New research by Autoglass^® has found that Original Equipment Equivalent (OEE) glass offers the same top-quality standard as an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) windscreen. The research found that the OEE glass used by Autoglass^® does not impact the functionality of Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) sensors. 

Commissioned by Autoglass^®, the independent research investigated whether different windscreen types affected the performance of ADAS.  

The research, conducted by TRL, the Transport Research Laboratory, 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. 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, the parent of Autoglass^®. This conclusion in the UK is 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, demonstrating that OEE aftermarket glass used by Autoglass^® does not affect the efficacy of the ADAS technology on a vehicle.  

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 VGRRs 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. It is expected that 22% of cars will feature some form of ADAS technology by 2021¹, so it’s an imperative for the entire industry to ensure that glass used is of the necessary high quality and is not putting drivers at risk.  

“As the industry leader in ADAS calibration, driver and vehicle safety is the top priority for Autoglass^®. Autoglass^® is constantly reviewing the industry and our products to ensure that we set the standard. Conducting research on this scale is another example of our continued investment in the necessary skills and expertise required for accurate ADAS calibrations.”  

Autoglass^® is committed to using the highest quality parts to minimise risk for its partners and put the safety of customers first. In addition to using OEE glass that is of the same quality as that used by manufacturers, all ADAS technicians at Autoglass^® complete the IMI accreditation which ensures Autoglass^® continues to set the standard for the industry.