Cracked windscreen - help

[suave]

Folks

As they say here in Belfast i got my "windascreen" cracked this morning. It's a nice star shaped break on in the corner thanks to a motorway stone.

Has anyone been here and can you tell me if the raplacement windscreen is as our GTI ones should be? What i mean is does it have the black dimpled marks above the mirror and round the perimeter?

I'd like an exact replacement but am worried autoglass may just stick a plainer one in.

cheers

[nezquick]

If your fully comp you should be able to claim under it without risking your no claims bonus. If you want an exact replacement I would have presumed any reputable garage or mechanic, or mobile repair company should be ordering based on your car make and model and therefore be the correct windscreen if not then drop the stealer a ring and ask them for the right code.

[andygo]

As far as I know, the black dots are there to allow the robot to accurately align the screen in the factory. To be honest its not the new glass I'd be worried about, its the 'robot' fitting it!........

[suave]

Has anyone had a replacement windscreen from auto glass?

Does it look the same as our stock GTI screens - I.e. does it have the black area at the bottom where the wipers sit??

[wycombe_gti]

I'd like an exact replacement but am worried autoglass may just stick a plainer one in.
cheers

Mine was replaced by the previous owner through autoglass before I bought it.
They knackered the sensor on the rear view mirror (for the auto wipers), and VW wouldn't sort it under warranty as the screen was clearly a non-VW one - and had been caused by the fitting process.

I'm sure most of their engineers would be ok - but worth checking when you book that they know how to remove and refit this.

[SRC]

I'm in the same boat since last weekend on the A12.

I had an Autoglass replacement on my mk3, and I couldn't tell the difference.  Now you've got me worried about the mirror sensor...

Incidentally, why do they bother with "repairs"?  I know they stop the crack spreading, but they don't hide it.  My windscreen excess is £40  - I'll be getting a new one!

[ub7rm]

Rain sensors are ten a penny on cars, there should be no excuse for fluffing it up.  Had my screen replaced by auto windscreens and it was fine.  Looks the same as the original apart from the writing in the corner.

[john_o]

replacement will be a non VW branded item (but identical) unless you stipulate a VW item is used
(which may take longer to get and cost you personally more )

depends how picky you are 
i had a generic one fitted and its identical (bar the branding name).

Like others have said, your biggest concern should be the experience of the fitter.
Ask them is theyve done a mk5 before and any tips
(fwiw mine removed a strip from the bottom and cut edges off some sealing strips, i was having kittens until he explained why he was doing it  )

also be aware of misty windows after fitment, as that could indicate a leaking screen

hth

john

[Beddie]

I've had 3 screens replaced over the last few years - 2 on my A3 and 1 on the GTi, in all cases i asked for an oem screen and was given one without any arguments or any increase in cost etc  

Autoglass have carried out all the swaps but in all cases the work was completed at their depot as the MK5 / A3 requires specialist tooling to remove the screen in the correct manner and they were reluctant to do this on my driveway - tooling used is a suction mount that winds a cheese wire like cutting strand around the windscreen seal, this avoids any paintwork damage around the screen or under the seal...

They were quite candid about the fact they would just normally cut out the seal as it's a much quicker and easier job but didnt want to risk damage on 'my' car..

Couldnt fault the work, but they knew i was a VERY particular customer and was watching the job from start to finish...  

[suave]

Cheers Beddie

I am a bit worried about their fitting as they said they'd do it on my driveway.

Gonna ring  today and advise if they don't know what they're doing that they shouldn't bother. Am also worried about them marking the mirror fitting on the inside.

Bloody stone!!!!

[john_o]

fwiw,
the specialist tooling and wire cutter was used to remove the screen on my drive.
He also had some crazy tools that allowed him to replace the screen via a lever system.

Get some rappor with the fitter and stop him if you arent happy.

[monte]

Just make sure that the company/fitter knows that you are a fussy customer that idolises his car and only 100% will do.

Tell them that you had a real bad experience with one of their competitors in the past and that you want to make sure you get an experienced fitter to work on your car.