Everything You Need To Know About OEM Windshield
August 1, 2024
This article outlines the differences between OEM and aftermarket windshields, their advantages, and costs. It covers identification, cost factors, and replacement tips to help you choose the best option for your vehicle’s safety and functionality.
Table of Contents
OEM windshields are essential for the better safety and durability of your vehicle. Understanding what an OEM windshield is, how it differs from aftermarket windshields, and its advantages can help you make an informed decision about replacing your OEM windshield.
This guide offers detailed insights into OEM windshields, including their cost, benefits, and reasons to choose them over aftermarket options. By the end of this article, you will be familiar with the best practices for maintaining your OEM windshield and selecting the right service for OEM glass replacement.
What is an OEM Windshield?
An OEM windshield is manufactured by the same company that produced the original parts for your vehicle.
This means that the windshield can meet the highest demands and quality that are specified by your car manufacturer. In this way, you retain the correct OEM glass and maintain the car structure and safety measures envisaged for your specific car model. ensuring:
- ➤ A perfect fit
- ➤ Compliance with manufacturer’s quality standards
Original equipment-manufactured glass is typically of higher quality and is likely to last longer than from other manufacturers. It is intended to complement your vehicle’s parts, ensuring that performance and safety are not compromised.
OEM Vs Aftermarket
When it comes to replacing your vehicle’s windshield, you have two primary options: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) windshields and Aftermarket windshields.
Original equipment manufacturer windscreens have features that make them different from other car windscreens because they are made by the company that originally designed the windshield for the car model. The windshields bought from the aftermarket are produced by various companies and might have certain differences in quality, fit and resistance to breakage.
What’s the Difference?
OEM Windshields
➤ Made specifically for your car model
➤ Perfect fit guaranteed ➤ High-quality materials ➤ Works well with all car features |
Aftermarket Windshields
➤ Made to fit multiple car models
➤ May not fit perfectly ➤ Quality can vary ➤ Might not work with all car features |
Which to Choose?
- OEM windshields are usually better but cost more.
- Aftermarket options are cheaper but may not be as good.
- Think about your budget and what’s important for your car when deciding.
Comparing Costs: OEM Windshield Replacement vs. Aftermarket Windshield Replacement
Factor | OEM Windshield Replacement | Aftermarket Windshield Replacement |
---|---|---|
Cost | Higher | Lower |
Quality | Superior | May vary |
Durability | Generally, more durable | Maybe less durable |
Fit | Meets original manufacturer’s specifications | May have fitment issues |
Price reflection | Reflects high quality and exact specifications | Reflects cost-saving measures |
Assurance | Guaranteed to meet original standards | May compromise on certain aspects |
Insurance Coverage | Often fully covered | May compromise on certain aspects |
Read More: OEM vs Aftermarket Windshield: Key Differences Explained
Importance of OEM Windshield
Your car can be compared to a superhero who has the windshield protecting it almost invisibly. It is not merely to fend off insects as well. The windshield is one of the most important safety features of any car as it serves protection, strength and vision functions. It has several functions including shielding passengers from debris, supporting the roof in a roll-over situation, and allowing the driver to have a clear view of the road.
- Supports the roof structure
- Enhances cabin stability
- Contributes to frame rigidity
- Houses high-tech ADAS components and precise ADAS Calibration services.
Advantages of OEM windshield
OEM windshields are like the Swiss Army knives of the automotive world. They come packed with features that make them the top choice for discerning car owners:
🛡️ Safety glass for enhanced protection.
☀️ UV protection to keep your interior looking fresh.
🔧 Perfect compatibility with original equipment.
💧 Superior fit to prevent leaks and whistling.
🔮 Future-proof design for long-term reliability.
How to Tell If Your Windshield is OEM or Aftermarket
1. Inspect the Glass
Look for Markings: Look either in the corner or at the bottom of the windshield for the logo of the car manufacturer. OEM windshields will come labeled by the car maker’s logo.
2. Check for Certification Labels
Find Certifications: Check for certification logo or reference such as AGRSS that are usually applied on OEM windshields.
3. Examine Appearance and Features
Compare Quality: Smaller panes of glass need not to be as clearer and featureless as larger ones. OEM windshields come extremely close to the quality and characteristics of the original equipment.
4.Review Vehicle Documentation
Check Records: Check the owner manual or the service documents to find out whether the windshield type is mentioned.
5.Consult a Professional
Ask a technician: An auto glass technician worth his or her weight will be able to tell if the windshield in questions OEM or aftermarket is and offer proof.
6.Contact Your Dealership
Verify with Dealership: Call up your dealership will the VIN number to check if the windshield provided is an original equipment or an aftermarket part.
Read More: How do I know if my replacement windshield is OEM?
Reasons Why You Should Choose OEM
FIT | WARRANTY | QUALITY | SAFETY |
---|---|---|---|
Nothing will fit and work with your car like OEM parts. Since they’re made for your make and model specifically, they’ll get your vehicle back to its original state. | Sometimes installing a non-OEM part can void a warranty. Furthermore, some OEM parts come with a warranty themselves, giving you added peace of mind. | When you choose an OEM part, you don’t have to shop through various brands to ensure that you choose a quality one. | The overall safety of your car is measured based on the OEM parts that were in your car when you bought it. Switching to aftermarket parts may change some of the safety mechanisms in your car, depending on what part you’re replacing. |
How to Choose the Right OEM Windshield for Your Vehicle?
When choosing an OEM windshield for your vehicle, consider the following:
- Manufacturer Specifications: Make sure that it can accommodate your vehicle’s make as well as its model.
- Quality: Focus on the quality of materials used and the practices employed for making the hardware.
- Fit: Make sure the windshield is as close to a perfect fit as possible for the safety of the vehicle.
What factors influence the Cost of an OEM windshield
The OEM windshield cost is influenced by several factors, including –
- Vehicle Make and Model: That means that depending on the kind of vehicle you are using, you will need a different windscreen.
- Inflation and Market Prices: Economic inflation can raise the prices of materials and manufacturing, leading to higher costs for OEM windshields.
- Installation: The cost is having access to professional installation increases it.
- Features and Technology: The OEM windshields in today’s car models could contain various additional extra like rain sensing, heated, or heads-up displays (HUD). These extra options can raise the price of the windshield, because they may need specific production technologies and parts.
- Supply and Demand: Additional factors that affect the price of OEM windshields can also be the availability of OEM windscreens. If some models of windshields are rare or if there is high demand in the market this can cause an increase in price.
- Warranty and Service: Sometimes, OEM windshields come with warranties to give assurance as to their reliability and sturdiness. The price quote for the windshield may contain these warranties that once again may give a customer assurance and safeguard against similar problems in the future.
OEM Vs OEE windshield
The comparison between OEM and OEE windshields shows that OEM windshields are produced by the same company that initially put them in the automobile, making them high-standard and well-fitting. On the other hand, OEE windscreens (Original Equipment Equivalent) are of similar quality but manufactured by different vendors. While OEE windscreens exceed industry standards and frequently provide a satisfactory fit, they may not have the same specs or brand assurance as OEM windscreens. However, OEE windscreens can be a more affordable solution that still provides dependable performance and safety.
Read More: Difference between OEM and OE Windshields
When to Replace Your OEM Windshield
The windshield is damaged by either of the following:
- ➤ It is cracked or chipped more than 6 inches (about 15cms in length)
- ➤ A high degree of obstruction is seen due to the damage.
- ➤ The crack on the windshield has extended and the safety glass features of the windshield are compromised.
Choosing a Reliable OEM Windshield
For OEM windshield replacement, select a service that:
- Uses OEM Parts: Helps maintain quality customer fit or proper match.
- Has Trained Technicians: This ensures that the product is well installed in a manner that suits the needs of the client.
- Offers Warranties: Ensures the replacement is free from stress.
How to Maintain Your OEM Windshield
➤ Regular Cleaning: Special solutions should be used when cleaning the glasses.
➤ Avoid Harsh Conditions: Avoid very hot or very cold contacts.
➤ Prompt Repairs: Make chip/crack repairs within the first 24 hrs. of observing them.
➤ Use Windshield Covers: As for the external parts, you should use a windshield cover to avoid scratches due to ice and snow on the surface of the glass.
➤Avoid Using Abrasive Materials: In cleaning or using an ice melting product, do not use products that may scratch the surface of the wind shield.
➤ Use Quality Washer Fluid: Make sure you are using washer fluid that is of good quality that has no effect on the glass of your vehicle.
➤ Inspect for Damage: Visually observe windshield condition from time to time and fix any developing calamity when it appears.
Technology in OEM Windshields
➤ Rain Sensors: Power the wipers on automatically.
➤ HUD Displays: Map the project on the windshield.
➤ Acoustic Glass: Reduces the level of noise in the vehicle for a quieter and smoother-moving car.
Conclusion
Selecting the right windshield is crucial for your vehicle’s safety and performance. An OEM windshield ensures the best quality, perfect fit, and long-lasting durability, maintaining your car’s integrity and compatibility with other safety features. For high-quality OEM Windshield repair and replacement Solutions, NuVision Auto Glass has been the go-to place. If you need OEM glass replacement for your vehicle then we offer high-quality genuine auto glass parts for the expensive trim and sleek look of your vehicle. Give us a call today and guarantee that your car is safe and in the best condition as you need it. Make an Appointment for OEM windshield repair now.