New research carried out by the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) in the UK and commissioned by Autoglass, has found that Original Equipment Equivalent (OEE) glass does not have any negative impact on the functionality of Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) sensors.

The study compared the performance of ADAS systems calibrated after the installation of OEM and OEE windscreen glass and found that the ADAS functions worked equally as well with either the OEM glass or an Autoglass aftermarket replacement windscreens (OEE) in place.

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.” He added, “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.”

Dr. Davies also stressed that the research does not apply to all aftermarket equivalents saying, “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 are also aware of the use of inferior glass that doesn’t meet the same rigorous safety standards, and that’s a genuine risk.”