I guess all things are relative. I tried to use the Alexandria, VA safelite... 4 times? maybe 3. the first 2 times were
1) scheduling was 4 MONTHS out for a remote replacement and 2 weeks for a scheduled replacement. You could walk in, but have to get there in the first 30 minutes or you get pushed. Had a local shop do it within 2 days.
2) Tried to schedule again for another windshield. both of these were wife’s vehicle. This time they were 6 months out for scheduled remote replacement. Again went local.
3) busted the Rap windshield back in ’20. Stupidly, called safelite again.
They schedule me for the same week ... something must be wrong. I give them VIN, year, make, model warn them it’s not a peasant F150, but a Raptor, different glass. “Yes Mr. Slayer, we have the glass, see you tomorrow"
You probably know how this story ends already.
No, in fact they don’t have the Raptor windshield.
Locals come out the same week, replace with OEM glass.
4) This one takes the cake. Busted the windshield on the causeway bridge to S. Padre Island. It was a HARD hit, loud as heck and instantly put a 2 foot crack in the windshield. I get home, schedule with them about 5 days out. Drive the stupid distance to some in town shop, drop off with the assurance it will be done by 3.
It’s not done by 3. Or 4. Or 5. Time is a wasting. I left work early, range closes at 7. It’s 5 and they are JUST finishing up getting the windshield seated. I’m like “great, I got to go, let’s transact"
In a comedic exchange, they tell me they can’t release the truck until the camera is calibrated, come back Saturday.
“Oh yes you will release the truck to me or I’ll take it back.”
The excuses change 3 times before the manager sends the tech into the truck to do the recal. This is not necessary about 95% of the time and wasn’t the last time I had the Rap windshield done.
Mgr comes out while I’m dialing up the county sheriff’s office and assures me, they’re doing the calibration now and it will be 10 minutes.
It was 17 minutes, not that anyone was counting.
So I don’t exactly have a positive experience with safelite to relay. Go elsewhere, to a local shop and support your local economy, not some faceless mega-corp.
exactly. You can pay the difference in most cases. For me, it was 700 for Jen Too OEM glass both times.
really?
I don’t know what busted the factory windshield, but whatever it was, it was weak. Now, that replacement OEM piece took a solid hit. Noise in the rain was not something I’d expect to be a downside ...
