Bugger Bugger Bugger

[Richard1200]

Massive stone hit the windscreen, crack getting bigger.

A new genuine Lexus screen on its way although it going to take a few days. This is when having Lexus Insurance pays off as only genuine Lexus parts used to repair any damage.

Trying to chill and not get too worked up about it. Only my second screen in 48 years driving so not too bad. They are putting the etched security number on the new screen.

The good news is no paint work touched by the stone.

[ColinBarber]

That was bad luck. Hopefully all sorted out now?

I'd be surprised if anything other than an OEM screen is available at the moment, although that will change with time.

[matt-c]

Much better to have a stone hit glass than bodywork - much cheaper to fix in most cases.

Non-branded screens will be available for new models more or less from day one. The car manufacturers don't make glass; companies like Pilkington and Saint Gobain make glass; and they make it both for the manufacturers and for the replacement industry. So whether it's branded or not, it'll be the same glass. Likewise with trims; the companies commissioned to make trims for windscreens supply both the manufacturers and replacement companies. It's only when you get to much older vehicles that contracts end and a non-OEM company picks up the patents to reproduce glass for the replacement market (the time scale of which is down the the vehicle manufacturers parts policy, and contract length with the glass maker. For example, VW has a 15year guarantee on genuine parts. Windscreens are actually longer than this)

[steve2006]

Hey Matt, with you being "in the trade" so to speak what do those Saint Gobain bulk tankers I often see on the roads actually carry, I assume it's sand for the glass industry?

We have a Pilkington Glass place near us at Somercotes,Derbys.

[matt-c]

You know, I don't actually know! But I'd wager you're right that it's sand, or possibly chemicals used in glass production (if it has a hazardous sticker on the back. then it's most likely liquid chemicals. I wouldn't smoke near it if it is!)

A bunch of new plants and distribution centres for Pilks opened up in various places in the UK after a certain windscreen company signed an exclusive deal with Pilks recently.

[Richard1200]

As I have lexus Insurance my windscreen was replaced by AA auto windscreens with a genuine Lexus screen. Excellent service, excellent fitter, very carefull, very clean and tidy. Perfect job.