Quality of Windshields and Does That Matter in How Long They Last

When it comes to buying a windshield, there are a ton of options from cheap windshields, all the way up to really fancy windshields. However, the average person doesn’t want to drop a ton of money on a windshield unless it pays off in the long run. Therefore, it’s nice to know if paying the extra cost for a quality windshield is worth it or if it matters at all. Here is some info on the quality of windshields and whether that matters in how long they last.

Does Quality Matter?

The quality of your windshield could mean life or death, all joking aside. The average person has no idea how much their windshield protects them in an accident. In rollover accidents, the windshield is one of the main aspects keeping the top of the car from being crushed. An average windshield should be able to withstand at least one roll during an accident. However, a better-quality windshield will be able to withstand at least three rolls. This means the top of the car won’t crush and the windshield won’t shatter as quickly and the people in the car will have protection for a longer period of time during an accident. In other words, better quality is definitely worth it.

How Do You Know if the Windshield Is Good Quality?

Even though a windshield might cost more, that doesn’t mean it will be of better quality, In fact, you may be buying the same windshield, the only difference is a name brand being added in the corner of the windshield. The two major types of windshields available are OEM and non-OEM. In simpler terms, this simply means that OEM is the windshield from the manufacturer while non-OEM is aftermarket (a windshield bought outside of the manufacturer of the car). OEM windshields are rigorously tested to ensure a high-quality windshield. Not just that, but they’re perfectly designed for the vehicle they’re placed in. Aftermarket windshields can’t perfectly copy these windshields due to patent laws. This means their quality is nowhere near that of an OEM windshield. Not to mention, they don’t fit the same as the original windshield.

It has been said that some 70% of windshields that are replaced on a car with a non-OEM windshield were done so incorrectly. This caused the car to be nowhere near as safe as it should be. Further, paired with the poor replacement, the windshield quality wasn’t as good, making the windshield mostly ineffective. In other words, who put in your windshield and the windshield, you choose for your car is vitally important to your vehicle working properly to protect you and your family. Never be afraid to question windshield replacement companies about their certifications, windshield types, etc. It’s well worth the effort.