New Windshield on my '03 Salsa

[DCViber]

So my Vibe had a windshield chip (that was filled) from before I bought it. After a cross-country driving in the freezing cold, that chip grew into a crack, first a half inch - then it was up to two. I went ahead and got a new windshield yesterday since they couldn't fill it again, and so I could do it before I got all my parking and inspection stickers.It cost $230 and they came to my car to do it (nearly giving me a heart attack by prying the old one out - my poor car sitting there looking so broken). Seems like the service was OK and a friend recommended them, but is there anything I should watch for to make sure they did it right and well?The windshield is brilliantly clean and clear now.Also - I tried searching the forum for this and couldn't find the right response. Can anyone tell me why I have a blinking red light by my radio? Is that a fake security system?(This is what happens when you haven't had a car in ten years... you ask a lot of silly questions...)

[Houston]

Quote, originally posted by DCViber »Can anyone tell me why I have a blinking red light by my radio? Is that a fake security system?I don't remember for sure, but it seems like that blinking light is to inform potential thieves that the radio won't work if it's removed from that particular car. Anybody know for sure?

[808 Vibes]

If the repair was done by a reputable company that your insurance recommends, glass should be ALL they do, day in and day out, so they know what they're doing. As for the flashing red light, I always thought of it as a dummy alarm (?) but not exactly sure...

[DCViber]

It was a glass only company. My insurance company (GEICO) suggested a company that was going to charge me $45 more than these folks (a bigger corporate shop v. a more local one - I went more local with a suggestion from a friend who had used them).

[808 Vibes]

I would think as long as your friend's repair is holding up with no problems, and it is strictly a glass company, then you should be OK too. But maybe check with your local BBB (they should have their own website) before doing any future repairs. I had my shattered windshield replaced through my insurance (0 deductible) when Neptune was only a few months old and never gave the repair a second thought.

[DCViber]

I did not think to check BBB - this is what you get when you don't own things for years on end that require services. But good news is they are accredited and have an A+ rating. I'm probably worrying too much, new mom style - but instead of a baby I have a used Pontiac.

[808 Vibes]

That's reassuring

[star_deceiver]

Take it to the car wash and give the windshield area a good soak to check for leaks!

[DCViber]

Will do! Need to get the bird poop off the thing anyhow. My poor vibe is street parked in Washington, DC. Lots of birds.

[joatmon]

One of the times I had my windshield replaced, the installer set the thing to be lower than it should have been, noticeable by a bigger gap at the top, and by the little view window at the bottom not lining up with the VIN. The next time I got it replaced I pointed that out to the (different) installer, and he got it perfect.Mostly, just check for leaks. Supposed to rain on you tomorrow night, so be on the lookout for any signs of water. I wouldnt expect any, but something to keep in the back of your mind.The flashing light on the radio is a dummy light. Some GM radios have a theftlock system, and a databus to support that, but since the Vibe is (was ) a joint GM/Toyota venture, there is no supporting databus, and the Vibe radios don't have theftlock. At least the earlier models, such as your '03. Should only be blinking when the ignition is off, (or if you twist something in the cig outlet, short it out and blow the CIG fuse in that cursed underdash fuse block)