fortunately there is no rain in the forecast. Now I just hope this one last longer than 6 months..hehe.

KC

00 S70 GLT-SE

I'm not sure where you are located, but your insurance company may provide a service in which a repairman will come to you and "fill in" the chip. After it starts to crack however, I'm not sure they can stop it. I had mine filled in immediately twice after a chip and it remains un-cracked.

Good Luck.

Insurance will cover it. Unfortunately it started to crack within an hour of the impact.