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TL Windshield Issues

17 messages,  Last post on Dec 29, 2008 at 5:19 PM

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What is this discussion about? Acura TL, Sedan

Messages Page 2 of 2

#9 of 17 Distorted glass on PPG replacement windshields, 04 TL. by badly

Jun 20, 2006 (5:28 pm)

Well, I took a rock to my windshield on I-95 and had to replace the glass. Acura dealership recommended a company that they use, and I called them to schedule a replacement. Replacement seemed fine, but my short (OK, petite) wife noticed some optical distortion along the bottom 1-2 inches of glass as well as in the corners. Her passenger at the time noticed it too. Glass repair outfit said that the windshield was under warranty and that the distortion was considered a defect, so they came out and replaced the glass again. Windshield #2 has identical problem. Both were PPG. OK, several questions:
 
Should I have the glass done yet again? Spoke with the dealer and he says there's no difference b/w the ppg and the "honda" marked windshield, though I'm considering getting "honda" glass next time around (although isn't it made by ppg?) as a possibility.
 
Is this a normal distortion due to the curve of the windshield? If so, why was it not apparent with the stock windshield? Is it normal for aftermarket windshields?
 
Would I be causing or risking a different problem by having the windshield taken out and replaced a third time? Or are windshield replacements no big deal.
 
Does such a distortion indicate a structural or unsafe flaw in the glass or is it just a distortion?
 
Any help and enlightenment I could get on this subject will be much appreciated. Many thanks in advance.

#10 of 17 Re: Distorted glass on PPG replacement windshields, 04 TL. [badly] by scottm123

Jun 21, 2006 (5:58 am)

Replying to: badly (Jun 20, 2006 5:28 pm)
Done correctly, windshield replacements are no big deal... but the windshield is a structural part of the car and the job needs to be done by a reputable company.
 
Glass distortion is common, especially in aftermarket "OEM" windshields. It's often not noticed by most drivers.
 
Distortion in the glass is most likely not going to be a safety issue in terms of structural strength, but if the glass is distorted, I would have them do the job again, and see if they can use a Honda Windshield. If not, see if they can use a different brand then these first 2 times.
Obvisously, the PPG glass is not a very good option for you.
 
Pilkington is a OEM supplier for car companies like BMW and Volvo and are supposed to be very high in quality, but I know people who have had Lexus windshields replaced with Pilkington glass and complain about this same distortion issue.
 
Distorted glass can cause dizziness in some drivers and if it is affecting you, it should be replaced.
 
When you break a windshield and have it replaced, it should be every bit as good as when you bought the car new.

#11 of 17 Re: Distorted glass on PPG replacement windshields, 04 TL. [scottm123] by armand

Jun 22, 2006 (5:15 am)

Replying to: scottm123 (Jun 21, 2006 5:58 am)
I had the windshield replaced on my '04 with a Honda windshield - no problems.

#12 of 17 Thanks for the info by carpadium

Nov 28, 2006 (12:56 pm)

Good to know - I just bought a used 03 TL and the existing Honda windshield has a rock crack that is starting to spider. I took that into consideration when I made my offer and will make sure I replace it with a Honda windshield.

#13 of 17 Re: Distorted glass on PPG replacement windshields, 04 TL. [armand] by pat

Nov 28, 2006 (1:37 pm)

Replying to: armand (Jun 22, 2006 5:15 am)
How much did that cost, if you don't mind my asking.

#14 of 17 Re: Thanks for the info [carpadium] by white_trash

Nov 28, 2006 (6:34 pm)

Replying to: carpadium (Nov 28, 2006 12:56 pm)
After having 4 replacement windshields in the 06 TL, they ALL had some degree
of rippling in the laminate - some worse/bigger than others - and depending on where
the ripples occur, really made driving feel like I was in a fun house, although
not having fun - the after market windshield was actually the best - good luck

#15 of 17 Re: Distorted glass on PPG replacement windshields, 04 TL. [pat] by white_trash

Oct 04, 2008 (5:55 am)

Replying to: pat (Nov 28, 2006 1:37 pm)
Thankfully I didn't pay for any of them - Acura saw the problem too and replaced them at no charge - all 4 were unacceptable, and I ended up selling the car - am happy in a Lexus IS now

#16 of 17 Where should I go to replace my windshield? by echow

Dec 29, 2008 (5:19 pm)

So I'm a new TL owner and unfortunately I already have a crack on my windshield. The quote I received from the dealer is $900. I have found other glass repair shops that charge around $2-300. Should I go to the dealer to replace it or go to the cheaper shops? Thanks

Messages Page 2 of 2

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