What is the difference between replacing the front windshield at a 4S store and the original factory?
2 Answers
There is essentially no difference between replacing the front windshield at a 4S store and the original factory, except for the glass markings. After replacing the front windshield, pay attention to the following points: Do not wash the car within three days: Do not wash the car within three days after replacing the windshield. Remove the tape securing the windshield position after three days. Avoid driving on bumpy roads: Try to avoid driving on excessively bumpy roads, and avoid sudden braking and rapid acceleration to prevent the windshield from shifting. Pay attention to speed: Do not drive on highways, and keep the maximum speed below 80 kilometers per hour. Do not open the windows: Do not open the windows while driving within three days after replacing the rear windshield to prevent the rear windshield from shifting due to wind pressure.
As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I once had my windshield replaced at a 4S dealership and noticed significant differences compared to the original factory installation. The factory-installed glass was fitted tightly when the car was new, never leaking during rainy days and producing minimal wind noise, making highway driving much quieter. However, after the 4S replacement, I noticed slight water seepage during heavy rain recently. Upon inspection, they said the adhesive wasn’t applied properly. Technician manual installation isn’t as precise as the factory assembly line, and the environment isn’t as clean, which can lead to dust contamination affecting the seal. The glass itself is the same genuine OEM part, but the difference in craftsmanship can lead to faster long-term aging and more noticeable noise. I recommend thorough waterproof testing after replacement and choosing authorized shops to minimize risks—driving safety is not something to take lightly. Also, remember to regularly maintain the sealant around the glass edges to prevent issues from worsening.
