A Tale of Two Windshield Replacements - Service Center vs. Safelite

[Dutch]

I had a second cracked windshield in 6 months. The first one, since only Rivian could recalibrate the safety features, I went with the Rivian SC for replacement. This involved a 4 hour drive one way, thus was an long day of travelling and waiting around and an $1800+ bill. The second time around Safellite assured me that they have been doing a lot of Rivian windshield replacements. So I investigated the recalibration issue further and found out that Rivian's mobile unit could do it. So I had Safelite do it and a week later the mobile guy Drew came out and recalibrated it. This saved me a trip to the SC. The cost for Safelite was $789 and the recalibration was only $40. This definitely the way to go.

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[Schaef]

I had a second cracked windshield in 6 months. The first one, since only Rivian could recalibrate the safety features, I went with the Rivian SC for replacement. This involved a 4 hour drive one way, thus was an long day of travelling and waiting around and an $1800+ bill. The second time around Safellite assured me that they have been doing a lot of Rivian windshield replacements. So I investigated the recalibration issue further and found out that Rivian's mobile unit could do it. So I had Safelite do it and a week later the mobile guy Drew came out and recalibrated it. This saved me a trip to the SC. The cost for Safelite was $789 and the recalibration was only $40. This definitely the way to go.

That’s very cool to hear. Were you able to drive normally in between the Safelite install and mobile visit, and approximately how long did the recalibration take?

 

[SoCal72]

Thanks for sharing. Is the quality of the windshield the same or possibly better?

 

[BigSkies]

I had a similar experience last summer. Safelite is the way to go.

Safelite made me sign a form saying I wouldn't use driver-assist features until everything was recalibrated.

The windshield is exactly the same as far as I can tell. I suspect it comes out of the same factory, but can't confirm that.

 

[CrazyOne]

Was the cost of replacing windshield $789 ?? Which brand glass did they use?

Time to start tailgating people ?

 

[Dutch]

I just avoided highway assist. I assume it's the same glass, it looks that way anyway.

 

[Mathme]

This is good news! I don't see why mobile couldn't recalibrate these things as it's just software. I've had a few instances where Rivian has said, "we need that to be at the SC in order to inspect it." I affectionately call this my invite to the SC Dance!

 

[opnwide]

I had a second cracked windshield in 6 months. The first one, since only Rivian could recalibrate the safety features, I went with the Rivian SC for replacement. This involved a 4 hour drive one way, thus was an long day of travelling and waiting around and an $1800+ bill. The second time around Safellite assured me that they have been doing a lot of Rivian windshield replacements. So I investigated the recalibration issue further and found out that Rivian's mobile unit could do it. So I had Safelite do it and a week later the mobile guy Drew came out and recalibrated it. This saved me a trip to the SC. The cost for Safelite was $789 and the recalibration was only $40. This definitely the way to go.

This is great info, thx. I see you live in Grand Junction--did the mobile guy drive all the way out from the Denver SC?

 

[SPITmadFIRE]

Was the cost of replacing windshield $789 ?? Which brand glass did they use?

Time to start tailgating people ?

This is not unusual for modern cars. Had to replace a 2021 Bronco windshield a few years back and I believe the cost was around $1100.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

I just avoided highway assist. I assume it's the same glass, it looks that way anyway.

If it has this logo it's the same glass, same OE supplier: Fuyao America in Ohio. They are also OE supplier to Bentley, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, GM, Toyota, Volkswagen, Ford, Chrysler, Nissan, Honda, Hyundai, Fiat, Volvo, Land Rover, etc..

 

[HapticWagon]

Has anyone attempted to do calibration themselves via the RIDE app?
I noticed there are options to start the calibrations there now.

e.g. After service center did the calibration for me, it fixed a lot of visualization issues on the drivers display, and the 360 view alignment issues.

 

[godfodder0901]

Has anyone attempted to do calibration themselves via the RIDE app?
I noticed there are options to start the calibrations there now.

e.g. After service center did the calibration for me, it fixed a lot of visualization issues on the drivers display, and the 360 view alignment issues.

I'm sure there are some external reference devices/objects required for the calibration.

 

[Mark_AZR1T]

I had a second cracked windshield in 6 months. The first one, since only Rivian could recalibrate the safety features, I went with the Rivian SC for replacement. This involved a 4 hour drive one way, thus was an long day of travelling and waiting around and an $1800+ bill. The second time around Safellite assured me that they have been doing a lot of Rivian windshield replacements. So I investigated the recalibration issue further and found out that Rivian's mobile unit could do it. So I had Safelite do it and a week later the mobile guy Drew came out and recalibrated it. This saved me a trip to the SC. The cost for Safelite was $789 and the recalibration was only $40. This definitely the way to go.

This is great news! Thank you.

 

[SeattleClearBra]

Have you considered windshield protection film? It is a good way to prevent rock chips and damage to your windshield by providing an extra layer of protection so you do not have to pay those expensive costs to replace your windshield every time it happens!

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Have you considered windshield protection film? It is a good way to prevent rock chips and damage to your windshield by providing an extra layer of protection so you do not have to pay those expensive costs to replace your windshield every time it happens!

There are pros and cons to protection films. Pending how clean you keep your car—and some of it is environmental and out of one's control—the film can end up with very fine scratches all over. If the sun is at just the right angle, these scratches can produce glare. Not so bad that you can't drive safely, but it is a little distracting. And the automatic wipers' tendency to wipe (without spraying) upon wake doesn't help. I'm projecting the film needs to be replaced every 2 to 3 years.

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