A windshield, as the name implies, was originally designed to protect vehicle occupants against injury from wind and debris. However, as demands from consumers grew to increase speed and improve the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle, engineers have continuously designed larger glass as a part of the structural integrity of most vehicles.

In manufacturing, every vehicle part comes from the original manufacturer (the OEM). This includes all auto glass parts including the windshield. When replacing that broken windshield, you have the option to select the OEM replacement glass or glass made from non-OEM manufacturers (“aftermarket glass”). Both OEM and non-OEM must comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, BUT----there are two important OEM benefits:

1. An OEM replacement windshield is produced from original equipment-style tooling. This glass will have the appearance of your car’s original windshield and will fit properly into your vehicle reducing the risk of air noise and water leaks.

2. OEM glass manufacturers partner with automobile producers to enhance overall functionality and improved performance. This insures that OEM manufacturers have a greater knowledge of the engineering demands a car structure can place on the windshield and that the same quality assurance systems are met.