OEM vs. Aftermarket Auto Glass: Making an Informed Choice

When you need to replace your vehicle's glass, you deserve straight talk to make an informed decision. At Ocean Auto Glass we carefully choose our glass suppliers based on quality standards.

OEM Auto Glass: What is Factory Glass?

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) auto glass is made by major glass manufacturers like AGC, Guardian, Saint-Gobain Sekurit, and Pilkington who win contracts to supply glass for specific vehicle models during production. These pieces have the vehicle manufacturer's branding and are made to the vehicle manufacturer's specifications.

It's worth noting that the same companies that make OEM glass often also produce aftermarket glass. The difference lies in the specifications, branding, and manufacturing tolerances rather than necessarily the manufacturer itself.

Aftermarket Auto Glass: The Common Option

Aftermarket auto glass comes from two sources: the same major manufacturers who produce OEM glass and independent manufacturers who specialize in aftermarket products. When major manufacturers don't have the OEM contract for a particular vehicle model they may produce aftermarket instead.

The key point is that all auto glass sold in the United States must meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) testing requirements, so there's a minimum of safety regardless of origin.

Understanding the Key Differences

Both OEM and aftermarket glass must meet the same safety standards. However, there can be subtle differences in:

• Materials: Different glass compositions or treatments
• Tolerances: Slight variations in thickness or dimensions
• Manufacturing processes: Different production methods
• Quality control: Varying standards between manufacturers

Why Aftermarket Glass is Popular

Several factors make aftermarket glass the preferred choice for many situations:

Safety Compliance: All glass meets DOT safety requirements, ensuring your protection.

Better Availability: Aftermarket options are often more readily available, reducing wait times.

Cost Effectiveness: Insurance companies prefer aftermarket glass for cost savings while maintaining safety.

Market Competition: Multiple suppliers create competitive pricing and innovation.

ADAS Compatibility and Calibration

Modern vehicles have Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that use cameras and sensors embedded in or mounted on the windshield. These systems include lane departure warnings, automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.

When replacing windshields on vehicles with ADAS, proper calibration is essential regardless of whether you choose OEM or aftermarket glass. The key is ensuring the glass meets the specifications required for your vehicle's safety systems to function correctly.

Making Your Decision

At Ocean Auto Glass, we work with quality suppliers for both OEM and aftermarket options. Our recommendation is based on:

• Your vehicle's specific requirements
• Insurance coverage and preferences
• ADAS system compatibility
• Your personal priorities and budget

The most important factor isn't necessarily the glass type, but ensuring proper installation and calibration by certified technicians using quality materials.