Varsity Auto Glass

1. Dealer Auto Glass ​This  is the windshield or other auto glass that you purchase from an  automobile dealership authorized by the vehicle manufacturer to service  your car. This glass is sourced from the same OEM distributor that  manufactured your auto glass originally, and will often (but not  always), have the vehicle's make stamped on it. If you own a Mercedes  and absolutely have to have the Mercedes logo on your replacement  windshield, by all means go to your dealer.

2. OEM Distributor Auto Glass OEM  glass is made to the same specifications as dealer glass, but not  necessarily by the same distributor. For example, OEM Ford windows are  the same color, durability, thickness, size, and shape as the original  windshield specs from Ford. Windows labeled "OEM" are virtually  identical to dealer glass except they aren't always made by the same  company that originally contracted with your vehicle manufacturer. Why? Automobile  companies change auto glass contracts from year to year, so the company  that made your 2012 Chevy window glass may not be the same company that  manufactured your 2018 Chevy window glass.

Let's say you need a  new Honda windshield for your Accord. Your Honda window may have  originally been produced by AP Tech, so that's the brand you'd get if  you went to the dealer. But if you went to an auto glass shop, you'd get  your Honda window from another reputable OEM distributor (Pilkington or  PPG, for example) who makes the exact same windshield, to the same  specifications. Because your windshield wasn't made by AP Tech, it  doesn't qualify as dealer auto glass, but it's just as good. It's so  good that if you return a leased vehicle with an OEM distributor  windshield, it will still be accepted by the dealer.  All OEM  distributors contract with one or more of the various car manufacturers,  and that's what qualifies them as Original Equipment Manufacturers. OEM  is a good choice for your Honda Accord. ​3. Aftermarket Auto Glass Aftermarket  glass is made by companies that do not contract with any car  manufacturers, and do not have the legal right to manufacture auto glass  to the exact same specifications as OEM distributors due to licensing  and copyright laws. Safelite is one of the main aftermarket or "original  equipment equivalent (OEE)" auto glass manufacturers. Aftermarket glass  is significantly cheaper than OEM or dealer glass. It's usually a  different thickness than OEM glass, and most dealers will not accept  aftermarket glass when you return a leased vehicle because the glass  differs so much from the original design, and does not carry the same  guarantees as OEM auto glass.