About Windshield Replacement

The windshield on any vehicle provide a substantial amount of protection for the vehicle's occupants. At the first sign of damage, the owner needs to find a replacement or get a repair. Windshield replacement can be an ordeal but with sufficient information and proper installation it can be successful.

Original Equipment Manufacture

Car owners can replace damaged windshields with a few different types of car windshields. Original Equipment Manufacture (OEM) windshields from the car dealership will be the same type of windshield already on the vehicle. The windshield comes from the automaker and has the same markings, such as logos or design etchings.

Ordering

Auto glass shops usually offer Original Equipment Manufacture windshields without the exact etchings and logos available at the automaker. They can also supply a dealer windshield replacement, but the customer will have to specify this type of windshield when ordering it.

Original Equipment Equivalent

Shoppers looking for a discount on their windshield replacement should ask for an Original Equipment Equivalent windshield. These windshields will be close replicas of the automaker's prototype. The OEE windshields will not have any logos or etchings due to patent laws. The OEE windshields should meet the American National Standards Institute specifications on replacement auto glass. 

Professionals

Due to the many safety concerns it is important to have the replacement installed by a professional at an auto dealership or an auto glass shop. A faulty windshield can cause way more damage then the cost of hiring a professional who has training and certification.