Car windshields are an extremely important safety feature needed on every car. Windshields are made to safeguard the driver along with the passengers from debris, dirt, and dust that might harm them. A quality car windshield should be shatterproof to protect the driver and passengers from severely broken pieces of the glass. Having stated so, there are three different types of windshield glass for automobiles. Each type is made differently from the other. It could be your windshield is broken or severely cracked and want a new one; this article will help you know the different options available.
Types of Windshield Glass
Three Types of Windshield Glass:
- The Dealer Glass
- The Aftermarket Glass
- The Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Glass
- The Aftermarket Windshield Glass
This kind of car windshield comes with principles that are similar to aftermarket vehicle electronics and accessories. Although the aftermarket glass is not manufactured by your car’s original manufacturer, the glass is usually built of a great standard.
The aftermarket windshield glass shares similar specifications as those of dealer or Original Equipment Manufacturer glass. However, the glass is presumed as being the “original equipment equivalent”.
It is either “generic” or “off-brand”. The downside of aftermarket glass is that you will not have an idea of its origin. However, you can purchase one
overseas in order to save money.
Unlike the other two types of windshield glass, this one is a bit cheaper. The low price does not compromise on quality as the glass’s thickness is the same as the one in your car. Its guarantee is also similar to that of a dealer or OEM windshield glass.
If you still want to use the aftermarket windshield glass, make sure it is made in North America and complies with that state’s standards. Nonetheless, this type of glass is manufactured to fit your car dealer and the producer’s glass is designed for your car.
- Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Glass
Different from the aftermarket glass, the OEM glass originates directly from your car’s manufacturer. This means it is tested precisely for your car’s performance and safety. The parts, therefore, are certified to indicate they are genuine.
The OEM glass is always similar to the one installed in your car. You can either replace the broken windshield with OEM glass or any other type. It will not make any difference when you use a different brand to replace an OEM glass.
- The Dealer Glass
This kind of car windshield glass originates from a manufacturer – same as the OEM glass. Windshield installation professionals say the only difference is that a dealer glass is marketed as well as sold under the windshield
installer’s or an auto repair’s brand.
This means you can only buy a dealer glass instantly from the car dealer that the manufacturer has authorized to service your car. It comes from that same OEM (original equipment manufacturer) that built your vehicle’s windshield glass.
The Bottom Line
Though these three types of windshield glass are of OEM standards, you should be cautious to make sure that the glass fits perfectly just like the original one. If you have doubts related to either the aftermarket, dealer or OEM glass, ensure you contact the right experts.