Highly Recommended Auto Glass OEM vs Aftermarket Parts

The first thing that comes to mind when a glass breaks or a rock cracks your windshield is getting it fixed. But when you begin looking into your possibilities, you’ll come to a critical choice: should you choose aftermarket car glass or Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) glass? The decision may seem little, but it has a big effect on the value, performance, and safety of your car. Understanding the distinctions between these two kinds of glass will help you make an informed decision that suits your needs and price range. The quality, pricing, safety implications, and overall value of OEM and aftermarket parts will all be compared in this book. You’ll be able to tell at the end which choice is most appropriate for your vehicle.

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What is OEM Auto Glass

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) glass is produced by the same company that was responsible for the production of the glass that was used in the construction of your vehicle when it was first built. In terms of thickness, color, form, and any embedded technology, these parts are exactly the same as those that were put on the assembly line.

Consider this: if you buy a Toyota, the OEM windshield is manufactured by the same company that Toyota hired to make the glass for that particular model year. It will even have the branding and emblem of the automaker. OEM components provide a flawless fit and easy connection with your vehicle’s systems since they are identical reproductions.

Benefits of Original Equipment Manufacturer Glass: Assurance of Quality and Fit: OEM glass is guaranteed to fit your car’s frame precisely since it is exactly the same as the original. Improper seals, which might cause leaks or wind noise, are not a concern.

Preserves Vehicle Originality: By using original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, you can preserve your automobile as near to factory condition as possible. For owners of historic automobiles who wish to maintain the value of their vehicle or for newer cars still covered under warranty, this might be very crucial.

Smooth Integration of Technology: Contemporary windshields are made of more than simply glass. Rain sensors, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure alerts are examples of the kind of sensors that are routinely included in these vehicles as part of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). OEM glass is made to integrate seamlessly with these systems, guaranteeing proper operation upon installation.

Drawbacks of Original Equipment Manufacturer Glass: Increased Cost: The primary disadvantage of OEM glass is its cost. They cost a lot more than aftermarket alternatives since they are made by a particular manufacturer and frequently have a brand name.

Limited Availability: Locating an OEM component might occasionally be difficult, depending on the age and type of your car. Longer wait times for your repair might result from the requirement to place a special order.

What Is Aftermarket Auto Glass

Companies that are not an automobile manufacturer’s original supplier create aftermarket auto glass. Although they are not produced by the same firm, these pieces are intended to be functional substitutes for the original glass. Although they must adhere to the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) minimal safety requirements, they can differ greatly in quality.

To make their own versions, aftermarket producers re-engineer the original glass. This implies that there may be minute differences in curvature, color, thickness, and size. Although many aftermarket companies manufacture high-quality glass, some could take shortcuts in order to save money.

Benefits of Aftermarket Glass: Reduced Cost: The affordability of aftermarket glass is its main benefit. It is frequently far less expensive than OEM glass, which makes it a desirable choice for car owners on a tight budget or those who are footing the bill for a replacement.

Wide Availability: Since many businesses create aftermarket components, they are typically simple to locate. This implies that replacing your glass may frequently be done faster than waiting for an OEM component to be ordered.

Variety of Options: Due to the aftermarket industry’s intense competition, there are many different brands and pricing points to pick from.

Drawbacks of Aftermarket Glass: Inconsistent Quality: Aftermarket glass quality might vary widely. While some manufacturers may have weaker quality control standards, others may make fantastic items. As a result, the glass may be distorted, more likely to chip, or not fit precisely.

Possible Fitment Problems: There is a chance of an unsatisfactory fit because aftermarket glass is not manufactured using the original factory molds. The seal surrounding the glass may be compromised by a bad fit, which might result in water leaks, more wind noise, or even less structural integrity in the event of an accident.

Problems with ADAS Calibration: An aftermarket windshield may cause your car’s ADAS systems to malfunction. Glass location and clarity surrounding sensors are crucial, and differences in aftermarket components might occasionally need more involved and expensive recalibration or, worse, stop the systems from functioning properly.

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A Comparative Analysis

Let’s compare OEM and aftermarket glass directly based on the most crucial criteria to help with the decision-making process.

Durability and Quality:
OEM: The quality is reliable and in line with the initial requirements set by the automaker. You are completely conscious of what you are about to get.

Aftermarket: The quality of different brands varies. Although glass from reputable aftermarket manufacturers is just as robust as OEM, less expensive choices may not last as long.

Security:
OEM: Assured to satisfy the exacting safety and structural requirements of the manufacturer. If the car is involved in a rollover crash, the windshield may sustain up to sixty percent of the roof of the cabin. Maintaining this integrity is ensured by an OEM fit.

Aftermarket: Needs to adhere to federal safety regulations, but a poor fit may jeopardize the structural integrity of the car. Selecting a reliable installer who uses premium aftermarket brands is essential.

The price:
OEM: The more costly choice is nearly always this one.
Aftermarket: Much less expensive, providing significant savings.
Fit and Installation
OEM: Made to fit perfectly, ensuring a simple and dependable installation.

Aftermarket: Fit is not always reliable. To guarantee a good seal, a skilled expert would have to make some tweaks, and even then, it could not be flawless.

Choosing the Best Option for Your Car

Three factors will probably determine whether you choose OEM or aftermarket glass: your budget, the age of your car, and whether it contains cutting-edge safety systems.

It is strongly suggested that you use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) glass if your vehicle is brand new or equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Your safety systems will continue to work as intended thanks to the exact fit and material composition. OEM glass is even necessary for ADAS recalibration to work, according to several manufacturers. The safety and comfort of mind make the higher expense worthwhile.

If your car is older and doesn’t have ADAS: Aftermarket glass may be a very economical and reasonable option. A high-quality aftermarket windshield from a reliable manufacturer will work well for a car without sophisticated sensor technology, as long as it is installed correctly by a qualified technician.

In the event that you are using insurance: Verify your policy. While some insurance plans may only cover the cost of an aftermarket equivalent, others may cover the entire cost of OEM glass; if you want OEM glass, you will need to pay the difference. It is imperative that you discuss your options with both the auto glass specialist who will be working on your vehicle and your insurance provider.

What to Do Next

Selecting OEM versus aftermarket auto glass is a big choice. OEM glass offers a difficult-to-match assurance of quality, fit, and safety, while aftermarket components give an inexpensive alternative.

Whichever kind of glass you decide on, the quality of the installation is the most important consideration. An aftermarket windshield that functions almost as well as an OEM component can be installed by a trustworthy, licensed specialist. On the other hand, a costly OEM windshield installed incorrectly might cause a number of issues.

Speak with a reputable auto glass specialist before deciding. They may make suggestions tailored to your particular car and assist you in balancing the advantages and disadvantages to choose the ideal option that combines value, quality, and safety.

Not All Auto Glass Is Made Equally

Your first instinct is probably to have it mended right away when a rock cracks your windshield or a break-in shatters your side glass. Although it’s simple to believe that all vehicle glass is the same, the truth is very different. Replacement glass can vary greatly in quality, fit, and manufacturing method, which affects not only how your car looks but also—and this is more crucial—its safety and structural soundness.

Any automobile owner must be aware of these distinctions. Your choice of glass is an essential component of the safety system that your vehicle possesses. It guarantees that airbags deploy properly, supports the roof in the event of a rollover, and offers a clean, distortion-free vision of the road. You’re investing in both your safety and the durability of your car when you make an informed choice about replacing your auto glass.

The key elements that set premium car glass apart from subpar alternatives will be covered in this article. We’ll go over the many kinds of glass that are available, what to look for in a replacement, and why getting the ideal fit is impossible. By the end, you’ll know enough to pick the ideal automobile glass with assurance.

OEM, OEE, and Aftermarket Glass Comparison

The phrases “OEM,” “OEE,” and “aftermarket” are important when it comes to replacing the glass in your car. Making a wise decision starts with understanding what they signify.

A manufacturer of original equipment (OEM) glass is a type of glass that is manufactured by the same firm that supplied the original glass for your vehicle throughout the manufacturing process. From thickness, color, and shape to durability and safety performance, it is exactly the same as the glass that was placed at the manufacturer.

Advantages: Promised to precisely match the original glass. It satisfies every exact safety and fit requirement set forth by the car manufacturer.

This is typically the option that results in the highest cost.
OEM glass guarantees that technologies like heads-up displays (HUDs) and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that employ cameras installed on the windshield will work precisely as intended since it originates from the original manufacturer.

OEE stands for Original Equipment Equivalent. The same manufacturers that make OEM glass also make OEE glass, sometimes known as “OEM-equivalent,” which is supplied directly to the auto glass market rather than to automakers. Although it is manufactured to the same exacting standards and specifications as OEM glass, it will not have the logo of the vehicle’s manufacturer.

Advantages: Provides OEM glass quality, fit, and safety, but frequently at a little reduced cost.

Cons: If the manufacturer has separate manufacturing lines for OEM and OEE parts, there may be minor variances, albeit these are uncommon.

For the majority of car owners, OEE glass offers the best value and quality combination. Without having to pay a premium, you may enjoy the assurance that comes with OEM-level engineering.

In the glass aftermarket, companies that are not the original suppliers to automobile manufacturers are the ones that produce aftermarket glass. To make their own versions, these businesses re-engineer the original glass. From one manufacturer to another, aftermarket glass quality might differ significantly.

Advantages: This is the least expensive alternative, which makes it a popular pick for repairs that are on a tight budget.

Cons: There may be variations in fit and quality. Certain aftermarket glass could not fit the window frame precisely, had visual distortions, or was more likely to stress crack.

Some aftermarket producers take shortcuts, while others create high-quality goods. Water leaks, wind noise, and impaired safety might result from an improperly fitted piece of aftermarket glass.

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Why Proper Fit Is Essential for Safety

A great fit is an essential component of your car’s safety system and goes beyond appearances. The windshield is a crucial structural element in the design of modern automobiles.

In the event of a rollover accident, the windshield is responsible for providing up to sixty percent of the structural strength of the cabin. This prevents the roof from collapsing and protects the inside from damage. Under pressure, a poorly installed or subpar windshield may burst out or shatter, significantly raising the possibility of severe damage. For this support to be provided, the specialist glue that forms the bond between the glass and the vehicle’s frame must be flawless.

Taking Measures to Ensure Proper Airbag Deployment In the case of a collision, the airbag on the passenger side of your vehicle is designed to deploy upward and bounce into the windshield, providing the person with appropriate protection. The force of the airbag deployment may cause the windshield to come out if it is not firmly attached to the frame. The passenger is left defenseless when this occurs since the airbag outside the car inflates pointlessly.

Advanced ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems)

Autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assistance are just a few examples of the advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that are readily available in a variety of modern vehicles. The cornerstone of these systems is comprised of cameras and sensors that are adhered to the windshield surfaces. 

To guarantee that these safety systems may be properly recalibrated and operate as intended, a new windshield has to have mounting brackets positioned exactly and be free of visual distortion. Even little flaws in an aftermarket windshield might cause system failures.

Qualities of High-Quality Auto Glass: You may check for a number of quality indications in addition to the manufacturer type.

Clarity and Absence of Distortion: A view through high-quality glass is crystal clear and free of distortions, ripples, and waves. Examine the glass from various perspectives to look for flaws.

Consistent Thickness and Curve: The glass should have a consistent thickness and a precise curve that complements the frame of your car. Over time, fractures may result from stress spots caused by inconsistencies.

DOT Number: In order to identify the manufacturer, each piece of vehicle glass sold in the US needs to have a DOT (Department of Transportation) number. For this reason, the glass is guaranteed to be in compliance with the federal safety rules. To confirm the manufacturer, you may check the DOT number online.

Expert Installation: Improper installation may cause even the best glass to break. In order to guarantee a strong, waterproof seal that preserves the structural integrity of your car, a professional technician will apply industry-approved adhesives and adhere to a rigorous procedure.

What to Do Next for a Secure Replacement

When it comes to replacing the glass in your vehicle, you should not make any sacrifices in terms of fit or quality. It’s critical to your passengers’ and your own safety. Although the cheaper price of aftermarket glass may be alluring, the dangers of a bad fit and worse quality frequently exceed the savings.

OEM or premium OEE glass fitted by a qualified technician is the suggested option for a dependable and secure repair. Make sure you know what kind of glass is being placed in your car, and don’t be afraid to question the technician about their credentials and installation procedure. Every component of your car, notably the glass through which you see the outside world, contributes to its functionality and safety.