OEM or Safelite windshield?

[CadillacLuke24]

Had the windshield in my brother's old Camaro replaced. OEM windshield had no issues (other than the big crack right above the line of vision).

 

First new one had a wave RIGHT in the middle of line of sight. They replaced it for free.

 

Second new one has a wave low in the middle. Doesn't interfere with driving, but you'll occasionally catch it. 

 

Go OEM. 

[Black02Silverado]

Driving back from PA last week a nice big rock hit out Suburban windshield.  So now the hunt is on for a new one.  This looks like it isn't going to be inexpensive. 

[NCPGMC]

Pages 18-19...

 

https://www.agrrmag.com/digital/2010/NovDec2010.pdf

 

 

[RichardG]

Just to add my 2c in case another person comes looking for the answer - I can say OEM is better from manufacturing aspect; I have seen the plants, and know the procedures - published and not. To be honest, after seeing so much from mechanics, engineering, and manufacturing aspects I am surprised vehicles last as long as they do.

[cjlet]

Do you not have glass coverage? 

[g2full]

Find a local glass guy instead of Safelite. 

 

With Lane Departure use OEM glass only. 

 

 

Safelite put a windshield in my wife's pilot and trashed the moldings on either side of it. They fell off shortly after they touched the vehicle. 

 

Our glass guy that does them for our dealership fixes a lot of safelite screw ups. Also, he will only use OEM, but especially when the vehicle has any type of Radar/Lane Departure features.

 

[djw88]

aftermarket has to meet all the same requirements of OEM glass. OEM is no better than aftermarket. 

i knew someone that worked for a glass claim company and dealt with this everyday.

GM doesn't make the glass they pay another company and just have a GM logo put on it. Its all the same stuff.

[jrmcswain]

OK reading this brought up a couple of questions.

 

How do airbags effect windshields?

 

According to GM part numbers, the SUV windshield is different from the truck windshield, does anyone know the difference? I want to do the HUD mod but need the HUD compatible glass. Which for 2014 to 2018 looks like tahoe, Yukon and escalade.

 

 

[2015 High Miler]

Safelite used OEM on my 2015 Sierra with lane keep assist 2 years ago.

[cdschmidt]

It depends on what is important to you. GM does not manufacture their own glass. It is made by companies like Pilkington or PGW. Often a professional glass company can get aftermarket glass for a fraction of the price and the only difference is that it does not have a GM logo in the glass.

Edited March 25 by txab