You need to get your windshield replaced but now your understanding there are so many questions….A big one is: What’s the difference between OEM, and aftermarket brand windshields, OEE or OER brands? Why do we find so many price discrepancies? and what is the right decision for your circumstances and your vehicle?
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturing. It is the same windshield that was installed in your car when your car was built on the assembly line. If you have a brand new, or an exotic car, or you have the correct coverage with your insurance, this is a popular option for many customers. The downfalls are: that they are rarely in stock items and so same day replacement service may not be available.
Also, if you have to pay for it yourself you will be alarmed to find pricing from 50% to 500% more expensive than your aftermarket option. So fit and branding has to be your highest concern here.
OEE stands for original equipment equivalent, OER stands for original equipment replacement. They are just flashing new terms to describe aftermarket windshields used for decades a cheaper and more accessible product. They are always a knock-off of the original and so by nature, will NOT have the precise shape, curvature, and dimension of an OEM product.
BUT, Not all OEE or OER aftermarket windshields are bad. Not all of them are good. Most AUTO GLASS manufacturers are contracted to make a handful of OEM product and dedicate the rest of their manufacturing process in the production of replacement glass. So there are varying qualities. There are literally thousands of different windshields currently in the marketplace. No single brand has the corner on Quality, and where a manufacturer may make one good part number, experience has proven that this doesn’t mean that everything they make is good?
So how are YOU supposed to know which windshield is good and which is not? The answer lies solely with the company you choose to do the installation.
Companies looking to maximize their margins will always push the cheapest products. Also, watch out for Original Equipment Manufacturers that only sell their brand.
At Vision Glass Toronto, we are not pushing any particular brand. We take care to find the quality windshield that suits your needs. Do you want an Original product? Is getting the absolute cheapest windshield make the most sense for you? How about something down the middle, a good quality product that isn’t prone to breaking but still fits good and finishes great!
Let us help you make that decision. Trust the experts who have the knowledge, access to product, the insurance claim expertise, calibration equipment and the experience to get the job done professionally.
That’s Vision Glass Toronto
