Windshield Replacement

[ryan1stinger]

I have at GT2. When I replaced my windshield I went through my insurance company and requested OEM glass. They outsourced me to Safelite which used OEM glass. They said they didn’t have calibration system for the Kia Stinger and I would need to go to the dealership to have that performed. My LDW system was malfunctioning before the windshield was replaced therefore I had to go to the dealership anyways.

 

[NIU_Huskies]

Suck it up--I think you're stuck. I've had my GTI windshield replaced twice now, and each time Safelite--a superb operation around here--acknowledged that their computer is wrong, they don't actually have a unit that works on my car, and that they'll have to buy it from the dealer. (The first time, the guy got the mirror off and did a thorough study of the factory glass vs what Safelite said was their replacement, and determined--correctly--that Safelite's computers were full of crap. He stopped, we ordered the factory glass, and all was well.)

If you insist on using third party glass, I'm afraid you'll be waiting for the rest of your life. It's only going to get more and more involved as time goes on.

So if I go to Safelite I need to insist that they order OEM glass from Kia?

My only fear was that all these windshield companies always use a cheaper glass because it saves money vs. OEM glass. I didn't think I had a choice because they only deal with whatever glass manufacturers or companies and don't work with OEM manufacturers.

 

[adam1991]

So if I go to Safelite I need to insist that they order OEM glass from Kia?

Well, I don't know about insist, at least at first, but you and the tech take a VERY VERY VERY good look at your factory glass vs whatever Safelite's computer says is the replacement. DO NOT remove the glass until you've done this. Take the mirror off and make sure their masking and mount points match up with the factory glass.

My first replacement was 2.5 years ago, and my second one was about 6 months ago. In that time, absolutely nothing changed in Safelite's computers. They're still showing an inappropriate piece for my car. The only thing that made the most recent replacement easier was, the tech who came out had direct (tribal) knowledge of the situation and stopped it before he even loaded the glass on the truck. The phone people scheduled the appointment based on what their computer said, but the local place called me back a couple days later to reschedule--because they knew they couldn't use that glass, that they had to get it from the dealer instead.

So, buyer beware. You may or may not have a competent Safelite operation. Fortunately, it looks like I do.

My only fear was that all these windshield companies always use a cheaper glass because it saves money vs. OEM glass. I didn't think I had a choice because they only deal with whatever glass manufacturers or companies and don't work with OEM manufacturers.

They'll happily put in glass that you buy from the dealer. Go ahead and insist. Hey, it's your car and your money. But also be aware that there are other glass manufacturers out there that make glass superior to the factory stuff. If you have time, shop around and see what the various shops in your area have to say. You might get lucky.

But as a default, there's nothing wrong with dealer glass and Safelite service. In fact, any dealer who takes the job on simply orders the factory glass and has Safelite come in and do the work. Many dealers leave it alone and simply tell you, just go to Safelite.

 

[GotStinger?]

What about the driver door window glass? Do I need to go OEM with that or will aftermarket work?

 

[GotStinger?]

The aftermarket I am going with is the laminate ...

 

[Snicklefritz]

Saint-Gobain Sekurit is the company that supplies the Stinger's sound reducing laminated glass - you can see the logo in the corner of the glass. If you find a cheaper aftermarket laminate it might be different. How would you know? I'd be going OE glass myself.