My windscreen used to have a small crack in the bottom middle (about 15 cm long), so I knew it was just a matter of time before it will grow further and make a replacement important.
This morning the car finally went for a proper bath after our Luvuvhu trip two weeks ago.
I should have known it was going to happen sooner or later. Got back to the car and the crack went all they way up to the top!
Before I call the insurer, can anyone comment how much a new windscreen should cost?
Mine is full of pits & chips (mostly from the previous owners) and when I made enquiries at PG Autoglass about maybe replacing, the guys told me not to even think about it as the new replacement windcreens are nowhere near as good / resistant to cracks as the OEM part so i've not enquired any further .... good luck!
I have bought windscreens for 4 different vehicles, including 2 patrols, a bmw and a jeep - at Govcon Autoglass in Gezina - around R800 for a wndscreen. I have yet to have any problems with these windscreens.
Dont let the sales pitch and excessive prices from the more well known suppliers fool you into thinking that the other makes are in any way inferior. See link below.
So here is the story and it is worth noting (especially for those working in the insurance industry)
The price depends on whether you are making an insurance claim or if it is a cash settlement.
If your insurer is in the position to allow you to pay yourself (and getting reimbursed) rather than getting the insurer to pay the fitment centre directly, then you can save your insurer a lot of money.
This is not an altruistic exercise for you poor insurer! Ultimately your premium will depend on claims costs. So insist on paying cash.
Personally I think fitment centres should not be allowed to discriminate between insured and uninsured services. They do not realise that ultimately their customers do pay for their hiked up prices.
Just three quotes from this morning (for Patrol, Y61):
- Glass fit (Cresta): R7,200
- PG Autoglass (Randburg): R6,764
- Sky (Cresta): R1,550
Alex: " Gee thats expensive!"
Glass fit: "But you are insured sir?"
Alex: "So what? Why is it so so much more expensive than Sky?
Glass fit: "Because you are insured sir, and we are a preferred provider of your insurer"...
Still worth verifying that it is indeed shatterproof, and warranty on fitment etc.
I've replaced mine once before, also due to a running crack. National Auto Glass, doesn't have the windscreen with the blue tinting on the top. Apparently its only a Chinese import that has the tint on the top. I've heard this from various suppliers. I can't see that they would bulldust as I'm sure they would also supply the tinted one if they supply the non tinted one.
Mine too now has a new running crack, and needs to be replaced..... I have the same dilemma now, I want the tinted, but want it to be SABS approved !!
Hi. Got mine from Commercial Auto Glass in Souter St Pretoria West about 2 years ago. Is shatterproof, and SABS marked with sun tint on upper section, 1 year guarantee. Cost R650 then. still got no cracks or pitting on it yet so am very happy.
