Windshield Replacement

[dandave]

I had a rock hit my windshield in mid-November. The crack spread halfway across the windshield, so I have to get a new one. I filed this claim Nov 16, I think.
Anyway, the glass company just today got in the new windshield. Nobody had one in stock. It had to be ordered. They <i>finally</i> found one, yadda, yadda, yadda.
But, instead of coming out to my home to replace the windshield, I have to take my vehicle to them. In my experience, this process should take less than 1/2 an hour. They said I'll have to leave my vehicle "for at least 3 hours". "It looks like it's going to be a real bear to put in."
I'm not getting a good feeling about this. I have visions of them using my vehicle as a test model for future windshield replacements. This is a reputable, nationwide, glass chain. My insurance company set up the whole thing for me. I sure don't want to try to find another company and have to play the waiting game for them to get one in, again.
Has anyone else had a windshield experience like this? 3+ hours? "A bear to replace?" Please tell me I'm worrying too much.

 

[Tina]

I know it often can be installed quickly, but you're not supposed to drive it for awhile. Maybe that's why they said 3 hours.

 

[dandave]

I hope that's it Tina. They were supposed to come to my home, but now I have to go there. I know I should have asked "why" when I had them on the phone. I was just so excited that they had finally gotten it in, that I wasn't really thinking clearly.

 

[bumcat]

We had the windshield replaced on my daughters car last week. They came to our house and it took about 30 minutes.
They put tape around the edges and told us to leave it on for 24 hrs and never said it couldn't be driven. Make sure they put your stickers on the new windshield before you drive off.

 

[Grog]

it took about 30 minutes.

They put tape around the edges and told us to leave it on for 24 hrs and never said it couldn't be driven.

That was my experience as well. I had my back window smashed one weekend a couple of months ago (By a pellet gun I think). Other than the inconvenience of having to take the time to get it done ( I drove it to the shop) it went pretty smooth.

 

[dandave]

30 minutes...3 hours. 30 minutes...3 hours. I must have really ticked them off with my many calls to find out if they found me a windshield.
Wish me luck folks.

 

[J&D]

Has anyone else had a windshield experience like this? 3+ hours?

Yes. They kept mine in the shop for most of the day. I recently saw a news report about windshield replacement. They said that you should be suspicious of places that let you drive off with a new windshield in less than an hour. Like Tina said, I think it can be replaced quickly, but it needs time for the new seal to set (or something like that).

 

[Tulirose]

They were supposed to come to my home, but now I have to go there. I know I should have asked "why" when I had them on the phone. I was just so excited that they had finally gotten it in, that I wasn't really thinking clearly.

I can SO relate to that statement. I hate it when I do that!

Is your car something special or perhaps it's because the antenna is in the windshield or some other such odd reason?

When you do get it done, be sure to leave your windows open a little bit to let the air out when closing your doors, less pressure on window. At least, that's what we were told.

Maybe you might just want to contact your insurance agent and ask if this seems like a normal procedure to them?

Good luck.

 

[ByTheSea]

But the big question is...


Are they giving you a free box of Steaks?


Or does that only happen in my city?

 

[dandave]

Tulirose, It's special to me, but no it isn't any kind of "fancy" car. It's a 2003 Saturn Vue. There aren't too many of them around, so i figured that was why they had such a hard time getting a windshield. I'm really not sure.

ByTheSea, I highly doubt it. I'll settle for having the whole thing over and done.

J&D, I hope ya'll are right. I'm just a bit worried.

 

[J&D]

I think the time it takes also depends on if they are able to save a specific part (I think it is called a mat) when they take off the old windshield. They were not able to save mine, so they had to order me one. I had this done in Aug., so I'm trying to remember what I was told at the time. Some mechanic is probably reading this and saying, "J&D doesn't know what she is talking about."
Anyway, even though it is an inconvienience, I would let them take their time in replacing the windshield instead of them rushing to fix it. I would rather have it done right the first time instead of running the risk of having to take it back in because it wasn't done right.

When you do get it done, be sure to leave your windows open a little bit to let the air out when closing your doors, less pressure on window. At least, that's what we were told.

I was also told this.

 

[dandave]

Thanks J&D! I'm planning on taking it in early morning, and DH is going to give me a ride home. They can keep it all day, so long as they fix it correctly. I'll be sure to remember about the windows, too.

 

[dandave]

Update

For anyone interested: I asked this morning about having to take the VUE in and the lengthy repair time. The lady said that it's because my windshield doesn't have "clips", but it is glued in. She said the glue has to be really hot and that the government has placed new restrictions on using it. Apparently, some of these glued windshields were coming out during rollover crashes.

I get to pick it up in a little while, and she said everything went very smoothly. Thanks for helping to ease my mind about this last night.

 

[J&D]

everything went very smoothly

Glad to hear that.

 

[Tulirose]

Ditto

 

[dandave]

Thanks guys! They really did do a good job, too. I can't tell that it was replaced. For 3 days I can't wash it, drive over 55, or close the windows all the way. It's in the garage, and I'm happy as a clam!