Windshield Help??
 

Hi there everyone,

I currently own a 2016 Mazda CX-5 GT FWD. It has the complete tech package, with the Smart City Brake Support system, the Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers, etc., (basically all those fancy sensors).

While driving on the freeway, a rock hit the bottom of my windshield, close to where the VIN number is, and a crack started growing up, and it's become about 12-14 inches in length! :mad: I took my car to Safelite Auto Glass, and one of the technicians said it needed to be replaced. Now I don't know much about the different types of windshield glass, so I need some help! When I got the estimate for the replacement of my windshield, it came to a whopping $550! Safelite's website asked if I had all those sensors and I marked 'yes', which I'm assuming that has something to do with the type of windshield they will be replacing my current one with. When I went back to the website and marked 'no' for having the sensors (just to see what the price difference would be), it was only $280! And just to add to that price, replacing a windshield for my car means I need to get my entire system "recalibrated" at the Mazda dealership for another $250 :mad:

My question is, does having the different sensors in my CX-5 mean that my windshield needs a 'special' or 'different' types of glass compared to cars that do not have sensors?

(I don't know much about cars, so I really don't want to get ripped off!)

Thanks for all the help, I appreciate it :)

There's nothing special about the glass on your car, but all the connectors and brackets for the electronics mounted on it for the tech package make it more costly. These days you have two options, a Mazda OE windshield or an aftermarket one such as Safelite. When the CX-5 first came out in 2012-13, only the Mazda piece was available; so at least now you have a choice. And don't forget your comprehensive insurance coverage. Laws vary on this from state to state, but I'm in Calif too and I had the windshield on my BMW replaced recently for $100 deductible. And it was only pitted! BTW, cracked windshields on CX-5 is a long standing problem. I believe it's a bigger problem on vehicles with the tech package and may be part of the reason they're going to a different type of glass on the new 2017.

Cracked windshield is a way of life to also every car �� now. My neighbor just has Safelite do his 2017 RX 350 Lexus over the weekend. And as Paris1 said call your insurance you should have glass coverage in your coverage