Windshield Protection

[robbymcg89]

Well, less than two weeks into ownership of my 2024 OT+ and two rocks flew up and hit my windshield right in the line of sight. Left two chips that are now starting to spread. And, I didn’t purchase the windshield treatment and protection plan. I’m currently working with my insurance and the glass guy at the Lexus dealership. So, I have two questions for the group:
1. My insurance is initially stating that they will only pay for an aftermarket windshield replacement, not the OEM windshield. The glass guy at the dealership is going to help me try to convince them to pay for the OEM windshield due to safety issues related to possible distortion of the heads up display. Of course, I’m not holding my breath on that request. So, what opinions are out there on the need for an OEM replacement? If I have to pay out of pocket, it’s about $1,500 from what I can tell vs. a $100 deductible for an aftermarket windshield.
2. Once I get whichever windshield replacement, what are thought around the windshield treatment and coverage plan? The dealership’s plan is called Resistall by CalTex. It’s a sealant treatment that supposedly reduces rock chip damage. It also covers windshield replacements for up to five years. It costs $1,900.

 

[Patrickg6191]

I had to replace my windshield twice on my previous GX (460) and my insurance paid for the entire cost of an OEM one in both cases as there are security liability and requirements with the windshield as Lexus has to recalibrate the security features, etc. to their standard. If they force you to go with the aftermarket one for whatever reasons (likely cost), I believe Lexus should agree to that for the reasons above and the insurance should also agree on the possible liability with non-OEM parts. You should have both in writing if something happens.

 

[AtomicEric]

Funny, the shop that did my PPF said the same thing. He is going to be getting the newly released super clear XPEL windshield film soon. I plan to have that installed to eliminate the issues noted above. The shop noted they have other windshield films but we're not 100% happy with them and heard good things about the XPEL version from other shops recently.

 

[Bluegill]

Push on your insurance for OEM only. I always mandated OEM with my Land Rovers and I'll do the same with Lexus. I have a nice, fat, star & chip too but luckily it's way up on the passenger upper corner. It's starting to spread though. I already have a windshield on order with the dealer and I'll call up insurance when it arrives and make them pay for it.

 

[robbymcg89]

Push on your insurance for OEM only. I always mandated OEM with my Land Rovers and I'll do the same with Lexus. I have a nice, fat, star & chip too but luckily it's way up on the passenger upper corner. It's starting to spread though. I already have a windshield on order with the dealer and I'll call up insurance when it arrives and make them pay for it.

Update. Insurance will cover the OEM windshield. They are on back order so I’ll have to wait a few weeks.

Now I need to decide what, if any, kind of windshield protection treatment I will get on the new windshield or if I’ll purchase the protection plan for glass. Since my insurance agreed to replace with an OEM windshield for my $100 deductible, I doubt if I get a protection plan. But I am interested in a protective treatment if anyone has suggestions.

 

[Zaki6]

Well, less than two weeks into ownership of my 2024 OT+ and two rocks flew up and hit my windshield right in the line of sight. Left two chips that are now starting to spread. And, I didn’t purchase the windshield treatment and protection plan. I’m currently working with my insurance and the glass guy at the Lexus dealership. So, I have two questions for the group:
1. My insurance is initially stating that they will only pay for an aftermarket windshield replacement, not the OEM windshield. The glass guy at the dealership is going to help me try to convince them to pay for the OEM windshield due to safety issues related to possible distortion of the heads up display. Of course, I’m not holding my breath on that request. So, what opinions are out there on the need for an OEM replacement? If I have to pay out of pocket, it’s about $1,500 from what I can tell vs. a $100 deductible for an aftermarket windshield.
2. Once I get whichever windshield replacement, what are thought around the windshield treatment and coverage plan? The dealership’s plan is called Resistall by CalTex. It’s a sealant treatment that supposedly reduces rock chip damage. It also covers windshield replacements for up to five years. It costs $1,900.

The Resistall covers two OEM windshields and unlimited chip repair.
It is absolutely worth it.

It is always good to get windshield, tire and wheel coverage.

The shop that installed the XPEL on my 911 told me that the windshield PPF is very difficult to do and the use of the wipers causes scratches and so it has to be replaced frequently. I decided against that.

 

[1 due]

Well, less than two weeks into ownership of my 2024 OT+ and two rocks flew up and hit my windshield right in the line of sight. Left two chips that are now starting to spread. And, I didn’t purchase the windshield treatment and protection plan. I’m currently working with my insurance and the glass guy at the Lexus dealership. So, I have two questions for the group:
1. My insurance is initially stating that they will only pay for an aftermarket windshield replacement, not the OEM windshield. The glass guy at the dealership is going to help me try to convince them to pay for the OEM windshield due to safety issues related to possible distortion of the heads up display. Of course, I’m not holding my breath on that request. So, what opinions are out there on the need for an OEM replacement? If I have to pay out of pocket, it’s about $1,500 from what I can tell vs. a $100 deductible for an aftermarket windshield.
2. Once I get whichever windshield replacement, what are thought around the windshield treatment and coverage plan? The dealership’s plan is called Resistall by CalTex. It’s a sealant treatment that supposedly reduces rock chip damage. It also covers windshield replacements for up to five years. It costs $1,900.

This past FRIDAY crack wind shield

 

[1 due]

This past FRIDAY crack wind shield

Insurance company said fully covered but since the car is so new, they have to order the windshield from the dealer so that might take a few days and the windshield installer. Let me know when it comes in. Good luck.

 

[AtomicEric]

The Resistall covers two OEM windshields and unlimited chip repair.
It is absolutely worth it.

It is always good to get windshield, tire and wheel coverage.

The shop that installed the XPEL on my 911 told me that the windshield PPF is very difficult to do and the use of the wipers causes scratches and so it has to be replaced frequently. I decided against that.

I will keep that in mind and ask. How long ago was the XPEL windshield put on? Was it a designated windshield product or the regular XPEL PPF Ulta clear?

 

[Zaki6]

I will keep that in mind and ask. How long ago was the XPEL windshield put on? Was it a designated windshield product or the regular XPEL PPF Ulta clear?

He was talking about the specific product for the windshield. It will protect from the average impact but obviously it has its limits.
The main issue which caused me to not have it applied was the fact that the use of the windshield wipers causes it to scratch and therefore after a few months of collecting scratches you have to replace it. Unless, you never drive in rain, which is unlikely for the GX.

 

[mbs85]

Well, less than two weeks into ownership of my 2024 OT+ and two rocks flew up and hit my windshield right in the line of sight. Left two chips that are now starting to spread. And, I didn’t purchase the windshield treatment and protection plan. I’m currently working with my insurance and the glass guy at the Lexus dealership. So, I have two questions for the group:
1. My insurance is initially stating that they will only pay for an aftermarket windshield replacement, not the OEM windshield. The glass guy at the dealership is going to help me try to convince them to pay for the OEM windshield due to safety issues related to possible distortion of the heads up display. Of course, I’m not holding my breath on that request. So, what opinions are out there on the need for an OEM replacement? If I have to pay out of pocket, it’s about $1,500 from what I can tell vs. a $100 deductible for an aftermarket windshield.
2. Once I get whichever windshield replacement, what are thought around the windshield treatment and coverage plan? The dealership’s plan is called Resistall by CalTex. It’s a sealant treatment that supposedly reduces rock chip damage. It also covers windshield replacements for up to five years. It costs $1,900.

Two options on the protection... I have the new super clear XPEL windshield film and its been holding up great. The second option is protection plan and they apply a coating the plan is I think $700-$800 and it covers 5 years and multiple true OEM replacements if it cracks. Both options they have in stock at Gulf Coast Auto Shield here in houston. Ask for John Gray he is the owner and also has a GX550 OT+. He will make sure you're well taken care of. Google Search -- ALSO, coming from a 4runner with multiple windshield replacements from s reputable non-oem glass I am going to only put on OEM glass in the future due to the quality of non-OEM is typically bad when looking at it in direct sunlight you can see tons of specs and imperfections.

 

[cilles]

Funny, the shop that did my PPF said the same thing. He is going to be getting the newly released super clear XPEL windshield film soon. I plan to have that installed to eliminate the issues noted above. The shop noted they have other windshield films but we're not 100% happy with them and heard good things about the XPEL version from other shops recently.

I had XPEL put on shortly after getting my GX.
I have a chip that made it through the XPEL. I had it treated (glass company said they would try to fix with the XPEL in place and it seemed to work - but they were not happy, wouldn't guarantee it but didn't charge me either, it hasn't spread further)

I've also heard quite a few other pops on the windshield so I think the XPEL is actually helping - when I got my chip I wasn't so sure. I'm now at 16k and thats all so far.

But I also hear of very long lead times (shortages) on Windshields to replace cracked ones. Lead times of MONTHS!

 

[cilles]

I will keep that in mind and ask. How long ago was the XPEL windshield put on? Was it a designated windshield product or the regular XPEL PPF Ulta clear?

Mine is an extra think XPEL designed for windshields. Put on about 15k miles ago (last fall)

 

[cilles]

2 down sides to the XPEL I got on windsheild
1. if you are wearing polarized sunglasses there are some serious rainbows on windshield (I also see them on tinted windows)
2. windshield wipers leave scratches on it despite me trying to be careful - not usually noticeable but when the sun angle is right they are very obvious. Don't obscure vision much thank goodness

 

[mbs85]

I had XPEL put on shortly after getting my GX.
I have a chip that made it through the XPEL. I had it treated (glass company said they would try to fix with the XPEL in place and it seemed to work - but they were not happy, wouldn't guarantee it but didn't charge me either, it hasn't spread further)

I've also heard quite a few other pops on the windshield so I think the XPEL is actually helping - when I got my chip I wasn't so sure. I'm now at 16k and thats all so far.

But I also hear of very long lead times (shortages) on Windshields to replace cracked ones. Lead times of MONTHS!

Good to know its not that helpful for regular sized rocks. I guess the Xpel is best for protecting against very small or almost sandblasting specs at higher speeds. When you remove the XPEL on the windshield let us know how long it lasted and if there was an issue with the chip repair material adhering to the film.

 

[AtomicEric]

2 down sides to the XPEL I got on windsheild
1. if you are wearing polarized sunglasses there are some serious rainbows on windshield (I also see them on tinted windows)
2. windshield wipers leave scratches on it despite me trying to be careful - not usually noticeable but when the sun angle is right they are very obvious. Don't obscure vision much thank goodness

Does the XPEL on the windshield seem to self heal the wiper scratches over time and/or between rain storms?
Anyone have cost on the XPEL for GX windshield install?

 

[nonamex]

Does the XPEL on the windshield seem to self heal the wiper scratches over time and/or between rain storms?
Anyone have cost on the XPEL for GX windshield install?

A local shop in Irvine, CA quoted $700 for materials and install. The shop said XPEL is pre-cut so the install is easier than say ExoShield. Exoshield apparently provides better protection but it would cost a lot more.

Either film will be subjected to the windshield wiper which will eventually damage it. For that reason I decided to skip and take my chances.

 

[cilles]

Does the XPEL on the windshield seem to self heal the wiper scratches over time and/or between rain storms?
Anyone have cost on the XPEL for GX windshield install?

No self healing that I've seen. I can't recall how much it cost sorry and it would vary depending on part of the country I suspect due to labor costs to install.

 

[cilles]

A local shop in Irvine, CA quoted $700 for materials and install. The shop said XPEL is pre-cut so the install is easier than say ExoShield. Exoshield apparently provides better protection but it would cost a lot more.

Either film will be subjected to the windshield wiper which will eventually damage it. For that reason I decided to skip and take my chances.

wait, I think I have ExoShield not XPEL - though I recall the dealer talking about both. Maybe was pushing XPEL for the body?

 

[cilles]

My bad saying XPEL This is what I have and costs

Exoshield windshield protection install
Ceramic coating included!
Windshield protection $600.00