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Car Forum / Saab Cars / May 2006Non-OEM windshields?
I need a new windshield for my '02 9-5 Aero. I've gotten a couple of quotes: OEM (Saab) glass runs around $380. Safelite says they can replace it with non-OEM Safelight glass for $258. I'd certainly like to save $120 but I want to make sure this Safelite glass will do the job properly, including things like the rain sensors, etc. Anybody have experience with Safelite or other non-Saab windshields? Is it OK to go with non-OEM glass or should I cough up for the genuine article? Any particular recommendations? Gary > I need a new windshield for my '02 9-5 Aero. I've gotten a couple of > quotes: OEM (Saab) glass runs around $380. Safelite says they can replace > it with non-OEM Safelight glass for $258. I'd certainly like to save $120 > but I want to make sure this Safelite glass will do the job properly, > including things like the rain sensors, etc. Is this an insurance deal? Because in Wisconsin, at least, they're required to pay for OEM if you insist. > Anybody have experience with Safelite or other non-Saab windshields? Is it > OK to go with non-OEM glass or should I cough up for the genuine article? > Any particular recommendations? I've had two Saabs over the years with non-oem windshields, and I haven't liked either of them. The tint is wrong, I thought they were more glare-y. I'd spend the extra cash and get the right one, and if it's an insurance claim (should be) demand the right part. Dave Hinz <DaveHinz@spamcop.net> wrote: > Is this an insurance deal? Sorry, forgot to mention that. I have a $500 deductable on my policy, and no special windshield-replacement deal. The Saab windshield is only $380, so the insurance doesn't help. > I've had two Saabs over the years with non-oem windshields, and I > haven't liked either of them. The tint is wrong, I thought they were > more glare-y. I'd spend the extra cash and get the right one, Hm. ShazWozza wrote: > I know that Saab have used IR (infra red) reflecting windscreen glass on > cars since at least the NG900. It is unlikely that the non-OEM glass > will have this feature so you should ask the supplier about this feature. > This kind of glass makes a significant difference to the AC load and > in-cabin temperatures. Hm. So it sounds like I'd better spring for the good glass. Bummer. Thanks guys! Gary >Dave Hinz <DaveHinz@spamcop.net> wrote: >> Is this an insurance deal? >Sorry, forgot to mention that. I have a $500 deductable on my policy, and >no special windshield-replacement deal. The Saab windshield is only $380, >so the insurance doesn't help. Yes interesting that. On insurance policies here, you can have optional windscreen cover too, but because of the excess, if you don't have it you lose money still. But a high excess still means lower premiums, so it's offset in other areas. I really do not like the idea of having to pay extra for choice of repairer, but the insurer I'd prefer to use for my Saab's (Shannons here in Oz) won't insure me because my car hasn't had full-comp insurance for almost a year now. sigh. At $300+ for rego, the same for full-comp, and again for compulsory 3rd-party, I decided to not renew the full-comp last year. It's a really merry-go-round to get the right insurance options with the right sort of discounts. Craig.  SignatureCraig's Saab C900 Page at | Craig's Classic Saab Workshop - Sydney .au http://lios.apana.org.au/~c900 | http://www.classicsaab.net and other URL's Email: c900@lios.apana.org.au | For Saab 99/C900/9000 Enthusiasts World-Wide! Alternate: saabonaut@gmail.com | Web-forums, galleries, library, links, etc. > Yes interesting that. On insurance policies here, you can have optional > windscreen cover too, but because of the excess, if you don't have it you > lose money still. But a high excess still means lower premiums, so it's > offset in other areas. Our policies don't have an excess for the "Glass Cover". SignatureRichard Sutherland-Smith Wanganui 5001, NZ > > Yes interesting that. On insurance policies here, you can have optional > > windscreen cover too, but because of the excess, if you don't have it you > > lose money still. But a high excess still means lower premiums, so it's > > offset in other areas. > Our policies don't have an excess for the "Glass Cover". The crucial point here, however, is not the excess but whether a windscreen event is counted in the all important No Claims Bonus. > > > Yes interesting that. On insurance policies here, you can have optional > > > windscreen cover too, but because of the excess, if you don't have it you [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > The crucial point here, however, is not the excess but whether a windscreen > event is counted in the all important No Claims Bonus. UK policies don't count a glass claim against the no claims bonus. Graham >> > > Yes interesting that. On insurance policies here, you can have optional >> > > windscreen cover too, but because of the excess, if you don't have it you [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > UK policies don't count a glass claim against the no claims bonus. Yes, our NZ ones are like that, and they have just introduced no-loss of "no claims" for life, once you have earned it. SignatureRichard Sutherland-Smith 19 Webb Road, Wanganui 5001, NZ >>> > > Yes interesting that. On insurance policies here, you can have optional >>> > > windscreen cover too, but because of the excess, if you don't have it you [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] >Yes, our NZ ones are like that, and they have just introduced no-loss >of "no claims" for life, once you have earned it. That's starting here too. I'm not quite sure how it's meant to work though. There have to be conditions on keeping an automatic maximum no-claim bonus. WHen you look at how much it costs to have insurance when you don't get any no-claim bonus it's no wonder so many cars are driven around unregistered. I expect the next step is going to be structuring polices and premiums to discourage owning older vehicles - providing cheaper insurance for newer vehicles could be used by the industry and governments to co-erce people to trade-up. My unregistered Saab's (the turbo one and the 900i) almost never go on a public road - far too risky even to test-drive after doing some work on one of them. Only time they'd ever go on a significant trip would be with an unregistered vehicle permit to get them to a repairer to inspection prior to being re-registered. Craig. SignatureCraig's Saab C900 Page at | Craig's Classic Saab Workshop - Sydney .au http://lios.apana.org.au/~c900 | http://www.classicsaab.net and other URL's Email: c900@lios.apana.org.au | For Saab 99/C900/9000 Enthusiasts World-Wide! Alternate: saabonaut@gmail.com | Web-forums, galleries, library, links, etc. > >>> > > Yes interesting that. On insurance policies here, you can have optional > >>> > > windscreen cover too, but because of the excess, if you don't have it you [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > That's starting here too. I'm not quite sure how it's meant to work though. Simple. A 'glass claim' isn't counted against your bonus. Accident damage is handled as before. Graham > > >>> > > Yes interesting that. On insurance policies here, you can have optional > > >>> > > windscreen cover too, but because of the excess, if you don't have it you [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > > Graham The original windshields fitted to my 900's were from Pilkington in Sweden or Sekurit Saint-Gobain. Definately OEM because they had the fancy SAAB logo and date code (corresponding to the car's model year as well) I have a Viracon one on the 90 900 T. Not horrible but whatever. The "Walker" exhaust for the Saab C900 is identical to the Starla one. Interested in your reply re Shannon's. I wanted to insure with them for the choice of repairer, and also for having the chance to buy the car in the event of a write-off but they wouldn't insure my 1991 900i because I couldn't prove to their satisfaction that I was an "enthusiast". So I went with GIO. Still can't believe it!! >>> Is this an insurance deal? > [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > > Craig. >Interested in your reply re Shannon's. I wanted to insure with them for the >choice of repairer, and also for having the chance to buy the car in the >event of a write-off but they wouldn't insure my 1991 900i because I >couldn't prove to their satisfaction that I was an "enthusiast". So I went >with GIO. Still can't believe it!! Yes well remember Shannons are really just a 'dealer' for Allianz - and Allianz offers choice of repairer for no extra cost in it's own car insurance products. There's only one place my car will go if it needs accident repairs and that's Saab Serve. As much as I don't want to, I'll probably go with NRMA since my wife has the full-comp for her van with them, and we'll get a multi-policy discount for having house insurance. Otherwise I can't afford full-comp on any of my cars again this year. But I can't afford the non-discounted cost of the compulsory 3rd party either at the $550+ price that all the insurers quoted me without any full-comp to give a no-claim bonus qualification. Damn insurance is annoying. 8-) Craig. SignatureCraig's Saab C900 Page at | Craig's Classic Saab Workshop - Sydney .au http://lios.apana.org.au/~c900 | http://www.classicsaab.net and other URL's Email: c900@lios.apana.org.au | For Saab 99/C900/9000 Enthusiasts World-Wide! Alternate: saabonaut@gmail.com | Web-forums, galleries, library, links, etc. > I need a new windshield for my '02 9-5 Aero. I've gotten a couple of > quotes: OEM (Saab) glass runs around $380. Safelite says they can [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > Gary I know that Saab have used IR (infra red) reflecting windscreen glass on cars since at least the NG900. It is unlikely that the non-OEM glass will have this feature so you should ask the supplier about this feature. This kind of glass makes a significant difference to the AC load and in-cabin temperatures. > > I need a new windshield for my '02 9-5 Aero. I've gotten a couple of > > quotes: OEM (Saab) glass runs around $380. Safelite says they can [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > kind of glass makes a significant difference to the AC load and in-cabin > temperatures. I just wonder if there is such a thing as non-OEM glass? Surely Saab don't make the windscreen glass themselves, they probably source it from a common supplier, e.g. Pilkington. I wouldn't worry about it provided the windscreen is the exact specification for the model, which it has to be in any case. I once had a windscreen fitted from AutoGlass on my 9000 and there was absolutely no difference. No, it wasn't just a Type 4 car windscreen, there are differences in colouring and the sun stripe. >> I know that Saab have used IR (infra red) reflecting windscreen glass on >> cars since at least the NG900. It is unlikely that the non-OEM glass will >> have this feature so you should ask the supplier about this feature. This >> kind of glass makes a significant difference to the AC load and in-cabin >> temperatures. > I just wonder if there is such a thing as non-OEM glass? Surely Saab don't > make the windscreen glass themselves, they probably source it from a common > supplier, e.g. Pilkington. Right, but to Saab's spec. The PPG or more generic replacement you'll get on the cheap, however, is made to fit the opening, not to meet Saab's specs. > I wouldn't worry about it provided the windscreen > is the exact specification for the model, which it has to be in any case. > I once had a windscreen fitted from AutoGlass on my 9000 and there was > absolutely no difference. (shrug) some people can't hear the difference between amplifiers, or see the difference between normal and HD TV. > No, it wasn't just a Type 4 car windscreen, there are differences in colouring > and the sun stripe. An additional factor is that in a unibody car, the windscreen is a significant percentage of the strength of the body. I'm not sure I want to go with the lowest bidder when it comes to a structural element. And the glare is definately worse with the aftermarket windscreen in my 900 as compared to the stock ones. > >> I know that Saab have used IR (infra red) reflecting windscreen glass on > >> cars since at least the NG900. It is unlikely that the non-OEM glass will [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > (shrug) some people can't hear the difference between amplifiers, or see > the difference between normal and HD TV. Hello! Pilkington is a leading auto glass manufacturer of top notch quality. Used by many car manufacturers over the world. >> Right, but to Saab's spec. The PPG or more generic replacement you'll >> get on the cheap, however, is made to fit the opening, not to meet >> Saab's specs. >> (shrug) some people can't hear the difference between amplifiers, or see >> the difference between normal and HD TV. > Hello! Pilkington is a leading auto glass manufacturer of top notch quality. > Used by many car manufacturers over the world. That's fine, but in the US, you're not going to get Starla exhaust components, Pilkington glass, or Sachs suspension parts, as the "house brand" when you're buying parts. You'll get PPG glass, or someone you've never heard of, for a windshield. If it was the same folks that made glass for Saab, sure, but the only way to get that here is from the dealer. Been there, done that. Several times. It should go without saying that not all third-party glass is equal. But what would I know, I've only had two cars with crap replacement windsheilds. > >> Right, but to Saab's spec. The PPG or more generic replacement you'll > >> get on the cheap, however, is made to fit the opening, not to meet [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > saying that not all third-party glass is equal. But what would I know, > I've only had two cars with crap replacement windsheilds. OK, just to mention that the skill of the fitter is also important, and don't drive the car for 24 hours. > OK, just to mention that the skill of the fitter is also important, and > don't drive the car for 24 hours. And, don't slam the doors with the windows closed while the adhesive is curing. And hope that the environmental conditions were right when they replaced your windshield at the side of the road. and...and...and... >>>Right, but to Saab's spec. The PPG or more generic replacement you'll >>>get on the cheap, however, is made to fit the opening, not to meet [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > saying that not all third-party glass is equal. But what would I know, > I've only had two cars with crap replacement windsheilds. Disagree. Had the windshield replaced in my "00 9-3 at an independent glass shop in Pontiac, Michigan and it was Pilkington. I didn't ask for any thing other than a new windshield. >> That's fine, but in the US, you're not going to get Starla exhaust >> components, Pilkington glass, or Sachs suspension parts, as the "house >> brand" when you're buying parts. You'll get PPG glass, or someone >> you've never heard of, for a windshield. > Disagree. > Had the windshield replaced in my "00 9-3 at an independent glass shop > in Pontiac, Michigan and it was Pilkington. I didn't ask for any thing > other than a new windshield. OK, lucky you. This is all not the central point, though, which is that getting the right glass is worth spending the extra money on. > I just wonder if there is such a thing as non-OEM glass? Surely Saab don't > make the windscreen glass themselves, they probably source it from a > common supplier, e.g. Pilkington. I wouldn't worry about it provided the > windscreen is the exact specification for the model, which it has to be in > any case. I once had a windscreen fitted from AutoGlass on my 9000 and > there was absolutely no difference. There certainly is such a thing as non-OEM glass. Here in Australia (where we have a lot of windscreen damage due to stone chips and thermal cycling) the largest supplier of after market glass has their own glass source (probably China) and a mobile fitting service. I would imagine that similar companies operate in the US and other places. Their glass is cheaper, but but it doesn't have the same IR shielding. This has nothing to do with tint or a sun shield stripe. Perhaps in the higher latitudes IR shielding is not such an issue, but it sure is here. After parking a car in the sun on a normal summer's day you can get a burn from holding the steering wheel. The ritual is to open the car, start the engine without contacting the leather seats with your body, wind down the windows and run the AC for a few minutes before it is safe to get in and drive. > > I just wonder if there is such a thing as non-OEM glass? Surely Saab don't > > make the windscreen glass themselves, they probably source it from a [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > wind down the windows and run the AC for a few minutes before it is safe to > get in and drive. OK, but then it's not a windscreen up to Saab's specification. Here most people have a windscreen insurance included with an excess of 50 GBP. If the windscreen breaks we drive to a glass shop who fits a new windscreen which has to be up to specification. In my case I got a Pilkington windscreen, which seemed identical. If it's called 'windscreen replacement', so why would you expect anything less? Car windscreens are such advanced technology that manufacturers go to specialist companies rather than making them themselves. > OK, but then it's not a windscreen up to Saab's specification. Here most people > have a windscreen insurance included with an excess of 50 GBP. If the windscreen > breaks we drive to a glass shop who fits a new windscreen which has to be up > to specification. Ah. Progress. We are talking about the same things after all then. Here, the insurance company is required to pay for the proper equivalent, yes, but if you or they want to cheap out, ones that fit but aren't "right" are available. > In my case I got a Pilkington windscreen, which seemed > identical. If it's called 'windscreen replacement', so why would you expect > anything less? > Car windscreens are such advanced technology that manufacturers go to specialist > companies rather than making them themselves. Why do companies like "Viracon", who made my 900's windshield exist? I'd imagine, to make profit. Based on the one in my car, it's certainly not to make OEM-equivalent glass. >Why do companies like "Viracon", who made my 900's windshield exist? I'd >imagine, to make profit. Based on the one in my car, it's certainly not >to make OEM-equivalent glass. I got Pilkington in MA too. I'm told they make Saab's glass by this company and they do all the work for the local dealers. I think it's a case of the glass replacer buying higher or lower quality glass. I bet the OP gets Pilkington if he chooses the "saab" glass. > > I need a new windshield for my '02 9-5 Aero. I've gotten a couple of > > quotes: OEM (Saab) glass runs around $380. Safelite says they can [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > kind of glass makes a significant difference to the AC load and in-cabin > temperatures. I'll second that. My '94 spec 9000 was appreciably more comfortable in the sun than my '93. Simply due to the glass. Graham Query, if there is IR reflection, then wouldn't that assist/improve Lidar readings? If so, I'd go non-OEM. >> > I need a new windshield for my '02 9-5 Aero. I've gotten a couple of >> > quotes: OEM (Saab) glass runs around $380. Safelite says they can [quoted text clipped - 21 lines] > >Graham > Query, if there is IR reflection, then wouldn't that assist/improve > Lidar readings? If so, I'd go non-OEM. With the angle of the windscreen, the reflection from there go mostly up, not directly back to the LIDAR unit. There are enough other surfaces that reflect in the proper direction to make the glass type the least of your worries while speeding. I appreciate your sentiment, though. Walt Kienzle FYI- hired an expert to fight a Lidar ticket once, and he told me that all they need is a 5% signal return to get a reading. >> Query, if there is IR reflection, then wouldn't that assist/improve >> Lidar readings? If so, I'd go non-OEM. [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > >Walt Kienzle cs, Thank you for the confirmation and specifics. Walt > FYI- hired an expert to fight a Lidar ticket once, and he told me that > all they need is a 5% signal return to get a reading. [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] >> >>Walt Kienzle |
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