The windshield is one of the most important parts of a vehicle, as it protects you from flying road debris, ejection from the vehicle in an accident, and, obviously, the wind. It also plays a role in a vehicle’s structural integrity since it keeps the roof from caving in in a rollover accident.
If you need windshield replacement following an auto accident, here are a few things you should be aware of:
- Windshields may not always need to be replaced. In some cases, windshields will be fine with just repairs, especially if there is just a small chip or crack that isn’t at risk of expanding much further. However, if there are larger damages—multiple cracks, cracks longer than a dollar bill, cracks that extend to the end of the windshield, large chips, etc.—then windshield replacement is often necessary.
- You may have a choice between OEM and OEE windshields. OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer, and OEE stands for original equipment equivalent. The main difference is that the vehicle’s manufacturer provides specifications for the OEM auto glass makers, while OEE auto glass makers determine these specifications through reverse-engineering. Most experts agree that there is little difference between these two options, although OEE windshields are less expensive.
- Windshield sensors may need to be replaced or recalibrated. Given that many modern vehicles have special sensors and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), your vehicle may need its sensors replaced or recalibrated following windshield replacement. After all, these sensors are often built into the windshield.