When you’re looking for a new car windshield, the first thing that comes to mind is OEM vs. aftermarket windshields. OEM car windshields are certified by the manufacturer and meet stringent requirements of quality and safety needed to provide a perfect fit with no leaks and good visibility. However, their prices may be higher than aftermarket windshields.
On the other hand, installing an aftermarket windshield can be an excellent way for drivers to save money on expensive windshield replacements. Aftermarket windshields are made of the same high-quality materials as OEM windshields but come at a lower price.
It’s a common misconception that aftermarket windshields are not as good as OEM. In actuality, aftermarket windshields have been designed to be just as safe and reliable as OEMs ones. This blog post will help you understand which one is best for your needs and other essential things you need to know about car windshields.
A Brief History of Auto Glass
The first windshields were installed in carriages to protect drivers from harsh environmental elements, but it wasn’t until the early 1900s that glass was used for this purpose. The earliest car models didn’t have windshields at all, just side windows and a top. These early models had celluloid windscreens, which are very similar to plastic – although far less durable.
For many decades after that period, the auto glass remained much like what we see in modern vehicles today: flat panes with curved edges held in place by metal frames. As technology has advanced over time, so, too, has auto glass. Today’s windshields are designed with safety as their primary concern and are more vital than ever before and feature several different safety methods.
What Are OEM Car Windshields
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) windshields are made and installed by the company that designed and built your car. These windshields have been tested to meet all of the safety standards set forth by each vehicle manufacturer, so you can be sure they’ll keep you safe on the road. While these windshields may cost a bit more than aftermarket ones, they also come with added benefits, such as warranty information specific to your vehicle’s model year.
OEM windshields are a popular choice for drivers in need of a replacement. These windshields come with a slightly higher price tag, but they also have the best warranty and most dependable quality. Some features that make OEM windshields better than generic brands include durability, easy installation, and high-quality materials.
Advantages of OEM Car Windshields
If you are looking for a high-quality windshield replacement option, OEM windshields are the way to go. They have all the features you want in a new window, including safety glass and UV protection. More importantly, they work with your vehicle’s OE parts, giving you an accurate fit and helping avoid leaks or other problems down the road.
Disadvantages of OEM Car Windshields
OEM windshields are the most common type of windscreen found on new cars. But they also come with some severe drawbacks as these windshields might not be easy to find at your local auto-parts store. Moreover, as OEM windshields are made by carmakers, they usually cost more than aftermarket options.
What Are Aftermarket Car Windshields?
Aftermarket windshields are available in many sizes and shapes to suit the needs of different drivers. They also come with different levels of quality, so you must know what your priorities are before purchasing one. If you live in an area where rain or snow can be a problem, you should invest some time researching the best types for this climate.
It’s also worth noting that these windshields shouldn’t be used for safety purposes because they do not always meet industry standards for impact resistance if you choose to purchase a cheaper one.
The highest grade aftermarket windshields come from companies that specialize in auto glass replacement and repair, and many offer warranties with their service. These professionals know exactly how to install a new windshield correctly for safety purposes. What does this mean for you? It means that if anything goes wrong with the installation process, it is covered under warranty.
Advantages of Aftermarket Car Windshields
The benefits of aftermarket windshields are numerous. One can save money on insurance by installing a quality aftermarket windshield, which is easy to install. Additionally, one can get an aftermarket windshield for their vehicle at any time without having to wait in line like they would if they were waiting for a new OEM (original equipment manufacturer) model especially in the case of premium car windshields.
This means more convenience and better security as aftermarket windshield comes with many different options, including tints, which make driving safer and reduce glare from headlights on highways.
Caution: Make sure the tint is within the legally permissible limit as per the motor vehicle act in your county.
Disadvantages of Aftermarket Car Windshields
Aftermarket windshields are often less expensive than original equipment (OE) glass. However, they may not be the best choice for your car. Here are four disadvantages to using aftermarket windshields:
- Poor fitment could result in leaks and reduced visibility.
- Aftermarket windshields could shatter more easily than OE glass due to inferior qualities or manufacturing processes.
- Because of their lower quality, aftermarket windshields will likely require replacement sooner than an OE part would have needed replacement anyway.
- The installation process can be tricky and take longer if not done by specialists because you must ensure that the new windshield fits appropriately into the frame of your vehicle before it is installed.
Some Manufacturers Require OEM Glass in Car Windshield Glass Replacement
Some people may not know that many car manufacturers require the use of OEM glass in windshield replacements. If the wrong glass is used, it can cause severe problems with your vehicle’s safety and performance. Manufacturers like Honda require OEM (original equipment manufacturer) glass in all their windshield replacements. They want you to use the same kind of glass used by Honda originally when they built your car.
When To Repair a Car Windshield
When Only The Outer Glass is Damaged
If a rock or another hard object hits your windshield, it can cause damage to only the outer glass itself. While this is still a problem, there’s no need to panic because you can repair a windshield if only the outer glass is damaged. You must call a professional to prevent further damage from occurring and causing an even bigger headache for yourself down the road.
In some cases, if it’s just hairline cracks on your windshield, you can fix it yourself with special kits available at most auto parts stores. If more than half of your windshield has been shattered into pieces, though (which means that more than just the outer layer has been compromised), then we recommend getting assistance from professionals instead.
When Repairing Will Not Compromise Safety
If you have a chip or crack in your windshield, it is essential to have that fixed as soon as possible. Even if the damage isn’t obstructing your view of the road, it can still be dangerous because pieces of glass are loose, and they could fly out at any moment.
However, sometimes not all damage can be repaired safely.
If your windshield has been severely damaged (for example, being hit by a rock), its repair will be more complex than simply filling in the cracks with resin and polishing it smooth again. At this point, you need to think about replacement rather than repair.
Here are some things to consider before deciding if repairing a windshield will compromise safety:
- What type of damage has occurred?
- Is there any structural damage present? If so, then repair may not be possible as it could worsen the damage
- Have other pieces broken off (such as chips)? Repairing these fragments may compromise the structural integrity.
Check how to avoid the 10 most common mistakes while repairing a windshield crack.
When To Replace a Car Windshield
When The Crack is Too Big
It is a common misconception that cracks of all sizes in windshields can be repaired. In reality, the damage will only get bigger, and eventually, the whole windshield will need to be replaced. Windshield replacement is a quick and affordable procedure that a professional service provider can easily do. The cost of replacing your windshield can vary, depending on how much damage it has sustained.
When Your Windshield Has a Bullseye
The windscreen bullseye is a term that refers to an area of shattered glass on the vehicle windscreen. The bullseye is typically at or near where the driver would sit and can be surrounded by smaller cracks emanating from this central point. This pattern indicates that the car has been hit with a rock, bullet, or other projectiles.
A bullseye is usually caused by flying rocks or other debris that hits your windshield at high speeds. It can cause significant damage to your car and make driving difficult, so it should be replaced immediately if you notice one on your windshield.
When The Windshield is Pitted
When you are driving down the road, do you ever wonder how potholes are formed? They are created when water seeps into cracks in the asphalt or concrete. When it freezes, ice expands and breaks up the surface of the road even more.
It’s important to know this to be prepared for what may happen if your windshield is pitted. Pits allow dirt to build upon your windshield, making it harder for you to see clearly while driving. You don’t want this happening because not only does it make things difficult but also unsafe. If your car has a pit on its windshield, get it replaced as soon as possible. By doing so, you will keep yourself safe and out of harm’s way.
When The Windshield Starts Rattling and Becomes Loose
Have you ever been driving down the freeway, and all of a sudden, your windshield starts to rattle? This noise can be frightening for drivers and passengers alike. You may even feel like someone is throwing rocks at your car from the outside. However, this is not the case.
The rattling noise comes from within your vehicle when small pieces of glass break off in between joints or cracks in the windshield and start to shake around as you drive. It is common for car windshields to become loose and rattle. When this happens, it could be time to replace the windshield.
The problem is that many people are unaware of when they should start looking for signs of wear on their vehicles.
- The first sign that you may need to replace your car’s windshield is if it starts rattling or making noise while driving at low speeds or in stop-and-go traffic conditions.
- Another sign can be what feels like an air bubble between the glass and sealant layers in the center of your windshield.
Some Interesting Facts About Automotive Windshields
Windshields Were Once Optional
In the early days of automobiles, drivers had the option to purchase windshields. These were not a standard addition to cars and could be purchased as an optional accessory. The first windshields were made from celluloid and cost a hefty sum at that time.
They were often called safety glass because they could shatter without sharp fragments flying into the car, but their tendency to discolor in sunlight meant that most owners chose not to use them much, if at all. In fact, some people took them out entirely when driving. Car manufacturers quickly realized this was a poor business decision and began offering glass as standard equipment on their vehicles around 1914.
A Woman Invented Windshield Wipers
A woman named Mary Anderson invented windshield wipers in 1902. She created them after watching a trolley car experience difficulty clearing falling snow from its windscreen. Anderson’s invention was the first practical device that cleared water off car windows. It consisted of a rubber blade that swung back and forth on a pivoting arm, with an electric motor to power it. She later received a patent for her invention.
Tempered Glass May Reduce Injuries
Tempered glass is a type of safety glass used in automobiles, homes, and other structures. A tempering process makes the glass stronger by heating it to over 400 degrees Celsius, then cooling it rapidly with cold air or water. This increases the strength of the glass while keeping its surface smooth and transparent.
Tempered windshields are less likely to break into tiny pieces than regular window panes, which can cause injuries if they hit someone when they fall out of an automobile during an accident. However, the broken tempered windshield may also be more challenging to see through, thus increasing your chances for another accident, which could result in even more severe injuries or death.
Tinting Your Windshield May Protect It From Damage
Windshields are designed to withstand natural elements. They are made of laminated layers that make them strong enough to protect you from rocks, tree branches, or other flying objects. However, over time, your windshield may become damaged due to outside forces. One way you can prevent this is by tinting it with a car window film. This will help keep your windshield looking newer for a long time and reduce the damage caused by UV rays.
Windshields Also Provide Roof Support
Windshields are an essential part of cars. They protect you from rain by keeping it off your seats and windshield. However, they also provide roof support for many vehicles that have a sloped rear window. Without them, the weight of the roof would cause bending or even breakage in this area.
Auto Glass is Shatter Resistant Due To The Laminate Barrier
The laminate barrier is what helps the auto glass to remain shatter-resistant. This type of windshield also does not fog up, even when the temperature changes drastically. The laminate barrier is a thin film with layers of polyvinyl butyral and other resins to keep out moisture, dirt, and bacteria. It can be applied either by hand or machine in an autoclave environment to create a strong bond with the existing windshields’ resin layer. There are many types of laminates available for use, depending on different circumstances.
- Anti-microbial films that resist mold growth
- UV protection films that block out harmful rays from the sun. All these factors help make auto glass more durable than ever before.
Final Word
Windshields are an essential part of your car. You need to be mindful of what you buy and why because the wrong car windshield might cause problems for your safety or, even worse–could lead to a costly repair bill down the line.
The OEM windshield is the best option for most people because of its durability and high quality. So if you want reliability, we recommend going with an original manufacturer’s product.
On the other hand, aftermarket windshields are designed to replace your original manufacturer’s product directly. They offer the same quality of service as OEM products but at a more affordable price. If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to protect yourself and your passengers while driving on our roads, then aftermarket glass may be just what you need.
Are you still confused? Contact Windshield Store today to find out which type of car windshield is right for you.