OEM Vs. Aftermarket Auto Glass: What You Need to Know

When it breaks, your choice of auto glass affects your and your passengers' safety and your car's resale value. Many car owners must know the differences between OEM and aftermarket glass, confusing the choice. To guide you toward a suitable alternative. Here are some things to remember while planning an auto glass replacement.

OEM Auto Glass: What Is It?

OEM auto glass, also known as original equipment manufacturer glass, is made to the exact specifications of the vehicle's manufacturer but may not be made by that manufacturer. 
A third party often manufactures the windshields in these vehicles, but the automakers still have a say in the process. However, only some third-party firms can do this; the original car manufacturer holds competitive bidding for the contracts. The successful bidder receives the right to market their product under the original automaker's brand name and logo. OEM glass refers to original equipment manufacturer glass or Glass made to exact specifications by a third party for auto glass replacement.

Aftermarket Auto Glass: What Is It?

OEE glass, or aftermarket glass, replaces auto glass designed based on the original. These are designed to fit any vehicle. The same third-party manufacturer sometimes makes OEM glass. If so, your windshield is high-quality. 

How to Find the Best Replacement Auto Glass.

The big question is whether these distinctions hold water. It's still Glass if it's made of it, right? Wrong. Poorly made aftermarket glass may feature subtle differences that are difficult to spot with the naked eye. However, even a marginal drop in quality in aftermarket auto glass can cause a disaster in the wrong hands. 
It's important to have a windshield made of high-quality, uniform Glass because it keeps your car intact in a collision. People's safety is so important to you that you take your time picking out an auto glass repair. The following are the necessary conditions: 

  1. Tolerable levels of quality: Does the product adhere to or exceed all federal and professional requirements?
  2. Value: Which windshield replacement method is more cost-effective if both options are identical in design and quality?
  3. Preference of the owner: Which glassware do you favour the most? To keep their vehicles looking stock, many motorists opt for OEM glass.
  4. Obtainability of the item in question: Can you get a replacement windshield from the manufacturer? If not, replacement glass will have to be used.
  5. Insurance protection:  Is the cost of the new windshield covered by insurance? OEM replacement glass is often the only type of Glass insurance companies will cover. 

Conclusion

The car owner and the insurance company should have a say in whether or not to use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) auto glass or aftermarket auto glass. It is also prudent, though, to consult a professional technician. You can trust that their advice will be in your vehicle's best interest. After settling on an auto glass repair option, hiring a professional to carry it out is a good idea. If the most expensive windshield is used, the glasses' technology may need to be fixed due to improper installation. The Glass could shatter, creating an even more dangerous situation.

Wind Shield Repair