Replacement windshield

[yankeecause]

What is the opinion of Safelite replacement windshields? My 2020 needs one. Will I be getting the sound insulated glass and the electric heat where the wipers park? Or should I try to get a Ford brand windshield?

 

[Bmac1955]

Me........I would go with Fomoco glass.

 

[BMW2FORD]

I'd also recommend to go with the OE FoMoCo glass. Too many defects on aftermarket parts and all the more reason if you have the frontal crash systems and cameras in the front glass.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

What is the opinion of Safelite replacement windshields? My 2020 needs one. Will I be getting the sound insulated glass and the electric heat where the wipers park? Or should I try to get a Ford brand windshield?

My auto insurance company sent me to a local Safelite shop to have my original windshield replaced on my 2015 Expedition Limited, after it was cracked by a rock.

When I called-in the claim, the insurance adjuster said the shop would use OEM glass (I have the sound-screen glass on the Limited).

The shop did a miserable job. They installed an aftermarket windshield, damaged the plastic air inlet grille (at the based of the windshield, but under the hood), and applied excessive black sealer on the right A-pillar (which oozed out from behind the inside plastic trim).

I would never recommend Safelite - poor quality and poor service.

 

[Deadman]

I'd get factory glass, MOST places use aftermarket junk. We had a Flex they put aftermarket glass in twice and it was louder than the factory glass by far.

 

[Gortty_Pilot]

Safelite can order the OEM Ford Sound Deadening windshield but it requires extra steps to make sure they actually order it instead of a generic comparable one.

In the past, I’ve replaced 2 windshields and Ford just contracted out the work to 3rd part installers. Regardless of where you go take a picture of markings on your existing windshield and ensure they are on any replacement windshield before installing. Any concerns should be brought up immediately to the installer.

 

[Bmac1955]

You can get Barcode info and part # of glass. I wouldn't settle for anything less even if it cost me money out of pocket.

 

[Rob6805]

Get the Ford OE glass. Don't use Safelite. Call your dealer and ask them who they use for glass replacement. It won't be Safelite..

 

[Anerbe]

+1 on the OE window. The more you get away from the OE glass, the less controls are in place at the manufacturing and install side. I've seen so many aftermarket windshields where the more you look off center, the more distortion you see (waves, shifts in visuals).

I had to get my windshield replaced on my older BMW due to pitting. Unfortunately, even though it was a manufacturer for BMW, they didn't make the OEM glass, and I can already see more distortion than the OE glass.

Best best is sourcing a part with a true OE Part Number.

 

[Gumby]

I got the OE soundscreen as a replacement (my 3rd) but after the OE one was replaced, the heated elements for the wipers disappeared! Not a big deal as I felt they never really worked that great.

Also, make sure to get the camera realigned.

 

[Meeker]

I got the OE soundscreen as a replacement (my 3rd) but after the OE one was replaced, the heated elements for the wipers disappeared! Not a big deal as I felt they never really worked that great.

Also, make sure to get the camera realigned.

I don't think I've ever seen snow melt on those wiper heaters... Are they even connected somewhere?

 

[yankeecause]

Thanks for the reply. I’ve make a appointment with my Ford dealer, I am getting OEM glass.

 

[Gumby]

I don't think I've ever seen snow melt on those wiper heaters... Are they even connected somewhere?

No idea...It sure never worked for me.

 

[5280tunage]

I have always used Safelite with great results, and like others on here, that's who my insurance company works directly with. However, my first time getting a new windshield on this vehicle, I decided to get Ford to do it. Was actually a pain as the dealer doesn't do the work anymore, they just order the glass and work with a local body shop to do the install. But I went that route as the dealer was almost $300 less than Safelite, as Safelite was charging substantially more labor (you know, to adjust the camera) whereas the dealer diddn't. Took overnight sadly, Safelite would have been done in two hours.

 

[LazSlate]

Get the Ford OE glass. Don't use Safelite. Call your dealer and ask them who they use for glass replacement. It won't be Safelite..

Does Ford even replace glass anymore or do they outsource it all. I know they have a new Certified Ford Glass Network now. Wonder if Safelite is part of that. I have always had good luck with Safelite but maybe they are getting too big and losing quality.

 

[Going_Going_Gone]

There is no comparison between Safelite and OEM. Safelite glass is manufactured with minimal quality control. If Harbor Freight sold windshields, they would probably be Safelite brand.

 

[Rob6805]

Does Ford even replace glass anymore or do they outsource it all. I know they have a new Certified Ford Glass Network now. Wonder if Safelite is part of that. I have always had good luck with Safelite but maybe they are getting too big and losing quality.

If by Ford you mean a dealer then they will definitely outsource the windshield install. The important part is that the glass used is genuine OEM.

 

[SyndicateZ]

Back in 2002 when I purchased my Mustang new it had a windshield leak. Ford ended up shipping a new OEM windshield to my local Giant Glass (Now Safelite)
They replaced the glass. Its the same exact glass as my original was with same markings etc.

 

[LazSlate]

I definitely understand Ford Glass is the only way to go. Although there is a vague meaning for OEM sometimes where its not as good as factory.
I know with BMW they list so many oems and only a few are good.

With factory glass as the replacement is Safelite reputable? And does Ford Dealer sub out to Safelite?

 

[Samantha1]

My Ford dealer subs out to a small local shop (not Safelite). The dealer gets Ford glass.