OEM Glass vs. Aftermarket Windshield Glass
When your windshield needs replacing, you might be debating whether to go with OEM or aftermarket glass. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, meaning the glass was made by the same company that supplied it for your car’s original production. Aftermarket glass is produced by other manufacturers specializing in windshield and auto glass.
While OEM glass is always a good option because it is directly supplied by your manufacturer, high-quality aftermarket windshields offer a matched level of safety, durability, and clarity, and often at a more affordable price. These windshields are designed to meet or exceed federal safety standards.
We have a huge inventory of factory direct auto glass in stock at our Houston warehouse. For quality and service you can count on, come see us at Affordable Auto Glass.
What Type of Glass Costs More?
Generally, OEM auto glass costs more than aftermarket glass for windshields and other auto glass. OEM glass carries the vehicle manufacturer’s brand and is typically distributed through their channels, which adds to the cost. Your final price can be 25% to 100% higher, or even more, than comparable aftermarket options.
Aftermarket Glass is More Readily Available
At Affordable Auto Glass, we pride ourselves on our extensive inventory of high-quality aftermarket windshields and auto glass. Unlike dealerships that primarily stock OEM glass with longer lead times, our warehouse holds a huge selection to meet the needs of our Houston customers. This means we can often find the precise match for your vehicle much faster and at a lower price.
Whether you drive a classic American muscle car or the latest model import, we have the right auto glass for you. Our readily available aftermarket options don’t compromise on quality or safety. We can quickly identify and install the perfect fit for your vehicle to get you back on the road safely.
OEM and Aftermarket Glass Manufactured to the Same Specifications
Many reputable glass manufacturers produce both OEM glass for vehicle manufacturers and aftermarket glass for companies like ours, often to the exact same specifications. These manufacturers adhere to stringent industry standards and quality control processes so that their aftermarket windshields meet or exceed federal safety regulations as well as match the precise dimensional requirements of your vehicle. This means that a high-quality aftermarket windshield can offer the same clarity, thickness, and curvature as the original glass.
Specifications for Auto Glass
Auto glass specifications are crucial for safety and durability. Windshields are primarily made of laminated glass, consisting of two layers of glass with a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) in between. This construction prevents shattering upon impact. They generally range from about 4.76mm to 6.35mm, with the PVB layer contributing to the overall thickness.
Side and rear windows are typically made of tempered glass. This type of glass is heat-treated and rapidly cooled, making it much stronger than regular glass. When broken, it shatters into small, relatively harmless fragments. Thickness varies depending on the vehicle make and the glass location, whether side or rear of the vehicle.
Do I Need OEM Glass for my ADAS Sensors to Work?
High-quality aftermarket glass manufactured to the exact specifications of your vehicle can provide an equally accurate fit and optical clarity that is required for your vehicle’s ADAS system and sensors. The most important factor to making sure your ADAS sensors work correctly after a windshield replacement is the recalibration process.
Modern ADAS relies on cameras and sensors that often have very tight alignment tolerances. When a windshield is replaced, even with a perfectly fitting piece of glass, these sensors can be slightly misaligned. So resetting and recalibrating them properly is key, no matter where you get your windshield replaced. That’s why choosing an experienced windshield installer in Houston with ADAS recalibration expertise is far more critical than insisting solely on OEM glass.
Perfect Fit Auto Glass for Your Vehicle
Get fast, affordable auto glass replacement for your car or truck with Affordable Auto Glass here in Houston. Our experienced technicians provide expert installation plus any necessary ADAS recalibration to keep you safe on the road. Get a free auto glass quote today.
