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Generally there are 3 types of windshields to choose from when replacement is required and we're not talking about optional windshields like heads up display, acoustic, heated, etc.
Auto Maker or Dealer Windshield - This in most cases will be the most expensive. Fit will be the same as the original windshield that came with the auto or truck. It will also have the car makers logo on it. It will have been crash tested, so the replacement would perform the same in an auto accident as the original windshield, as long as it is properly installed. Available only at your auto dealer.
Original Equipment Manufacture (OEM) Windshield - In our opinion this offers the best value. When the auto makers need windshields or for that matter any glass they release the specs to a number of glass companies to bid on and make glass for their vehicles. Contracts they have with these companies can change year by year. The result of this is they all have the specs for the glass. As the windshields are made, those going to the auto factory for new car and truck installation or to a dealer are lettered with the car makers logo. Those windshield made to be sold at glass shops will instead will have the glass makers logo printed on the windshield. This means that the glass will have the same fit, be of the same thickness and color. In short it will be the same glass at less cost then with the Auto Maker - Dealer Windshields. Further it will have been crash tested and as long as the windshield is installed properly your car will perform the same way in an accident.
After Market Windshields - These windshields are made by companies not tied to the auto manufactures and they don't have contracts with them. Because of this they don't have the specs for the windshields; they must create the windshield by other means which can include reverse engineering. Due to legal issues the windshield will most likely be different. The glass may not be crash tested, so there can be questions about it's safety performance in an accident. Fit and thickness may be different, even the color may not be a match. There may be scratches and other imperfection. Even the edges may not be surfaced correctly which could result in the windshield cracking.
Recently the U.S. government forced one after market supplier of auto glass to recall some of their side window glass due to it being unsafe. It seems that while glass was suppose to be tempered safety glass it had the possibility of performing like standard house glass, resulting in possible injury or even death. Though in this issue it was tempered glass and different then laminated glass which is what a windshield is made of, it points out the lack of quality control with after market auto glass.
From our stand point your best bet is OEM windshields.
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