Windshield replacement options

I don't think a windshield repair center is going to be able to get the glass. There won't be any parts available from anywhere but Tesla. An independent shop or mobile installer should be able to replace the glass if you are able to get it from Tesla, but I wouldn't hold my breath that they will just give you the part and let you have it installed elsewhere.

kWh said:

A freak accident: the tennis ball hanging from my garage ceiling got caught in the door. When I shuut the door it pulled the screw in the ceiling Sheetrock with enough force so that when it hit the corner of the windshield it caused a ten inch crack. I called the local Tesla service center and the tech said he didn't have an exact price for a replacement but it would be around $1100. I had to leave town that day so I bought an$11 windshield repair kit from Walmart and it made the crack about 95% invisible. I'm sure I will eventually replace the windshield, but $1100 sounds excessive. Is there a reason that the cost is so high? Is this something that any windshield repair center should be able to repair?

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I got a rock chip and had my windshield replaced at my local SC, originally when I called for an estimate they said around $1600 but when I actually had it installed the total was $816 and my insurance company paid for it minus my deductible.

Had my windshield replaced yesterday at the service center. Total was ~$1100.

I called everywhere 6 months or so ago trying to see if I could find anyone selling OEM (not "dealer") glass, but I couldn't even figure out who our OEM is for sure. In the process, I found that there doesn't appear to be any aftermarket glass available either. So unless something's changed in the past few months, it's likely Tesla is your only option. $1100 is about what I was quoted as well.

I probably wouldn't mind the cost above and beyond insurance coverage if I could get a replacement that does not have the layer that blocks radar and transponder transmission.

caddieo said:

I probably wouldn't mind the cost above and beyond insurance coverage if I could get a replacement that does not have the layer that blocks radar and transponder transmission.

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That is apparently some filter to block heat and (I believe) UV. Without it, your a/c load may go up and actually shorten your driving range.

I would talk to the insurance company. Unless it's repairable (only certain rock chips can be repaired), most insurance policies will cover windshield replacements. Many may even cover it without a deductible because it's a safety concern.

Just be glad only Tesla can provide replacement glass at this time. Most aftermarket windshields are not as high quality and will pit more easily over time. If they are available, then you'll typically find the insurance companies insist on them when covering the cost. At least for now they have no choice but to cover Tesla glass.

You're going to see some varying prices for replacement by people posting here. Reason being is that there are two different windshield costs depending on if you do or do not have the sub-zero package. If you have the sub-zero package it's going to be around the $1100 that other people have been quoting. Without the sub-zero package it's much cheaper but I don't remember exactly. I'm sure your service center can give you more precise figures. Not sure how autopilot impacts this but cars with it might have additional costs due to the camera on the windshield (I believe the line across the camera view is there to help the camera determine tilt of the car versus the ground, and it probably has to be installed level).

I would only go with an original Tesla glass, installed by them. I actually made my insurance policy spec in only original mfr parts, installed by Tesla. The last thing I want is shoddy second market stuff where they think they know what Tesla is doing. Nobody REALLY knows what those boy geniuses are up to!Plus, I think it's too early for the average glass shop to know the TESLA intricacies. I expect the high cost is due to two factors: the metallic heat reducing coating and the area for all the cameras and sensors that the metallic coating must be masked aways from (bad grammar, sorry).

I do regret the metallic coating because I can't fully use my Valentine One. But I will say that the car does stay cooler than my other cars in the sun, so there is value to it. And I found an 80% workaround for the V1.

Try and airplane windscreen with heating elements in them, split into two sides at $40,000 each plus installation.

I had to replace mine a while back. I had the service center do it, even though it was a little bit more expensive than having it done elsewhere. The service center subs it out anyway, but while they had it they did a few minor fixes and updates as well.

@CHG-ON good thoughts.

I agree the MS windshield is pricey because of the metallic coating and, for late models, the camera/Autopilot functionality. Camera, rain sensor, etc. is all part of the removal and reinstallation cost. Which reinforces some other options discussed here. i would definitely have the Tesla SC handle it, even if they sub. It could be a warranty issue at a later date.

breser said:

If you have the sub-zero package it's going to be around the $1100 that other people have been quoting. Without the sub-zero package it's much cheaper but I don't remember exactly.

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I don't think that's accurate. I don't have sub-zero, and if either of the other $1100 quotes have accurate signatures, they don't, either. The price may also vary if they have someone come in and do the replacement or they do it themselves. My SC had just started doing their own, so that may have brought the cost down. Autopilot requires different glass, so you're right that it may have an effect as well.

I'm surprised no one has figured out who the OEM is for the glass. It seems pretty unlikely as they'd be basically the only automaker doing it, but maybe they make their own?

Gizmotoy said:

I don't think that's accurate. I don't have sub-zero, and if either of the other $1100 quotes have accurate signatures, they don't, either. The price may also vary if they have someone come in and do the replacement or they do it themselves. My SC had just started doing their own, so that may have brought the cost down. Autopilot requires different glass, so you're right that it may have an effect as well.

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My statements are based on a discussion with the Service Center about changing headliners on my first car (back in October). I was curious what it would cost. The service adviser's first question was if I had sub-zero package and then explained that to replace the headliner they have to take out the windshield and they don't re-use windshields that they have removed. She then said it would be around $1200 for the windshield if I had sub-zero and I'm thinking it was around $600 if I didn't (I'm fuzzy on the price without as it's been a few months and I was mostly concerned with the overall price for the headliner swap). I can't speak to how autopilot adjusts things other than assuming it would since I didn't have Autopilot on the first car.

breser said:

My statements are based on a discussion with the Service Center about changing headliners on my first car (back in October). I was curious what it would cost. The service adviser's first question was if I had sub-zero package and then explained that to replace the headliner they have to take out the windshield and they don't re-use windshields that they have removed. She then said it would be around $1200 for the windshield if I had sub-zero and I'm thinking it was around $600 if I didn't (I'm fuzzy on the price without as it's been a few months and I was mostly concerned with the overall price for the headliner swap). I can't speak to how autopilot adjusts things other than assuming it would since I didn't have Autopilot on the first car.

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$600 would be dirt cheap for just about any "dealer glass" windshield installation, let alone Tesla's giant, specially-coated glass. Mine was swapped last April, but the recent posts fall directly in line with what I was quoted at that time ($1100).

$600 would be great, but I don't think anyone's had one replaced by Tesla that cheaply.

CHG-ON said:

I would only go with an original Tesla glass, installed by them. I actually made my insurance policy spec in only original mfr parts, installed by Tesla. The last thing I want is shoddy second market stuff where they think they know what Tesla is doing. Nobody REALLY knows what those boy geniuses are up to!Plus, I think it's too early for the average glass shop to know the TESLA intricacies. I expect the high cost is due to two factors: the metallic heat reducing coating and the area for all the cameras and sensors that the metallic coating must be masked aways from (bad grammar, sorry).

I do regret the metallic coating because I can't fully use my Valentine One. But I will say that the car does stay cooler than my other cars in the sun, so there is value to it. And I found an 80% workaround for the V1.

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I'd like to hear that V1 workaround. 80%?

Here you go, actual invoice:

My LX570 was $2400 for OEM and $1400 for 3rd party. Insurance only covered the $1400 and being cheap I chose to save the $1000. Bad choice. The 3rd party glass is thinner (I measured it and my old one in several places with calipers), has more wind noise (both are spec'd as sound reduction glass though), waviness, rain sensor doesn't work as well, wiper heater doesn't work as well. I'll def go OEM next time.

BTW, some insurance companies offer an OEM replacement endorsement that may be worth it for some folks.

lsnetman said:

I'd like to hear that V1 workaround. 80%?

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I "shrink wrapped" it with my Foodsaver vacuum sealer for food and then mounted it on the steel crossmember right behind the nose cone with heavy duty velcro. I tried first without wrapping it and it got wet in a rainstorm. Still worked, surprisingly. Still works like a charm with forward radar. Not with rear, unfortunately. And I have had no laser warnings. So I don't know if it can see them. For now it works. I don't the have 2,500+ for the Escort 9500 (or whatever), which is what I would like.

Here are the details on install:

Installed the main unit behind the nose cone with the wrap.

Needed four accessories: 1: the (not sure what to call it) power junction that brings power from the 12v to the both the main unit and the remotes. 2: the visual alert module, 3: the audio alert module, which both link through a phone cable (4 pin only-very important). And the phone cable, which I had. It will not work with 2 pin cable. I simply shoved the raw power cord from the module into the 12v lighter fuse and put the fuse back in. Works like a charm and no mods to the car. Just a friction fit. Use care.

Installed the power junction up high underneath the dash area in the frunk, right under the dash (but outside the interior, if that makes sense) to avoid any potential moisture after removing all trim panels. Not too hard. Did this because my first junction got wet and died. Double-stick taped it to one of the dash cross members. I probably should look to make sure it's still stuck!

Mounted the audio remote module under my steering wheel, where I could access it, but didn't want to see it.

Mounted the visual module by velcro-ing it to the underside of the center display (or the top of the cubby there) so I could see signal strength and location (though, without rear sensing, probably not that useful).

I expect I'll change the location of both remotes, but can't decide where to put them.

I look forward to buying the Escort at some point.

Want photos? PM me and let me know. I'll post publically. But that way I'll be sure to see your message.