OEM Windshields vs. Aftermarket Auto Glass

Windshield New Windshield Installation: Original Equipment vs Aftermarket (off shore)

When your vehicle needs a replacement windshield, you need to decide to install an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) windshield or an aftermarket (off shore) windshield. The choice may be decided by your insurance provider’s designation but, choose safety for you and your passengers. Make an informed decision, you need to know the difference between windshield replacements. Original Equipment vs. Aftermarket: what should influence your choose?

Vehicle manufacturers do not routinely construct their windshields. Windshields are subcontracted to companies that specialize in automobile glass. Auto glass company’s construct windshields and windows according to car maker’s strict research and development specifications. Then, windshield glass is distributed to a central warehouse near where the vehicles are assembled. windshields are installed in new vehicles as they are built. Auto companies continually accepts bids from various glass manufactures. Often the automobile companies will change glass companies as standards change, resulting in equivalent vehicles having windshields that is manufactured by different glass companies. When you need a windshield replaced, your vehicles manufacturer may have switched glass companies so, you will then, receive an OEM windshield that is made by a different company than your original.

Original Equipment Manufacturer Automobile Windshields

An OEM windshield will meet the Standards of a factory installed windshield installed in your vehicle as it came off the production line. OEM windshields are manufactured by a company who make windshields with Auto Manufactures standards the same as those that were originally installed on your car. OEM windshields are nearly identical in every way. OEM Auto glass is manufactured according to the vehicles maker’s very specific regulations. OEM Windshields match the Vehicles original size, shape, and colour. The OEM auto glass thickness and durability are also specified. Note that OEM windshields are certified by the (US) Department of Transportation or the CSA, consumers can be assured of OEM safety.

Aftermarket (off shore glass)

Aftermarket glass is mass-produced by glass corporations that do not necessarily contract with auto makers. Since these corporations are not producing glass for the auto manufacturer, they do not have to  follow manufacturer codes. Often, with  copyright laws, aftermarket auto glass corporations are prohibited from producing glass that are the same as factory-installed windshields or they do not know the standards. The size and shape will have to be similar, otherwise the glass would not fit into your vehicle without a lot of sealant. Aftermarket density and strength may vary, also the colour texture may differ too.

Aftermarket consumers may complain that their glass leaks or produces noise. they may notice wavy texture, or the odd colour tint. Differences may be small but, discriminating vehicle drivers or their passengers may be displeased with aftermarket glass. True, some report little or no difference between a vehicles original windshield and a new aftermarket version.

Cost Comparison

The decision may depend on the price tag. Insurance corporations may only cover aftermarket glass, based on price. The vehicle owner must decide to pay extra for an OEM windshield. Aftermarket glass works for the shopper.  Quality should influence then, choosing to invest in an OEM windshield for you and your passengers is an easy choice.

Lease Returns and Used Vehicle Purchases

In summary on the subject of OEM windshields vs aftermarket glass: If a vehicle is leased, the leasing contract may state that the vehicles windshield can only be replaced with an OEM windshield (if, you are buying a Lease Return then, be sure to ask). If a leased vehicle windshield replacement is required then, the owner should check their leasing agreement very carefully for this OEM windshield specification. Otherwise, Leasing surcharges can be assessed when the vehicle is returned.  Consumers should check the Lease returns or used vehicles for OEM windshields or aftermarket glass.

– See more at: OEM or Aftermarket Windscreen

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