Recommendations on windshield replacement

[Vagabond102]

Seems someone (likely teenagers) thought did deserve to live and tried attempted murder on my way home the other night. Someone chucked a heavy object up out of a culvert/big ditch and it smacked me a good one. The silver lining in that they were a good shot, and it only hit the windshield. I didn't go back to see who it was...it was about midnight. State patrol was like "Ok, noted. Anything else?" which boggles my mind. Had that continued on the trajectory it was on, I would be dead. (Came out of the dark from the front right corner of the truck. I caught it out of the corner of my eye and will never forget that image)

Anywho, my insurance pushed me to Safelite and assured me they can do the replacement and calibration on the same day no problem. When I last looked into this, the calibration of the sensors was a complex process requiring very special tooling and setup. Should I cancel my Safelite apt and have a dealer do it?

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[9zero1790]

Ive always used safelite. When I worked for a body shop safelite was always the top choice for windshields when insurance would allow it. If it was mine id feel ok about them doing the install and sensors. however, I would also not trust all the sensors until they were tested in a safe way lol. dont count on the emergency braking or cruise control until you are sure they are working correctly. glad no one was hurt. situations like that have killed people. ive heard stories of the folks throwing stuff at cars getting shot too. cant say i wouldnt. if someone does something that endangers my life or others around me then they have attempted murder so i would have no moral issue at all with fighting back. any chance you have a dash cam or could get footage from the street cameras? would be great to have some evidence to put those folks in jail.

 

[OFC Ranger]

I suggest using glass as a replacement.

Saran wrap doesn't have the same structural integrity, but it is much cheaper.

 

[Vagabond102]

any chance you have a dash cam or could get footage from the street cameras?

I do have a dash cam, but there is an issue with the install and it thinks it's in parking mode all the time, so I had it unplugged at the time to not drive me crazy. That is another issue I have to address...the hard wire kit the Thinkware (U1000) uses does seem to like being secure in the fuse box. I think it's just not getting signal to switch between parking and normal mode. Figures, the ONE time in my life I need it. Don't think it would have caught anything anyway.

This was midnight on a dark stretch of highway. No chance of video. Only recording is in my head.

If I had my firearm with me, I might have gone back, but that doesn't look good if something were to happen. I opted to just keep driving for another couple hundred yards for safety and pulling over to inspect.

Saran wrap doesn't have the same structural integrity, but it is much cheaper.

Guess that leaves tin foil out! Maybe I should just pull the glass and enjoy the breeze!

 

[OFC Ranger]

I do have a dash cam, but there is an issue with the install and it thinks it's in parking mode all the time, so I had it unplugged at the time to not drive me crazy. That is another issue I have to address...the hard wire kit the Thinkware (U1000) uses does seem to like being secure in the fuse box. I think it's just not getting signal to switch between parking and normal mode. Figures, the ONE time in my life I need it. Don't think it would have caught anything anyway.

This was midnight on a dark stretch of highway. No chance of video. Only recording is in my head.

If I had my firearm with me, I might have gone back, but that doesn't look good if something were to happen. I opted to just keep driving for another couple hundred yards for safety and pulling over to inspect.



Guess that leaves tin foil out! Maybe I should just pull the glass and enjoy the breeze!

Bubble wrap!

 

[9zero1790]

going back is looking for trouble id say. you know, the look of the windshield damage says bowling ball to me... about the right size and if thrown heavy enough.

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

SafeLite is qualified to remove and replace your windshield as well as calibrate the camera/sensors. They do this all day long - dealers do it occasionally. Some don’t do it at all and farm it out to a body shop or glass specialist. Either that or they call SafeLite and their mobile tech does it at the dealership.

Some Safelite locations will offer to do this in your driveway.

 

[AzScorpion]

Another PLUS for Safelite! I've had them do many windshields and they've always been very professional and done a great job. Honestly I would trust them more than any dealership as this is all the do. Oh, Every time I've had there mobile techs come to me (sometimes at the job sight) and they're always on time and call 20-30 minutes before hand.

 

[AdamHarris]

Your dealer will likely just call Safelite, or another glass company, if you take it to the dealer. Dont overthink it just get it done.

 

[Tracy Bowman]

I do have a dash cam, but there is an issue with the install and it thinks it's in parking mode all the time, so I had it unplugged at the time to not drive me crazy. That is another issue I have to address...the hard wire kit the Thinkware (U1000) uses does seem to like being secure in the fuse box. I think it's just not getting signal to switch between parking and normal mode. Figures, the ONE time in my life I need it. Don't think it would have caught anything anyway.

This was midnight on a dark stretch of highway. No chance of video. Only recording is in my head.

If I had my firearm with me, I might have gone back, but that doesn't look good if something were to happen. I opted to just keep driving for another couple hundred yards for safety and pulling over to inspect.



Guess that leaves tin foil out! Maybe I should just pull the glass and enjoy the breeze!

I’m glad you are okay. You did the right thing. Things could have been much worse if you had stopped & gotten out, or gone back. So sorry this happened to you.

 

[Chris M]

I've used Safelite several times for windshield replacement. They can get the OEM windshield that has RANGER stamped into it at the bottom and do the calibrations just fine. Never any issues for me.

 

[Johnv1991]

I just had mine replaced a week ago and couldn’t be happier. I was originally hesitant about the calibration too but they did it and everything seems fine.

They're professional and keep you updated from start to finish. Nothing to worry about.

 

[Murphie]

Sadly, I've had my windshield replaced twice. Both were done by Safelite, and I'd have no issue whatsoever using them again. Their ads show them replacing at home, but both of these instances were done at their shop. My gut feeling is that their shop is better equipped to do the calibration than mobile - but that's just an opinion.

 

[Vagabond102]

Thanks all for the comments and support! I am very glad to hear of support and it makes me feel better knowing others have had good experiences with them.

They can get the OEM windshield that has RANGER stamped into it at the bottom and do the calibrations just fine.

Sadly I had to opt for a non-Ranger stamped windshield. They said it could be a couple weeks to get one and I just can't wait; got a trip this weekend as well as I'm required to go in to work on a moments notice under any circumstances. Part of being a critical function employee in healthcare.

They did say they usually would have equal quality glass, but they didn't have one available, so I'm getting better quality. Whatever that means.

I've been a bit MEH about the Ranger, but I realized being without it for several days, I really miss it.

Thanks again!

 

[NotBudule]

Your dealer will likely just call Safelite, or another glass company, if you take it to the dealer. Dont overthink it just get it done.

Almost 100% that the dealer calls somebody to do it , most likely, Safelight , who are the right people to do it just by the jingle alone...

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