Autoglass’s aftermarket windscreens offer same ADAS functionality as OEM
When it comes to replacing windscreens that conceal sensitive Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) sensors, new research by Autoglass has found that using glass made to Original Equipment Equivalent (OEE) standards rather than Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) does not impact ADAS functions.
The use of OEM or Autoglass’s OEE glass makes no difference to ADAS functionality
The research, conducted by TRL on behalf of Autoglass, undertook independent tests to compare the performance of ADAS systems calibrated after the installation of OEM and OEE screens. The performance of two ADAS systems (Autonomous Emergency Braking and Lane Departure Warning) were tested under controlled conditions on a test track. After each windscreen change, the ADAS camera was calibrated by Autoglass to the manufacturer’s specification.
The tests concluded that the ADAS technology on a vehicle functions correctly when either OEM or the Autoglass aftermarket replacement windscreens (OEE) are used in the repair work, contradicting claims by some manufacturers. This research does not apply for all aftermarket equivalents, but only the OEE glass used by Autoglass.
Dr Chris Davies, head of technical superiority at Autoglass said, “The use of OEM or OEE glass makes no difference to ADAS functionality.
“This independent research refutes the claim by some manufacturers that their windscreens must be used to ensure the safety technology continues to work properly. This is purely a case of the manufacturers trying to push their own branded products.
“Glass used on vehicles is changing and every year we see more complexity, requiring immaculate quality to house the evolving technology which sits on the windscreen. It is important that the industry is able to adapt and be flexible and our use of OEE glass allows us to offer the best possible service to the customer without any compromise on quality or safety.”
The research by Autoglass in the UK forms part of a global investigation into ADAS calibration and windscreen quality by Belron, parent company of Autoglass. The conclusions reached in the UK are supported by the same research from Belron Canada and Safelite AutoGlass in America, which also tested whether the glass used had any impact on the Automatic Emergency Braking and Lane Departure Warning ADAS functions. The same conclusion was reached across all tests.
Dr Davies continued, “Not all glass is made to the same quality standard, and whilst this new research proves that OEE glass, as used by Autoglass, offers the same level of safety for ADAS calibration as OEM glass, we also know that many [vehicle glass repair and replacement companies (VGRR)] use inferior glass that doesn’t meet the same rigorous safety standards, and that’s a genuine risk.
“This risk will only increase as the number of cars in the car parc with ADAS technology increases. [According to Euro NCAP] it is expected that 22% of cars will feature some form of ADAS technology by 2021, so it’s imperative for the entire industry to ensure that glass used is of the necessary high quality and is not putting drivers at risk.”
Jonathan Musk
Jonathan turned to motoring journalism in 2013 having founded, edited and produced Autovolt - one of the UK's leading electric car publications. He has also written and produced books on both Ferrari and Hispano-Suiza, while working as an international graphic designer for the past 15 years. As the automotive industry moves towards electrification, Jonathan brings a near-unrivalled knowledge of EVs and hybrids to Fleet World Group.
One Comment
Paul09. Aug, 2019
Dr Chris Davies says, “a case of the manufacturers trying to push their own branded products”, refuting the claim by car manufacturers that their windscreens must be used to ensure the safety technology continues to work properly.
His statement is mirroring the same thing which is purely to facilitate the use of cheaper products.
The OE product is the best available. It is manufactured from a blueprint owned by the vehicle manufacturer. All the others are copies, most of which are replicas of an original which would have been reverse engineered to get the necessary dimensions. The term ‘OEE’ is also a made-up and relatively new acronym which, coincidentally, sounds like OEM and has two of the three words exactly the same. Funny that.
This is nothing but a marketing exercise in an attempt to qualify the use of cheaper – and often – inferior products. It’s the only way these companies can compete in the market, buying glass from Chinese manufacturers.
Also, there is no mention of car manufacturers will not honour warranty claims and issues on non OEM parts or devices connected to a non genuine windscreen (and it happens a lot; ADAD device malfunctions and warranty will be void if an “OEE” windscreen is used).