C4 VTS - OEM Windshield vs Aftermarket

[lancia58]

Hi,

Is there any difference between OEM windshield and aftermarket one ? The price difference is significant.

Thanks
Zohar

[GiveMeABreak]

Non OEM glass will be made to the same standard - in that it will match the specifications of your original - for example if yours has additional lamination (like the C5 X7 does on some windows on Exclusive trim models), and it will match the tint level, the appearance, have the same Frit pattern, meet the same Euro (and even Chinese standards now), etc. etc.

Some snobby companies like BMW, have been known to use a cop out clause to not cover owners under warranty issues for ADAS systems if they don't use an OEM windshield - but that's BMW.

I've just had mine replaced due to a crack from the edge and I checked all the specifications and markings beforehand and the replacement glass was identical in specification, and I had the ADAS recalibrated by the main dealer and billed the insurance company.

You won't get your car logo on the windshield with aftermarket glass, but companies like Pilkington are good quality. Put it this way if my OEM glass cracked after a small chip at the side and turned into a 2 foot crack in an hour, it can't be that good to start with! I also replaced my C5 windscreen after a few years as the original glass was so soft it was easily pitted with chip marks. It got so bad I had difficulty seeing out of it in bright sunlight due to the distortion, so had one done under my car insurance and just paid the excess. The replacement was perfectly matched.

[lancia58]

Hi

I have the same problem with the original windshield that it pitted with chip marks and I have difficulty seeing out of it in bright sunlight. The aftermarket windshield is Chines , how can I know if it for the same standard as the original one ? BTW what is ADAS ?

Thanks
Zohar

[GiveMeABreak]

I’m not sure how your car insurance works over there, but if claiming one from your car insurance company and just paying the excess, you would normally have to use their recommended windscreen glass replacement company. But these HAVE to be made to the same standards, as the windscreen provides about 30% of the structural strength.

All widescreens have codes or symbols printed on, telling you where it was made and what properties it has. Your replacement should be made to the same standards.

Have a look here for some examples:

https://beranek.agrrmag.com/2013/04/european-codes/

ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. These can be radar, sensors, cameras for example that help the driver and can be mounted behind the windscreen. Where this is the case, they usually require recalibration after a windscreen replacement to ensure they are 100% aligned and functional.