I picked up a rock that developed into a 30 inch crack in my windshield over the next 24 hours. I had the windshield replaced and I learned a bit about windshield glass from the company that ultimately did the repair. They could replace my windshield with OEM glass - the original Ford/Carlex Soundscreen glass - or aftermarket glass. The OEM glass cost $130 more ($450 vs $320 installed). They were totally confident in the aftermarket glass, but I went OEM for a couple of reasons. The wind noise reducing properties of the Carlex Soundscreen windshield (http://carlex.com/automotive-replace.../sound-screen/) appealed to me since we do a lot of long highway trips. Additionally, I wanted the Ford OEM logos on the windshield for resale purposes. My installer said he sees this a lot and that it's real - many buyers look for the logos at resale. I was also concerned about the forward-looking camera behind the rear view mirror which is used for lane keeping assistance. In researching my options, I came across a few cautionary tales about aftermarket glass and camera issues. My installer and I discussed why camera recalibration is required and why he doesn't perform the service. Apparently, it can get a little tricky on vehicles with lane keeping assistance systems and his recommendation was to rely on the dealership for this. My dealership's service advisor confirmed this; it's not uncommon for them to see a vehicle come in for camera recalibration after someone other than the dealership attempted the process.

 

 

OEM is the only way to go! Especially if you plan to trade in the future. I'd make a very wide berth around any used vehicle that has "customer added" parts or components, and especially things that should have factory logos on them, like windshields. You never know what yahoo put their greasy booger hooks on the truck and what kind of backyard modifications they did. So many people do quick repairs on the cheap just to get a higher resale, but at least if it's OEM, you can fool someone a little better!