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

[bbqdevil]

Quick update on my experience:
Just had Safelite install my glass 2 hours ago. Process was quick and easy, the glass is aftermarket glass, but since the OEM glass doesn’t seem to be particularly great, I’m fine with that. Going out of pocket with the aforementioned $50 off and that came to $736.

Doublechecked with the Service Center and they will calibrate with aftermarket glass. I’m not sure if that’s due to the current backorder of OEM glass or right to repair laws in California, but calibration from Rivian is $80.

So total out of pocket replacement cost is $816.

The only downside at this point is that I’m dropping the truck off tomorrow morning and I may not get it back until end of day Saturday due to the overbooking at the center. At least it’s sunny, so I’ll ride my motorcycle for all of my errands and enjoy some fresh near-Spring air.

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[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Quick update on my experience:
Just had Safelite install my glass 2 hours ago. Process was quick and easy, the glass is aftermarket glass, but since the OEM glass doesn’t seem to be particularly great, I’m fine with that. Going out of pocket with the aforementioned $50 off and that came to $736.

Doublechecked with the Service Center and they will calibrate with aftermarket glass. I’m not sure if that’s due to the current backorder of OEM glass or right to repair laws in California, but calibration from Rivian is $80.

So total out of pocket replacement cost is $816.

The only downside at this point is that I’m dropping the truck off tomorrow morning and I may not get it back until end of day Saturday due to the overbooking at the center. At least it’s sunny, so I’ll ride my motorcycle for all of my errands and enjoy some fresh near-Spring air.

SC not offering rental? or you didn't ask because you don't need it?

 

[bbqdevil]

SC not offering rental? or you didn't ask because you don't need it?

They offered Lyft credits since they’re hoping it’s only one day turnaround. I’ll take the Lyft home and enjoy the weather on the bike. If I had no other transportation option, I’d request a rental, but I’m more than happy with this outcome.

 

[Redmond Chad]

Doublechecked with the Service Center and they will calibrate with aftermarket glass. I’m not sure if that’s due to the current backorder of OEM glass or right to repair laws in California, but calibration from Rivian is $80.

After a 6-week wait, Rivian Bellevue (WA) did my calibration today...for $120+tax. They say it takes 0.6 hours, and they have a $200 shop rate.

 

[Rivian Owner]

So I've had 3rd parties replace my windshield, rarely do they replace the trim with OEM parts. The last time I had Safelite do a windshield they did a crappy job putting the trim on, it never looked right, and they had to send a different tech because it was clear the trim wouldn't stay on through a car wash. They came back and secured the trim but it was never OEM finish or design. Keeping in mind that added wind resistance equals less range, I'm wondering how close to Rivian trim is the Safelite, or for that matter, any 3rd party's trim? Are you happy the trim isn't adding to drag or increasing wind noise?

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

So I've had 3rd parties replace my windshield, rarely do they replace the trim with OEM parts. The last time I had Safelite do a windshield they did a crappy job putting the trim on, it never looked right, and they had to send a different tech because it was clear the trim wouldn't stay on through a car wash. They came back and secured the trim but it was never OEM finish or design. Keeping in mind that added wind resistance equals less range, I'm wondering how close to Rivian trim is the Safelite, or for that matter, any 3rd party's trim? Are you happy the trim isn't adding to drag or increasing wind noise?

Are we still talking about windshields? No trim is replaced. Just glass and sealant. If any trim is damaged and replaced, that’s body shop territory, with new OEM part (since no aftermarket copies are available, less than 4 years of deliveries and too small of a market for replica makers to find profitable).

Issue with Safelite is quality of their installation work. Glass is “original equipment equivalent” made by same manufacturer that supply Rivian, just without inclusion of Rivian logo and lower retail cost.

 

[Riviot]

After a 6-week wait, Rivian Bellevue (WA) did my calibration today...for $120+tax. They say it takes 0.6 hours, and they have a $200 shop rate.

Did you notice an ADAS difference before and after?

Are we still talking about windshields? No trim is replaced.

I assume they mean the trim is pulled and not resecured properly. I believe I'm having that same issue, with wind noise, I'll learn more tomorrow at my appointment. The tech who booked the correction said if it's just trim that needs realigned, it should be quick, but if something breaks they'll need to order parts from Rivian.

 

[Redmond Chad]

Did you notice an ADAS difference before and after?

I almost never use ADAS in my Rivian, so I can't tell if it made a difference or not. (ADAS doesn't work while towing, and most non-towing Rivian trips are very short)

 

[Rivian Owner]

Are we still talking about windshields? No trim is replaced. Just glass and sealant. If any trim is damaged and replaced, that’s body shop territory, with new OEM part (since no aftermarket copies are available, less than 4 years of deliveries and too small of a market for replica makers to find profitable).

Issue with Safelite is quality of their installation work. Glass is “original equipment equivalent” made by same manufacturer that supply Rivian, just without inclusion of Rivian logo and lower retail cost.

Well I went just now to look at the windshield and I see it is mounted without trim around the perimeter. My bad.......sorry.

 

[Riviot]

Well, I gave Safelite a chance to fix the noise, and somehow it's worse. I do not recommend taking it there for replacements. They fixed a gasket on the opposite side of the noisy part, but now noise starts at lower speeds.

It passed the leak test, nothing came through their seals, and they said they don't remove the trim piece that looks misaligned to me. They couldn't find anything abnormal and supposedly taped their seams with it not changing anything. Basically it's a Rivian problem, not Safelite problem, despite it only starting after they replaced the windshield.

So, now I'm breaking out the painters tape, foam tube, and rubber seals to find this damn noise. It seriously sounds like the window isn't rolled up all the way, but down in the passenger dash area.

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