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RTL-E Honda Glass vs Safelite

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Ridgefull

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
This isn't my first windshield, the first one I had insisted on Honda glass and almost had to pay for it out of pocket (I won in arbitration thanks to Littlefield, TX Sheriff having taken photo's). Owner's manual states Honda glass has to be used because of the electronic features of RTL-E. I'm sick of dealing with the cracked windshield and am about to have it replaced for a $500 deductible, or well over $1000 for Honda glass.
Anyone using Satellite glass on their RTL-E and 100% satisfied with performance?
 
#2 ·
Yep. Had one replaced by Safelite a couple months ago on my 18 RTLE . The did a great job and all the calibrations. Everything works. My wife had hers replace by the same Safelite shop a month before me on her 19 Pilot Elite and no issues either. A year or two ago I would have been concerned about non Honda windshields but both of these have had no issues. We’re in Queen Creek, Arizona.
 
#4 ·
Interesting I come across this - I scheduled a replacement and recalibration at my local safelight store for my G5 Odyssey. I lived with the crack for about a year and a half, but my wife managed to pick up another spider crack that is starting to expand with the cold. Rear tires were today, the windshield is in a couple of weeks and the timing belt/WP/Tensioner next/week after.
 
#8 ·
I would use original Honda glass, saw to many problems and redo's with te safelite glass, be aware if you are dealing with Erie insurance and a comp. charge they will charge you with a claim and revoke your claimless discount and in 3 years they will be ahead of the game at your expense
 
#9 ·
I had a conversation with an auto glass guy awhile back. He said there is a difference between O.E. & aftermarket. He sees more glass than I do, so I tend to believe him.
My State Farm agent sublets the glass work to another company, they're not actually involved. I told them I wanted O.E. & they said fine, pay the difference.
 
#10 ·
I was sent to Safelite by my insurance company (USAA) to have my windshield replaced. They did an excellent job, no leaks, and all sensors working. BTW, it's not the insurance company that waives the deductible, it is state law, in some states that require that there be no deductible for glass replacement. I guess this is an incentive, so folks don't drive around with cracked windshields.
 
#11 ·
john brown said:
I would use original Honda glass, saw to many problems and redo's with te safelite glass, be aware if you are dealing with Erie insurance and a comp. charge they will charge you with a claim and revoke your claimless discount and in 3 years they will be ahead of the game at your expense
Click to expand...
Was this with a windshield replacement? Have had Erie for 30 years and have replaced a few windshields as well as crack repair. Not arguing, just trying to see what I may be up against in the future when this windshield is cracked.
 
#12 ·
gkreamer said:
Was this with a windshield replacement? Have had Erie for 30 years and have replaced a few windshields as well as crack repair. Not arguing, just trying to see what I may be up against in the future when this windshield is cracked.
Click to expand...
yes, truck thru a rock and cracked my windshield, bill was $1038. for replacement, unknown to me or agent it was $38. over their limit, when it exceeds $1000, Erie codes it a claim and takes away your no claim discount forever, insurance rose right at $350. a year forever!
 
#13 ·
Just throwing it out there, just using Safelite does not mean you get Safelite branded glass. They install OEM, their own and even other branded glass. On my old Frontier, I had to have windshield replaced. They first installed their Safelite branded glass. That one ended up howling at constant interstate speed. I believe it was just improperly installed. The second installer that rode with me to verify the noise ended up replacing it with a PGW (Pittsburgh Glass Works) that he had when he came. Had that in the truck for the next ~10 years I had it without issue.

I think first and foremost installation is the most important thing. That seems to be near impossible to know how good any Safelite installer is, though. First one I had was maybe just a bad batch of glue, windshield slightly warped or the tech didn't get it properly in the opening, but the install/glass was not good. The second techs install was perfect. Also, not sure there are many other options besides a Safelite branded and OEM for the RL. I am sure there very well might be a quality in the materials difference, but also not sure I would push for OEM or bust depending on cost to me to do so. Guessing the demand for them is not as high as a Frontier that had a 15+ year run with the same body style.
 
#14 ·
john brown said:
yes, truck thru a rock and cracked my windshield, bill was $1038. for replacement, unknown to me or agent it was $38. over their limit, when it exceeds $1000, Erie codes it a claim and takes away your no claim discount forever, insurance rose right at $350. a year forever!
Click to expand...
Very sorry to hear that this happened to you! Thank you though for sharing your experience here!
 
#15 ·
Ridgefull said:
This isn't my first windshield, the first one I had insisted on Honda glass and almost had to pay for it out of pocket (I won in arbitration thanks to Littlefield, TX Sheriff having taken photo's). Owner's manual states Honda glass has to be used because of the electronic features of RTL-E. I'm sick of dealing with the cracked windshield and am about to have it replaced for a $500 deductible, or well over $1000 for Honda glass.
Anyone using Satellite glass on their RTL-E and 100% satisfied with performance?
Click to expand...
I had my 2020 Ridgeline windshield replaced earlier this year by Safelite. Safelite recommended I use the Honda windshield because they were having calibration issues with some of the aftermarket windshields.
 
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