IIHS Advisory: Windshields – Aftermarket vs. OEM replacement and ADAS camera calibrations

Replacing a windshield used to be fairly straightforward, but the new technology of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that’s helping reduce crash frequency has made auto glass replacement more complex and expensive.

Most manufacturers recommend recalibration of ADAS sensors after a replacement. The test concluded, in each of the 51 cars tested, that recalibration was required following windshield replacement to restore the safety systems equipment to proper accuracy standards.

Aftermarket Glass Can Help Offset the Increased Repair Cost

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) examined how original equipment windshields compare to OEM replacement and aftermarket windshields. IIHS evaluated ADAS operation and effectiveness on eight passenger vehicles, finding negligible differences between the types of replacement glass, except for the Honda Civic, which was mitigated with recalibration.