Falk Auto Body & Glass Weighs In on OEM Glass for ADAS Vehicles Press Services

Why Is OEM Glass Recommended for Auto Glass Repair in Red Wing, MN?

Red Wing, United States - August 18, 2026 / Falk Auto Body & Glass, Inc /

RED WING, Minn., August 18, 2026 - As advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) become standard on newer vehicles, Falk Auto Body & Glass, Inc. is highlighting why verifying OEM windshield glass has become an increasingly important consideration for drivers seeking auto glass repair in Red Wing.

Industry guidance from several automakers and findings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have brought greater attention to windshield replacement procedures for vehicles equipped with forward-facing cameras. While both OEM and aftermarket glass meet federal safety standards, differences in manufacturing tolerances can influence camera positioning and post-repair calibration.

A technician inspecting front-facing ADAS camera sensors on a car windshield in front of a target calibration board.

Vehicle Technology Is Changing Windshield Replacement Standards

Unlike older vehicles, many newer models rely on windshield-mounted cameras that support features such as lane departure warning, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. As a result, auto glass repair increasingly involves restoring technology that works alongside the replacement of damaged glass.

An IIHS evaluation of 51 vehicles found that every ADAS-equipped vehicle required recalibration after windshield replacement to restore intended safety system performance. The findings reinforce the importance of following manufacturer-recommended repair procedures throughout the replacement process.

OEM Glass Supports Manufacturer Specifications

OEM glass is produced by the same supplier that manufactured the vehicle's original windshield and is built to the automaker's specifications for curvature, thickness, and mounting locations. While aftermarket products comply with federal safety regulations, they are reverse-engineered and may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer.

Several automakers, including General Motors, Hyundai, and Ford, have issued guidance emphasizing OEM glass or noting the importance of proper camera alignment after windshield replacement on ADAS-equipped vehicles.

Drivers Can Verify the Glass Installed on Their Vehicle

Repair professionals also encourage drivers to understand how replacement glass can be identified before and after installation. Windshields typically include etched markings that identify the manufacturer, DOT certification number, and AS safety rating. OEM glass often includes the vehicle manufacturer's logo alongside the glass manufacturer's information, while discussing the glass brand with the repair facility can provide additional confirmation.

Mike Albers, Owner of Falk Auto Body & Glass, Inc., said greater transparency helps customers better understand the repair process. "Many drivers don't realize they can ask what type of glass is being installed or request to see the markings before installation. Understanding those details helps customers make informed decisions and know what was used during the repair," said Mike Albers.

The company reviews glass options with customers before repairs begin, explains manufacturer recommendations when applicable, and confirms ADAS calibration whenever vehicle specifications require it.

Professional Verification Goes Beyond Glass Identification

Verifying the type of windshield installed is only one part of quality glass repair services. Proper calibration of windshield-mounted cameras remains an important step for vehicles equipped with ADAS, and generic diagnostic tools cannot confirm whether cameras or sensors are physically aligned after replacement. Specialized calibration equipment and manufacturer-specific procedures remain central to restoring these systems.

As automakers continue expanding the use of advanced safety technology, repair facilities are adapting their processes to address both the physical and electronic components involved in modern windshield replacement. These developments are also shaping what many drivers look for when choosing the best auto glass repair in Red Wing, with greater attention placed on manufacturer procedures and documented calibration.

A mechanic using a blue shop towel to wipe down an engine sensor next to text on maintaining factory tolerances and restoring sensor accuracy.

About Falk Auto Body & Glass, Inc.

Falk Auto Body & Glass, Inc. has served drivers in Red Wing, Minnesota, since 1958, building a reputation for quality craftsmanship and manufacturer-recommended repair practices. Owned by Mike Albers and Chris Albers, the family-owned business specializes in collision repair, windshield replacement, and ADAS-related repairs, helping vehicle owners navigate increasingly complex automotive technologies with clear communication and documented repair procedures.