Auto Glass Replacement Options | Affiliated Auto Glass

As you may have discovered the hard way, not all kinds of auto glass damage respond to simple repair measures. A shattered, broken, or severely cracked windshield or side window may call for outright replacement. When your auto glass professional advises replacement, you may need to choose between different product options.

The more you understand about the differences and similarities among different types of replacement auto glass, the more easily you can select the right kind of product for your specific needs and goals. Take a look at the relative pros and cons of the three primary auto glass categories.

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. OEMs serve as major auto glass providers to all the major auto manufacturers, delivering the exact windshields and side windows specified in the vehicle's design. When you order OEM glass from a window glass installer, you get the same item your car originally came with.

Because of this identical nature, the OEM auto glass you purchase should offer the same precise fit, durability, and finish as the vehicle's original glass. It should also feature the same degrees of tint, ultraviolet (UV) protection, and other key features you've enjoyed from the manufacturer-installed glass.

Auto glass specialists can order the right OEM products to fit your specific make and model of vehicle in most cases. However, if you own an unusual or vintage car that went out of production long ago, you may need to settle for aftermarket auto glass.

When you hear people speak of dealer glass, you might naturally assume that this auto glass offers superior qualities to other types of glass simply because it's the type you get from the dealer who sold you the car. In fact, dealers use the same OEM glass as manufacturers, except that they get it from different distributors.

When you buy your auto glass from your car dealership, you can often expect to pay more than you would for either third-party OEM glass or aftermarket glass. Dealers don't specialize in auto glass replacement, so they don't keep the product on hand in bulk. Since they don't get volume deals on glass, they often must charge more for it.

Unless your dealer can offer you some kind of special incentive or advantage, you'll save money purchasing the same quality of glass from an auto glass specialist that sells OEM glass. You may also find that a company specializing in auto glass installation gets the job done more quickly than a dealership can.

Aftermarket auto glass comes from various third-party manufacturers. Rest assured that this type of glass will meet or exceed legal safety standards, even though it usually costs significantly less than dealer or OEM glass. If you need to replace your auto glass but must adhere to financial constraints, you may want to choose this option.

Bear in mind that aftermarket glass won't necessarily provide the same quality of fit and finish as the OEM glass specifically for the vehicle's manufacturing plants. You may notice small differences in thickness, UV resistance, tint color or darkness, and overall quality compared to your previous glass.

Some extra features that you take for granted in OEM glass may go missing in aftermarket auto glass. One key example involves cars equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Your automaker may require you to use OEM glass if your vehicle comes with cameras, sensors, or other such safety features.

Whatever kind of auto glass you may need for your vehicle's windshield or side windows, Affiliated Auto Glass can help. Our experts will advise you on your product options, help you select the perfect glass for your budget and other considerations, and install that glass with skill and care. Contact us for a quote.