Why OEM Windshields Are the Right Choice

There are so many options available to choose from when it comes to repairing a windshield that has been broken. Would you rather go with a windshield that was manufactured by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or settle for an aftermarket option? It is frequently the best choice in terms of safety, quality, and overall performance to go with the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), even if both serve the same fundamental function. Through this blog, you will learn all you need to know about original equipment manufacturer (OEM) windshields, including what differentiates them from aftermarket choices and the reasons why they are regarded as the gold standard for windshield replacements. You will be able to make an educated decision with the aid of this article, regardless of whether you are more concerned with compatibility, safety, or durability.

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What Is an Original Equipment Manufacturer Windshield

Original Equipment Manufacturer is what the acronym OEM stands for. A windshield that is original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is one that is manufactured by the same manufacturer that constructed the windshield that was first placed in your vehicle when it was assembled at the factory. These windshields are created expressly to fulfill the stringent criteria for quality and safety that are set by the manufacturer. As a result, they are an almost exact reproduction of the actual windshield that is fitted by the manufacturer.

Windscreens that are sold aftermarket, on the other hand, are manufactured by third parties and do not adhere to the precise criteria that are established by automobile manufacturers. The majority of the time, they are meant to be “one size fits all,” and they place a greater emphasis on price than accuracy.

Advantages of Purchasing a Windshield from the Original Equipment Manufacturer

Guaranteed Compatibility and Fit: An original equipment manufacturer windshield is engineered to precisely fit your vehicle. A seamless installation is ensured by the fact that it is identical to the original in terms of its form, size, and thickness. Due to the fact that this fit is so exact, there is no space for water to seep in or for structural compromise, both of which are essential to the safety and performance of your vehicle.

The windshields that are available aftermarket, on the other hand, could be functional, but they are not necessarily an identical fit. Even minute variations might result in troublesome situations, such as inadequate sealing, which can cause water leaks and even wind noise.

Exceptional Safety: The windshield of your car is an essential component of your vehicle’s safety system. It not only serves to protect you in the event of an accident but also helps to maintain the structural integrity of your vehicle. OEM shines in this regard since it guarantees that your safety will not be compromised by a substitute of sufficient quality.

OEM windshields are constructed to withstand the stringent crash safety testing that is carried out by automobile manufacturers. The fact that they are compatible with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), such as automatic braking and lane departure alerts, guarantees that these systems will continue to operate as intended after they have been replaced. On the other hand, windshields purchased aftermarket could not be up to these stringent criteria, which might result in a severe danger to the driver’s safety.

The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) glass is subjected to rigorous testing throughout the manufacturing process to guarantee that it meets the most stringent requirements. Generally speaking, this results in improved clarity, strength, and resistance to discoloration. In addition, original equipment manufacturer windshields are resistant to glare, which makes driving safer and more pleasant throughout the day and night.

The majority of the time, aftermarket glasses are made from materials of a lesser grade, and they may not provide the same level of durability or clarity. Issues such as distortions and glare are frequent concerns about windshield replacements that are purchased from the aftermarket.

Maintains Resale Value: Having an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) windshield fitted is a crucial issue for automobile owners who are concerned about keeping the resale value of their vehicle. An automobile that is in accordance with its manufacturing specs is what prospective purchasers anticipate. You may maintain the vehicle in a condition that is as near to its original state as feasible by replacing the windshield with an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) model.

Aftermarket windshields, on the other hand, may cause purchasers to think that the vehicle has been damaged in the past or may cause them to have a poorer opinion of the vehicle’s overall quality.

Perfect Integration with Advanced Features: All modern automobiles come standard with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which are significantly dependent on your windshield in order to function correctly. Installing cameras for lane-assist systems, for instance, is done by mounting them on windshields. Accurate glass placement is essential for the sensors that are used for automated braking.

After installation, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) windshields are developed with these systems in mind, which ensures optimal integration and calibration. On the other hand, aftermarket windshields could not align well with these systems or might not even operate with them at all, which would have an effect on the entire operation of your car.

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Common Misconceptions Regarding Windshields Available in the Aftermarket

There are a few common misunderstandings concerning aftermarket windshields that need to be addressed if you are on the fence about purchasing an original equipment manufacturer windshield.

“They are on par with the original equipment manufacturer.” The quality and longevity of aftermarket windshields are sometimes compromised, despite the fact that they are more affordable. As time goes on, this may result in a decrease in safety as well as other problems.

It is entirely difficult to differentiate between the two. Problems like distortions, increased glare, poor installation, and compliance with ADAS are some of the issues that highlight the differences between original equipment manufacturer (OEM) glass and aftermarket glass.

“Original equipment manufacturer windshields are prohibitively expensive.” Despite the fact that they may have a somewhat higher initial cost, original equipment manufacturer windshields are a more prudent investment because of the long-term advantages they provide, which include safety, durability, and the ability to preserve resale value.

How to Recognize a Replacement Windshield from the Original Equipment Manufacturer

If you are wondering if you are purchasing an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) windshield, the following are some techniques to guarantee that the windshield is authentic:

Manufacturer’s Logo: Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) windshields often have the manufacturer’s logo in addition to marks from the original glass manufacturer.

Confirmation from the Dealer: You have the ability to seek confirmation from the dealership that manages your vehicle, which will be able to verify that the replacement is OEM-certified.

In the event that your insurance policy covers the cost of replacement, you should make it clear that you want an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) windshield to be constructed.

What is the appropriate time to replace your windshield? If you discover any damage to your windshield, such as cracks, chips, or any other damage that may impede your visibility or put the safety of the car at risk, it is imperative that you replace it. Even apparently little problems might become more severe over time, especially when the weather is changing or when driving conditions are difficult.

Additionally, if the windshield-related problems that are causing your vehicle’s ADAS systems to malfunction are the cause of the malfunction, replacing the windshield with an OEM windshield will verify that the calibration is correct and will restore functionality.

Guarantee the Very Best for Your Automobile

It is crucial to choose the appropriate replacement windshield for your car in order to get the highest possible level of safety, performance, and value. Your choice of an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) windshield not only ensures that your vehicle satisfies the most stringent requirements, but it also ensures that it is built to last for a very long time.

If you are thinking of replacing your windshield, you should go with the most prudent option. With an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) windshield that is tailored to your specific requirements, you can put your safety and the quality of your vehicle first.

Learn More About the Advantages of Using Factory-Specified Auto Glass

As well as protecting you from insects, rain, and errant stones, the windshield of your vehicle has other purposes. It is an essential component in ensuring your safety, maintaining the structural integrity of the car, and even enhancing your comfort while driving. Nevertheless, not all cars have the same quality of glass. Purchasing car glass that is factory-specified, also known as original equipment manufacturer (OEM) auto glass, is the ideal option for replacing or repairing your windshield for a number of reasons.

This article will discuss the advantages of using car glass that is manufactured by the manufacturer, as well as the reasons why purchasing the appropriate windshield is important for both your safety and the durability of your vehicle. By the time you reach the conclusion, you will have an understanding of what advantages OEM car glass has and whether or not the slightly higher price is justified.

Factory-Specified (OEM) Auto Glass: What Does It Mean

It is necessary to provide a definition of what factory-spec vehicle glass truly is before we proceed with the advantages mentioned. “Original Equipment Manufacturer” is the abbreviation for “Original Equipment Manufacturer,” which indicates that the glass was manufactured by the same firm that provided the auto glass to the manufacturer of your car. It is in accordance with the precise requirements of the make and model of your automobile, so guaranteeing consistency in terms of quality, fit, and performance.

An option is to use car glass that is either aftermarket or generic. There is a possibility that these off-brand solutions are manufactured by third parties and are often more affordable. But they could not have the same durability, accuracy, and safety features as original equipment manufacturer glass.

Excellent Compatibility and a Perfect Fit

The fact that factory-spec auto glass is made particularly for the make, model, and year of your vehicle is one of the most important benefits of this kind of protection. The dimensions of the glass, as well as its molding and curvatures, are identical to those specified in the original.

Is it important to know this? To guarantee that there are no gaps or edges that do not fit well, which might allow air or water to seep through, a tight fit is necessary. While you are driving, the noise that is caused by the wind or other external sources is reduced since your windshield is properly integrated with the frame of the car. For the best possible performance, your windshield wipers and sensors are perfectly aligned.

Aftermarket glass, on the other hand, could not fit as perfectly, which might result in problems like water leakage, wind noise, and even a reduction in the general performance of the appliance.

Keeps up with the safety standards. Not only does your windshield let you see what’s going on around you, but it also plays an important role in the safety system of your vehicle. According to the Auto Glass Safety Council (AGSC), the windshield is responsible for about forty-five percent of the structural integrity of your vehicle in the event of a front-end accident, and it may contribute as much as sixty percent in the event of a rollover. Auto glass that is factory-specified is designed to fulfill stringent safety criteria that are set by car manufacturers. This ensures that all safety systems function as they were meant to.

Airbags, for instance, are dependent on the windshield in order to adjust their deployment. It is possible for airbags to malfunction in the event of a collision if the glass is not sufficiently secure or sturdy. Because the adhesive connection between the glass and the automobile frame is reliable and has been tested for each individual model, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) glass offers optimized protection against collisions.

If you use aftermarket glass, you are placing yourself and your passengers in a more precarious position in the case of an accident since it is possible that it does not correspond to these high specifications.

Longevity and durability benefits are enhanced. All vehicle glass is not created equal in terms of the quality of the material and its longevity. The production of factory-spec car glass is designed to endure a wide range of situations, from very high temperatures to extremely low temperatures. A higher level of resistance to fractures, chipping, and discoloration over time is attained by the use of high-quality materials.

As an example, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) glass is subjected to a more stringent degree of durability testing in comparison to generic aftermarket solutions. In addition to being resistant to scratches, it does not distort when exposed to ultraviolet light, which guarantees that it will keep its clarity and structural integrity.

On the other hand, generic glass is often more prone to wear and tear, which increases the likelihood that you will wind up paying more money on frequent replacements over the course of ownership.

Safeguards the Warranties of the Manufacturer

When you replace your vehicle’s windshield with factory-specified auto glass, you ensure that the warranty will be preserved, even if your vehicle is still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. When it comes to repairs, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) components are often required by automobile manufacturers in order to preserve warranty coverage. If you use glass that is not original equipment manufacturer (OEM), your warranty may be voided, leaving you vulnerable against any future problems.

The Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are compatible with this device. The majority of contemporary automobiles are outfitted with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which include lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and collision avoidance systems. A significant number of these cutting-edge devices are dependent on sensors and cameras that are either installed on your windshield or calibrated with it.

Glass that is factory-specified for automobiles guarantees that the glass is pre-designed to function in harmony with the ADAS systems that are already installed in the vehicle. Replacement technicians are able to precisely calibrate the sensors once they have been installed, ensuring that features like lane departure alerts perform as they were designed to.

Glass purchased from aftermarket suppliers would not always be able to satisfy the calibration requirements of ADAS systems, which might possibly make this essential safety equipment unreliable or inoperable.

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Attractiveness and the Maintenance of Value

If you want to keep the value of your car at a high level, paying attention to the details is essential. Glass that is factory-specified guarantees that it is consistent with the original design of your vehicle. This means that the shape, color, and markings of the glass are all properly aligned with the look of the vehicle when it was first manufactured. This consistency may make a considerable difference in the value of your vehicle and the attractiveness it has to potential buyers if you want to sell it.

On the other hand, aftermarket glass that is not of a high enough quality may not be able to match the aesthetics of the original, which may result in your car having an appearance that is mismatched or inferior, which can reduce its resale value.

Discounts on Long-Term Expenses

Although original equipment manufacturer (OEM) car glass may have a higher initial price tag when compared to generic choices, it provides considerable cost savings over the course of the vehicle’s lifetime. Due to its longevity and assured compatibility, it will need fewer repairs or replacements over the course of its lifetime. Additionally, the fact that it is guaranteed to be safe and effective makes it a prudent purchase for the purpose of achieving peace of mind.

When does it make sense to go with factory-specified auto glass? If you are concerned about the expense, you could be tempted to go for aftermarket alternatives that are less expensive. However, there are some circumstances in which factory-specified auto glass is not changeable, including the following: You are the owner of a more recent automobile that is still covered by its warranty. There are ADAS features installed in your vehicle, and they need to be calibrated with great precision. In the event of an accident, you want the highest possible level of safety and performance. In the future, you want to sell your automobile, and you want to ensure that its resale value is maintained. It is recommended that you seek the advice of an auto glass specialist if you are unclear which solution is the most suitable for your requirements.

Bring Quality and Safety to the Forefront of Your Concerns

In addition to providing you with a clean view of the road, the windshield of your vehicle serves a far more important purpose. When it comes to safety and performance, as well as aesthetics and durability, factory-spec vehicle glass provides unrivaled advantages that make the investment worthwhile regardless of the circumstances.

Cutting shortcuts with aftermarket alternatives could save you money in the short term, but it might end up costing you more in the long run due to the increased likelihood of safety issues and the need for regular repairs. Choose original equipment manufacturer (OEM) car glass wherever it is feasible to keep your peace of mind.

Get in touch with a reliable local source without delay if you are looking for professional guidance, installation, or replacement of factory-specified car glass. Both your safety and your contentment should always be of the utmost importance.