2021 CX-5 GTP, needs a new windshield due to a chip and a crack.
I think places like Safelite would put in an aftermarket "OEM equivalent" or something, so I'm wondering if there's anything I need to specifically point out to them to make sure I get a windshield without issues.
Needs to be something special to have the HUD looking right?
Will an aftermarket windshield not be as quiet as an OEM windshield?
Will they still have wiper deicing functionality?

Anyone who has had their windshield replaced, let me know of your experiences, things to request, things to ensure, idk, can I request an OEM piece or are aftermarket equivalents fully featured as OEM, maybe even better?

 

Let the *place you choose explain their glass(windshield) qualities and what is paid for by your insurance vs out of the pocket. If it is a *licensed shop they will have a warranty given you in writing.
They are the ONLY ones that can answer your questions. Unless we have a resident member that is a glass installer and knows all the brands that your chosen glass shop has to offer.

You don't need to tell your doctor how to take care of you needs nor should you need to tell the professional glass shop.

* trust in them



I think anyone that has driven more than 20+ years in their lifetime has had at least one if not several windshield and other glass ion their vehicles replace at one time or another.
To reference only my 2018 Mazda purchased new I have had it replaced 3 times. Once because I removed and broke it to access and pull my head liner out as one piece unfolded and twice by other damaging it.

 

BTW their are several threads already started on this topic of Mazda glass and specifically windshield information. It does not have to be model specific to learn or at least look up the other threads and read them!

 

Safelite replaced mine in 2023 for my 21 cx5 GT. After completion there was a wait to drive for an hour or so for the sealant to dry. They provided a certificate with an email “Great news! The camera connected to your 2021 MAZDA CX-5's windshield has been successfully recalibrated”

it was covered by my insurance but imagine it was aftermarket.

no issues since the install

 

Thanks for the response, did you notice any difference with your old glass as far as noise levels? Trying to understand if "acoustic glass" from Mazda OEM glass is replicated with aftermarket or any differences are undetectable anyway.
No issues with cost on my part, the dealer I bought the car from is covering it since they didn't disclose the crack. (Bought car and had it delivered)
My insurance doesn't have a windshield exclusion from deductible, which I've read some policies do for windshield repair because they would rather repair than replace, and Mazda anecdotally has more fragile glass. I'm going to ask my agent if that is something I can get for extra, having windshield replacement coverage outside of deductible, that is.
And windshield replacement is less than my deductible so it'll just be a part of operating costs if I just have to deal with chips and cracks over the years out of pocket.

 

Where in the world did you EVER think of or read this. rolmao!

anecdotal or not you have now added to the great WWW (world wide web aka internet) of bad and non-fact based information.
Anyone in the world that stumbles across this on our Mazda forum it is not in any way true!

 

Safelite will put in an OEM windshield over their aftermarket one if you request it, willing to pay extra, and they're able to get it.

 

Generally, this is correct but there are drawbacks to doing this with any auto glass business when substituting a stocked and authorized dealer of specific glass products.
If you request the use or specific glass the business is not an authorized dealer, you need carefully read all the warranty information on your invoice and especially who will be responsible for labor if it has a defect and needs to be replaced and the warranty time period of the substituted glass may change.

This is nothing out of the ordinary in the automotive service industry when it comes to customers bring in their own parts.

 

I can see warranty being an issue. I would assume if the glass replacement business can't/won't warranty a requested piece of glass their able to source, it would be noted on the invoice and told to the customer upfront.

I know there are circumstances where there is no choice but to replace the windshield. I try my best not to be in the situation as I rather not have the factory seal messed with. So any chips or minor cracks, I'm on it immediately with getting them filled.

 

Go re-read my complete previous response!!!!!

As for messing with the factory seal.... why in the world would that be a concern when you use a qualified and certified by auto insurance companies auto glass shops that most all have certified glass installer doing the glass replacement.
They are more qualified than a Dealership/Mazda dealership body and or service department because if anything else that primarily all they do is service glass on vehicles.