(Newswire.net — January 29, 2019) –All pieces of auto glass may look the same, but the truth of the matter is that every pane of your windshield has unique compositions, features as well as technology. If you have a severely cracked or broken windshield, you should know the type of glass technology you are going to use when replacing. Auto glass is of three different types of windshield glass; dealer glass, aftermarket, and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) glass. This guide is going to discuss each separately so that you can decide which is best for your vehicle.
Types of Windshield Glass
A Guide to Auto Glass Technology
Before we dive into the different types of windshield auto glass that are available in the market, it is essential that we understand the technology behind the glass. When it comes to auto glass, it is not a one size fits all affair. Although there are technicians that have vast knowledge in this field, who you can take your vehicle to, it does not hurt to have a basic understanding of your vehicle glass.
Cars have different glass parts including side glass, vent glass, rear windshield and windshield among others. Each glass has its function and safety features as well. With today’s auto glass they are designed to keep you safe when you are driving your car. The glass can sense danger and alert you of different objects or animals you may found on the road. And with some auto glass, allow users to embed the identification number of their vehicles on the windshield glass.
Different Types of Windshield Auto Glass Available
1. Dealer Glass
This glass comes from the manufacturer but is marketed and sold by the auto repair shops or windshield installers’ brand, who have been authorized by the manufacturer. The glass is more like OEM windshield, but the difference is that the windshield has the dealer symbol embedded on it. For instance, if a person acquires from a Toyota dealership, the windshield will have the Toyota symbol located on it. Companies manufacturing this type of windshield auto glass include PPG, AP Tech and Pilkington.
2. Original Equipment Manufacturer
OEM windshield brands in the market include Carlite, Pilkington, and Mopar among others. It is the type of windshield that is installed by the manufacturer and is designed for a specific vehicle model type. Since the manufacture achieves the cost reduction, it means that the parts can change between the years. This windshield will have the same moldings and attachments as the original part. If you want your windshield glass to retain the same originality, then you should go with OEM auto glass.
3. Aftermarket Glass
It is the type of glass that is produced by companies that contract directly with car manufacturers. It is a good standard, but it is not from your vehicle’s original manufacturer. It can be categorized as “generic,” but it is still of good quality. The thickness is the same as your original glass and has the same guarantee as the other two windshield glass. Aftermarket glass compared to OEM and dealer, is a bit cheaper. But the only dangerous thing is you have no idea where it came from.
Even with the knowledge of the types of windshield glass that are available in the market, it can still become frustrating to decide which one is best for you. But when choosing a windshield glass, consider the safety, the quality, and the price.