Imagine driving without a windshield - the wind in your eyes and debris traveling from the road to your vehicle. We’re confident it wouldn’t make for a fun driving experience, which is why a windshield is such an integral part of any vehicle.
As the windshield plays a significant role in protecting drivers, if it is damaged, it should be replaced with a Toyota Genuine replacement installed by a trained technician for your utmost safety and security. If you’re not sure if the windshield you’re replacing is original equipment, any Toyota dealer can help source the proper windshield and assist with the installation process.
Using Genuine Toyota windshields is critical, as they integrate with our advanced vehicle technology, including head-up display, camera sensors for accident avoidance systems, rain sensors, antennas and heating elements. Other windshields may not account for these components and could impact their functionality.
Common Questions and Considerations for Replacing Your Windshield
Why should a Toyota Genuine Windshield be used for repairs?
As most glass repair shops or suppliers use “Aftermarket” windshields that are not the same as a Genuine Toyota Windshield, they may not take into account the design, quality, fit and finish of the windshield it is replacing. Our windshields are tested to make sure they will remain rigid if there is a collision, whereas aftermarket may not have been tested to the same specifications.
It’s also important to have your camera recalibrated when the new windshield is installed so that the Toyota Safety Sense functions are set to factory specifications. A specific Toyota designed diagnostic computer connects to the vehicle’s onboard computer systems to recalibrate the TSS features. A non-Toyota installation may not be able to ensure the camera is mounted and focused as it was at the manufacturing plant.
What happens if the TSS camera isn’t recalibrated?
If the camera is not aimed in the proper position, safety systems may not function as they’re supposed to. For example, the Lane Departure Alert uses the camera in the windshield to scan the road for the road markings and/or lines to help keep the vehicle within a lane. If it’s in the wrong position, it may think the vehicle is drifting from its lane when it’s not and alert drivers, which could cause confusion or an accident.
Camera sensors could also malfunction if the windshield is cracked or damaged. If your windshield needs repairs, it’s best to contact a Toyota dealer.
If my vehicle has an aftermarket windshield installed, will it affect my warranty?
Yes. If the aftermarket windshield leads to damage to other systems, then the OEM warranty will not cover the damage.
If your windshield repair costs are being covered by an Insurance provider or another source, insist that you want a Genuine Toyota Windshield installed and if your vehicle is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, you want the camera calibration or any other sensor calibration that could be affected by the installation of a new windshield performed at an Authorized Toyota Dealership using Toyota’s tools and procedures.
If your windshield needs to be repaired, we recommend contacting your local Toyota dealership. A dealer can help guide you to a technician who is familiar with our vehicles and will make sure original equipment is used and installed properly, keeping you as safe as possible on the road.
See your owner’s manual for further details on Toyota Safety Sense or request an appointment today.
