OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacture. OEM glass is produced from original equipment-style tooling and meets the manufacturer specifications for safety and quality. Only OEM glass can insure proper fit and finish which greatly reduces the possibility of air or water leaks. Most importantly, OEM quality glass is designed specifically to meet the safety standards necessary for your protection in an accident. However, if the glass isn’t installed correctly, the safety standards of that piece of glass don’t do much good.
That being said, what should you look for when getting your windshield replaced? The first thing to look for is a company that has a good reputation and a proven service record. Do they use OEM urethane adhesives and primers, and do they have trained or certified technicians. Without removing the windshield from your vehicle, it’s impossible to tell if the windshield was prepared and installed correctly. Was the glass and pinchweld primed? Was the proper type of urethane used based on temperature and humidity at the time of installation? Once a windshield is installed, all the critical installation steps are hidden under the moldings and ceramic painted band on the glass. If it looks clean and the moldings are lying flat, you can only guess it was done right. But those things are only cosmetic. It’s what is underneath that really counts. Knowing the reputation of the company you’re dealing with and asking questions are some ways you can avoid getting a bad install.
What kind of urethane is being used and when can you drive your vehicle? Any technician doing auto glass installations should be knowledgeable enough to answer any questions you may have about the install. Make sure the company you choose uses the “full cutout” method for the old urethane, instead of the quicker “short-cut” method which leaves most of the old sealant in place. The installer should carefully clean the metal surface and always prime the windshield before installation. They should also use suction cups and/or least disposable gloves while installing the windshield to insure that the adhesive surface of the glass does not become contaminated. Missing any of these steps could result in an improper or unsafe installation.
