New Windscreen needed - Anything to be Aware of??

[Saxacat]

Hi all,

 

just noticed a crack about 12 inches long in the windscreen; never needed a new one on any cars previously, just wondered if there was anything I needed to be aware of?

[Hybrid21]

Hi Edward, you would need to ensure that the windscreen company are aware of all the technology related to your windscreen, cameras, radar, etc 

[TonyHSD]

Hi, as mentioned above the replacement windscreen needs to be exact fit as your original one. If you use your insurance they will have specific company that they work with , if you pay yourself don’t go for the cheap offers. 
Important not to drive the car 1 hr after installation and not to clean or attach anything or push the windscreen from inside in the next 24hrs. Also important to check if windscreen been properly installed, check for gaps all around, check for all sensors and mirror if properly installed including Wiper Blades and plastic covers surround them. Look dashboard for warning lights. Test drive the car and listen carefully for wind noise, tyres and engine noise intrusion into the cabin, often happens after windscreen been installed badly., if that’s the case you may hear the regenerative braking inside the car very loudly and even a wind whistle while at motorway speeds. Last but not least check the car for water leaks. After car wash look and touch all areas above and around windscreen from inside, all around sun visors, footwells under the front mats. If all nice and dry and the car is quiet as before then you have proper job done. 
Here my windscreen replacement last week. Although I can called ok installed there are few things to point: 

windscreen seats 5-10mm higher than before and even sticks out of the car roof by 2mm and there is a large gap inside between windscreen and roof liner , two clips missing for wipers plastic surround both ends L and R. On the positive side, no wind or any other extra noises, no water ingress. Mirror had an issue and after installing new screen mirror fitted even better, all sensors works as usual. Here some pics before and after., you can see the difference. 

[Saxacat]

50 minutes ago, Hybrid21 said:

Hi Edward, you would need to ensure that the windscreen company are aware of all the technology related to your windscreen, cameras, radar, etc 

Yes Iain, that is my concern. I spoke to someone at Autoglass (the one I have to use through my Insurer) he assured me that they use exactly the same spec as the manufacturer; but of course, he's sitting in a call centre. However, I've since had a call from Autoglass to say they've identified that it needs a specialist screen, which they have in stock, but the fitting must be one at a centre and takes 3 hours due to the calibration, so feeling a little happier.

[APS]

Remember that glass firms will often use non-OEM screens. This means that, any factory warranty from the manufacturer (Toyota) related to the glass may be void. You can contact Autoglass and Toyota to check what applies. The installer will calibrate things like camera, and head up display for you. I just had this done on my 5-series, which has all imaginable tech in the windscreen and it took less than an hour from start to finish (they too quoted 2-3 hours).

[robo1]

Autoglass replaced the screen on my previous 4.4 RAV. Took them under 2 hours. Month later they rang asking if I could take the car back (45 minutes away) as they claimed they like to check instillation/ calibration on random cars. After a lot of persistent questioning they admitted one of the technicians was not doing the calibration correctly. Annoying that they could not just be honest about the reason they wanted the car back. They did say the calibration was fine and didn’t need recalibration but I was uncertain whether to believe them after the above.

[ernieb]

I’ve used Autoglass a few times with various cars and they have always used the exact windscreen with no issues. The key as has already been stated is the amount of technology that sits on or behind the screen.

The Subaru XV with the Eyesight camera system was particularly venerable to dust, dirt and damage as there was the possibility  of a recalibration if it was done incorrectly. Subaru even provided a set of camera covers for the camera protection.

[Rav Rob]

Had mine done recently by Autoglass, it can be a problem them sourcing one in a hurry so get onto them. First person at call centre told me they had no stock and it would be ages. Don't take that as true, another call handler later on located one instantly and booked me in.

Took less than an hour, used lane keeping on the way home and car still kept dead centre as before so no calibration issues. There are thin trim strips up the sides near the bottom of the windscreen, one of mine was a bit loose but seemed to pop back in place ok with a push.

[Saxacat]

Thanks for all the input everyone. Car booked in now for the 28th (80 round mile trip 😒) I'll take on board everything said here, planning on taking pictures before they do it, to compare with after. Car is in my garage now, where it will stay until the 28th, and hopefully will not deteriorate any more before I get to Autoglass 🤞. 

[Cyker]

Also if you have a HUD then make sure they are aware - I remember a few Prius owners getting new windscreens but then their HUD was blurred to the point of being useless because it turned out HUD-equipped cars used a different windscreen! (Same dimensions but different construction I guess?)

[TonyHSD]

Some dealers use third party services like autoglass for windscreen replacements, also Toyota windows are made to by different manufacturers oem suppliers like Pilkington therefore as long as it’s correct spec for the model no worries if not bought from Toyota. It should fit and work as oem one. The majority of issues when windscreen been replaced comes from poor workmanship. They do it very quickly but quick job can be fine only in factories where humans and robots work in controlled environment. 

[Saxacat]

12 hours ago, Cyker said:

Also if you have a HUD then make sure they are aware - I remember a few Prius owners getting new windscreens but then their HUD was blurred to the point of being useless because it turned out HUD-equipped cars used a different windscreen! (Same dimensions but different construction I guess?)

 

Thankfully no HUD; that's one complication I don't have to worry about.

 

12 hours ago, TonyHSD said:

Some dealers use third party services like autoglass for windscreen replacements, also Toyota windows are made to by different manufacturers oem suppliers like Pilkington therefore as long as it’s correct spec for the model no worries if not bought from Toyota. It should fit and work as oem one. The majority of issues when windscreen been replaced comes from poor workmanship. They do it very quickly but quick job can be fine only in factories where humans and robots work in controlled environment. 

Yes, the first guy I spoke to from Autoglass claimed they source their screens from the same manufacturer as Toyota, so if that's the case just the fitting and calibration to be concerned over. The only slot I could get was a 15:00hr to 18:00hr slot, not ideal, as I don't want them rushing it in order to get home; but we'll see how it goes.

Not having a car for 2 weeks is a pain, I've had to cancel a trip to my daughter's down South, but at least I don't have to worry about getting to work or anything like that.

[PeteB]

One thing to make sure of as you have the Excel, the new screen needs to have the heating element where the wipers park for the wiper defrost function.

Autoglass did a new  screen on my last Prius, and they used the correct Toyota branded screen for the HUD and did the safety since calibration with no problems at all.

I was also booked in with them for a new screen on my RAV4 Excel and they correctly sourced one with the heating element, but when I arrived the technician told me it was just within the limits for a screen repair so I was done and dusted in about half an hour.  So far, it's held fine.