FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What exactly is OEM glass?
1. Original Equipment Manufactured (OEM or Factory glass). This is from the same manufacture that supplied the factory when the vehicle was made. It is considered the highest quality possible, as it is made under strict conformance to standards laid out by the vehicle manufacturer.
2. Factory Equivalent. This glass is the same high quality as the OEM but is classed as equivalent only because the glass is not supplied directly to the car manufacturer. The price is less expensive than OEM without sacrificing on quality.
3. Generic. This glass is made by domestic or overseas companies that are not approved to supply any car manufacturers during production. Their quality is not considered as high, but the price is less expensive than both OEM or Factory Equivalent.
Is there any difference between my car’s windshield and the rear and side glass windows?
Your windshield and the other glass in your vehicle is designed and manufactured for your safety in the event of an accident. Your car’s windshield is made of laminated “safety glass”. This safety glass is made up of two pieces of glass with a clear layer of vinyl between them so in the event of a collision, the windshield will remain intact.
Why does it matter how damaged the glass is?
Many windshield glass cracks may be repairable. A windshield repair involves injecting a clear resin into the damaged area rather than replacing the entire windshield. While most windshield cracks less than Quarter size can be repaired, the damage will need to be examined by one of our technicians to determine if the damage can be repaired or requires a full replacement.
The location of the crack is also a determining factor if it can be repaired. If the damage is in the driver’s “critical viewing area” it is not usually not recommended for a repair. To determine what damage is repairable can only be made by a qualified auto glass technician by inspecting the damaged windshield.
Can I wait to have the windshield repaired if it’s only a small crack?
No. You really shouldn’t delay, as the windshield is an important structural element of your car. A small crack will likely become a large crack in a short amount of time.