Your windshield is so much more than a piece of glass on new cars. Yesterday’s $500 windshield replacement can run into thousands of dollars today.
First is the integration of cameras or other sensors in the windshield, looking out at the road with you. What were once really simple operations now require complex diagnostic and calibration work. A modern car’s windshield may also have a special display area for a head-up projector, and technology related to automatic wipers or self-dimming high beams.
As cars have become more complex, repair shops frequently turn to good quality aftermarket parts to keep costs down, but Ford, Honda and FCA all advise against using aftermarket windshields. BMW goes so far as to request that special electromagnetic compatibility screws be used in repairs so as not to interfere with ADAS features.
Read the article at Roadshow.