In your automobile the risk of a broken window or windshield is much greater, especially in the case of an accident. When the automobile is in motion there is a much greater possibility the broken glass will strike the driver or a passenger.  This is why passenger automobile windows are constructed using tempered glass.  Tempered glass has been heat treated in such a way that the structure of the glass is changed, so when broken, it shatters into tiny little cubes.  These smaller pieces are less likely to slice or cut the automobile’s occupants.

The front windshield of an automobile has a totally different type glass.  It is called laminated glass, which are two sheets of glass with a film of plastic in between them.  This is one of the safest types of glass to use when there is a possibility of flying objects such as rocks or other road debris hitting it. The laminated glass is much less likely to shatter or break into pieces because the plastic inner liner holds the glass together.  When struck with an object such as a rock, the laminated glass may break, but the damage will be confined in a much smaller area. If the windshield is attended to soon after damage, it can often be repaired without having to replace the entire windshield.  Even a small break can expand, so if you do get one, do not hesitate to contact a professional for an auto glass repair quote.  The sooner you get it fixed, the less damage there will be to fix.

The shop is trying to talk you into OEM auto glass, which of course, costs a little more than an aftermarket windshield.  Why should you pay more for a piece of glass than you absolutely have to?  There are a couple of very legitimate reasons that OEM glass is a better choice, and when considered, often overshadow the small difference in price.

From the shop’s point of view, the main difference between OEM and aftermarket glass is quality.  While all windshield manufacturers are required to follow the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards,  OEM glass is made with the same tooling and has identical fit and form as the factory installed windshield.  Consumers often notice a difference as well, in the clarity or coloration of the aftermarket glass as opposed to their original auto glass.

And for those hoping to someday trade in their car – dealerships know the difference.  They often refuse to accept cars with aftermarket glass, or subtract the cost of re-replacing the glass from the trade in value.

But the number one reason to choose OEM glass, and paramount to all the others is – Safety.  The windshield is critical in supporting the roof of the automobile in rollover accidents as well as being a component in the personal safety restraint system.  Airbags are meant be be used in conjunction with seat belts and are built to be supported by the windshield, which keeps the airbag in front of the passenger An ill fitting windshield can actually dislodge upon impact, leaving the roof unsupported and the passenger cabin open in those crucial seconds immediately afterwards.

So while it’s up to the customer to decide what is best for them, we think the difference in the value of an OEM windshield greatly outweighs the difference in cost.

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Earlier this week the Today Show featured this segment about injuries to children and the elderly caused by glass tabletops and other glass furniture.  They also discussed how tempered safety glass, the same type used in auto side windows, can be used in your home to reduce the risk of injury or even death.  The clip demostrates the difference between the way a traditional piece of glass furniture would break as opposed to a tempered glass tabletop.

The razor sharp shards created by shattering a piece of traditional untempered glass can be incredibly dangerous, especially when the glass is broken with considerable force and they go flying.  Many people beleive that padding around the edges will protect their small children, but that doesn’t prevent the glass from shattering and padding can’t protect them if it does.

For people who want a safer home but love their glass table, the simple solution is to replace the existing glass with tempered glass.  Contact us information about replacing your glass tabletop in the Charlotte Area