Comparing OEM vs. Aftermarket Driver Side Windows: Which is Better?

Should you be contemplating whether your vehicle necessitates calibration post windshield repair, Nuvision is readily available to assist. The simple answer is yes, your vehicle might indeed need calibration after having its windshield replaced. This is particularly the case for cars outfitted with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Windshield calibration is a procedure that fine-tunes the parameters of a vehicle’s ADAS to ensure proper functionality. Features such as automatic braking, lane departure warnings, and adaptive cruise control heavily depend on sensors positioned on the windshield.   Upon replacing your windshield, these sensors could potentially be slightly moved or disturbed, thereby affecting their functioning. Consequently, it’s of utmost importance to calibrate your vehicle’s ADAS after a windshield replacement. It’s not just about assuring the system’s functionality, but it also pertains to securing your safety and that of others on the road.   What is ADAS calibration? ADAS are intricate systems developed to warn drivers of potential dangers and in certain cases, make corrective action. For instance, should a vehicle veer off its lane, the lane departure warning system will notify the driver. If the car in front suddenly halts, the automatic braking system will engage. However, these systems require accurately aligned sensors to work efficiently. Even the slightest misalignment could jeopardize the system’s hazard detection capabilities. Therefore, recalibration is crucial following windshield replacement.   While windshield replacement is a routine repair, calibrating the ADAS is a specialized procedure. Not every auto repair shop possesses the required expertise or tools to carry out the calibration. Thus, it’s crucial to select a shop that is competent and experienced in ADAS calibration. Some vehicle manufacturers mandate a static calibration process, performed in a controlled setting and possibly taking several hours. Others might utilize a dynamic process where the vehicle is driven at a set speed on well-marked roads to recalibrate the systems.   Typеs of calibrations Typically, there are two types of calibrations: static and dynamic.   Static calibration involves positioning a specific target image in front of the vehicle and using it to recalibrate the sensors. This method requires specialized settings and equipment, as any errors could result in incorrect calibration. It’s usually conducted indoors to prevent weather conditions from influencing the procedure. The vehicle must remain stationary, and the process could take several hours.   Dynamic calibration, on the contrary, entails driving the vehicle at a specific speed on a clearly marked road. The sensors are recalibrated by assessing real-world driving conditions. This requires a specialist to drive the vehicle and supervise the systems, and the process generally takes less time than a static calibration.   The type of calibration your vehicle needs is dictated by the manufacturer’s guidelines. Some vehicles might even necessitate a combination of both methods. It’s important to refer to your vehicle’s manual or consult a professional to comprehend the recommended calibration procedure for your specific model.   Remember, ADAS calibration isn’t a one-time process. Regular assessments and calibrations are required to ensure these systems continue to operate correctly, especially following significant events like a windshield replacement.   Importancе of Calibration While it may appear to be an extra hassle and expense, neglecting to calibrate the ADAS post windshield replacement could result in serious repercussions. For instance, situations could arise where the automatic emergency braking system fails to initiate promptly, or the lane departure warning malfunctions, both of which could lead to accidents. Additionally, some insurance providers may not cover incidents if they discover that the ADAS wasn’t calibrated after a windshield replacement.   Furthermore, with the continuous evolution of vehicle technology, ADAS are becoming more prevalent. Numerous new vehicles come standard with these systems, and older models are frequently updated with them. As a result, windshield replacement procedures are likely to increasingly include ADAS calibration in the future. Therefore, it is paramount for every vehicle owner to understand the importance of calibration.   Takеaway In summary, the necessity for calibration after windshield replacement goes beyond a mere technical requirement—it’s a crucial safety measure. Ensuring the proper operation of your vehicle’s ADAS is as vital as any other maintenance or repair task. While it may require some additional time and resources, the peace of mind that comes with knowing your vehicle’s safety systems are functioning as they should far outweigh the cost. Remember, it’s always prudent to seek advice from a professional auto repair shop or your vehicle’s manufacturer if you have any queries or concerns regarding windshield replacement and ADAS calibration. Safe driving is a collective responsibility, and we all have a role to play in maintaining the safety of our roads for everyone.

An Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) windshield is a type of vehicle glass specifically produced by the same company that designed the original windshield for a specific car model. The “OEM” status signifies that the component matches the original part that was initially installed in the vehicle.   What is an OEM windshield OEM windshields conform exactly to the vehicle’s design, guaranteeing a perfect fit and retaining the original glass’s quality. They uphold the original dimensions, shape, tint, robustness, and any distinctive features such as defroster lines or antenna connections.   Purchasing an OEM windshield typically offers the highest standard of quality and vehicle compatibility, but it may come at a higher cost compared to aftermarket alternatives. Aftermarket windshields are produced by companies other than the original manufacturer and may not uphold the exact specifications or features of an OEM windshield. Nevertheless, they can offer a cost-effective solution when windshield replacement is needed, and the owner is not concerned about preserving the exact original specifications.   Quality and Safety Standards of OEM Windshields The distinguishing factors between OEM and aftermarket windshields lie in the fact that the former is manufactured to uphold strict quality and safety standards, replicating the original windshield that came with the vehicle.   Quality Assurance: OEM windshields are fabricated either by the car’s producer or entities licensed by the producer, ensuring the replacement windshield mirrors the quality of the original one. This quality is manifested in the glass’s durability, clearness, colour, and special features like tinting or heating elements.   Safety Assurance: OEM windshields comply with the safety guidelines outlined by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) in the United States, which encompass elements like transparency, durability, and resilience.   These windshields are designed to:   Offer a transparent view for the driver, with the windshield not distorting the driver’s vision. This is governed by FMVSS’s regulations on light transmission and visibility. Exhibit strength and resilience to contribute to the overall structural stability of the vehicle. In numerous cars, the windshield assists in preventing the roof from collapsing during a rollover accident. They are also constructed to withstand impact and resist easy shattering. Cooperate with the vehicle’s airbag system. When an airbag is released, it can impact the windshield at a high speed. The windshield needs to be robust enough to absorb the impact and direct the airbag towards the passenger. Consistency and Compatibility: As OEM windshields are constructed in accordance with the exact specifics of a particular vehicle model, a consistent fit and function are guaranteed. This assures the vehicle’s various systems, such as automatic wipers or heads-up displays, interface seamlessly with the windshield.   Regulation and Certification: OEM manufacturers undergo regular audits and scrutiny by car manufacturers and relevant safety authorities, ensuring their continuous adherence to safety and quality standards. Opting for an OEM windshield guarantees a product that fulfills rigorous safety and quality standards, offering peace of mind that the replacement windshield mirrors the quality of the original one.   Why Do OEM Windshields Cost More? Upon noticing the price of OEM windshields, one might question the higher cost. The reasons are many.   Quality and Precision: OEM windshields are fabricated to precisely match the original equipment’s specifications. This encompasses the exact shape, size, durability, and any other features included in the original windshield. The high degree of precision, quality management, and proprietary technology often results in a higher cost.   Material: The materials employed in OEM windshields are typically superior to those used in aftermarket windshields. They often exhibit better transparency, durability, and might also be more impact resistant.   Licensing and Trademark: OEM manufacturers must acquire a license to produce windshields identical to the original. The cost of obtaining these licenses likely translates into higher prices for consumers.   Research and Development: Auto manufacturers invest substantially in research and development to ensure the windshields used in their vehicles meet high safety and performance standards. The cost of this R&D is often reflected in the price of OEM parts.   Compatibility and Integration: OEM windshields are designed to work flawlessly with a vehicle’s other systems, like advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). This high level of integration often demands advanced production methods, which can add to the cost.   Brand Premium: At times, you are also paying for the brand name associated with the OEM. While this is seen as a mark of reliability and quality, it can increase the cost. Despite the higher cost seeming like a drawback, many vehicle owners find value in the exact fit, superior quality, and peace of mind that come with installing an OEM windshield.   Takeaway The higher cost of an OEM windshield is a testament to its exceptional quality, perfect fit, and superior materials used in its construction. When contemplating a windshield replacement, these factors must be balanced against your budget to make the most suitable choice for your vehicle and safety.

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you get into your vehicle only to find a cracked windshield? Well, then you are one of the millions of car owners who are perplexed by the sudden appearance of a crack in the windshields.   Can a windshield crack on its own? No. There is always a reason for the cracked windshield even though you might feel that it happened spontaneously.      In this article, we will throw light on the numerous factors that might weaken the windshield’s integrity and result in a cracked windshield.  Understanding these causes is crucial to take proactive measures to prevent windshield damage.    Why do windshields crack? Cracked windshields can be caused due to a variety of reasons- both internal and external. Let us look at the obvious and the lesser-known causes that can result in a cracked windshield.   Quality of Glass If your windshield was manufactured with poor-quality glass, there are higher chances for it to crack, even from minor bumps or tension. Make sure you use only original equipment manufacturer (OEM) glasses for your windshields.   Temperature Fluctuations Intense or fluctuating hot or cold weather conditions are one of the most common causes of a cracked windshield. Alternating exposure to heat and cold weather might cause stress on the glass and eventually cause a cracked windshield.    It is best to avoid such extreme temperatures. Hails can also cause cracked windshields due to their impact. To prevent your car from being exposed to extreme weather, cover your car or park it in the shade when it’s hot.    Windshields can also crack if defrosters and car heaters are used regularly. The rapid changes in temperature lead to uneven expansion and contraction of the glass, resulting in cracks. Warm up the car interior before you use the defroster. You can also use the heater and defroster at low settings to prevent such damages.   Improper Installation Windshields can crack due to improper installation. Loosely fit windshields can get damaged due to vibrations when the vehicle is moving, as the frame is not able to support the weight of the windshield adequately. It is a good idea to inspect your windshield periodically to prevent this kind of damage.   Road Debris and Impact This is a very common cause of a cracked windshield. When you are travelling at high speeds, rocks, small pebbles, debris on the road, and stray objects can cause significant damage to the windshields. Despite the small size of the debris, the impact at which it hits your windshield can cause a cracked windshield.   You can drive slowly to minimize the damage caused by these agents.   Structural Weakness A cracked windshield might be due to structural weakness of the windshield. Minute imperfections in your windshield or uneven distribution of stress can cause cracks. A previous poor-quality repair might also impact the structural integrity of the glass. The edges of the windshields are always the weakest and prone to the most damage.   These cracks become visible after enduring repeated stress over time, so addressing small issues rather than letting them become big cracks is advisable.   Investing in high-quality windshields, proper installation, and regular windshield maintenance will help to prevent such cracks.   Stress from Vehicle Movement A cracked windshield can be a result of sudden changes in air pressure while driving through a mountain, tunnel, or a heavy gust of wind. Keep your car windows open while driving through such conditions to equalize the internal and external pressure.   If you were not aware of the cracked windshield till you discovered it, then it probably was induced by the lesser-known causes. Whatever the type of damage, it is better to fix the windshield crack immediately and prevent it from spreading further.   Fixing Your Windshield Crack A cracked windshield can appear out of nowhere and frustrate you. Car windshields don’t crack on their own. There is always a reason behind a cracked windshield.   Moreover, there is no way that you can predict when it can happen. You can either try to avoid getting your windshield cracked through preventive measures or fix the window crack immediately to prevent it from getting worse.     It is important to repair any cracks or chips in your windshield as soon as possible, as it is unsafe to drive with it, and even illegal in some parts of the country.     If you are in Florida for a cracked windshield repair, then Auto Glass America would be your best bet. Auto Glass America is backed by over a decade of experience in windshield replacement and window crack repair.  Contact Florida’s fastest-growing  windshield repair service and restore your cracked windshield to its lost glory.