Recently, Mercedes Benz Sprinter issued a statement which strongly recommends that drivers of Sprinter who require replacement of car window must use only original Mercedes Benz items.
According to the automaker, glass manufactured by other companies generally does not meet the exacting standards of glass from Mercedes Benz. It says that After-market glass does not contain the same technology. These comprise of items like solar glass coating that offer protection from solar rays and lowers the level of heat inside the car. These can also make optimal the performance of air-conditioning and enhance fuel economy. Also, the After-market glass might not be as quiet as the original company glass.
How are they different?
It is vital to know the difference between aftermarket glass and ‘original equipment’ or OE glass. OE glass was installed in the car during the process of manufacturing.
Aftermarket glass comprises glass that was created mainly for replacement purposes, especially by companies who are not the original makers of the glass for the car. The catch is that such glass is much cheaper than OE glass. But it may not be of the same good fit or quality.
The detailed report of the company said that for promoting and maintaining its rigorous standards of safety and quality, in case there is a need for collision repair, all the repairs must be conducted by professional technicians using only authentic Mercedes Benz parts.
The statement by Mercedes Benz also offers guidance for the recalibration of onboard systems and ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) like rain sensors, cameras, heating elements, and antennas.
As for Aftermarket glass, it does not take into account such complicated electrical components and may interfere with the electronic systems of the vehicle or cause improper functioning of electronic systems.
ADAS systems have been fashioned to enhance driver safety, and today it has become more of a mainstream feature than futuristic technology.
ADAS comprises of technology like surround view, collision avoidance, cross-traffic alert, warning for lane-departure, assistance for parking, and super displays by which vital vehicle data such as speed is projected upon the windscreen. This helps the driver who does not need to look down.
Some years back, ADAS was considered as an upgraded technology for most modern cars and high-end vehicles like Mercedes Benz. Today, this technology is becoming standard in most models and makes. Currently, ADAS is being considered as a standard feature in most newly manufactured cars.
Diagnostic systems
As per the Mercedes Benz report, post-collision evaluations of repair of models of vehicles with onboard diagnostic systems must have such systems judged using a cutting-edge diagnostics computer.
Onboard systems of diagnostics permit the vehicle owner or repair technician to diagnose accurately any problems that the vehicle must-have. The original versions of such systems were red warning lights in dashboards that would ask one to check the oil etc.
Currently, onboard diagnostic systems mostly involve computer chips and other hi-tech tools that permit the technician or driver to identify and correct any malfunctions inside the vehicle instantly.
As per Mercedes Benz, post-repair scanning and diagnosis of the vehicle are vital to ensure the driver-assist and safety systems are fully functioning and operable. Many driver-assist and safety systems that may have been triggered during a collision need coding, normalization, or vehicle calibration. Another feature is a post-repair scan which will help in ensuring the conduct of a comprehensive repair.
The company also indicates a number of instances of need for recalibration of ADAS systems:
- Windscreen replacement of vehicles featuring driver-assist sensors (like light/ rain sensors), situated on the windscreen.
- Vehicle collisions no matter what the extent of the damage.
- Replacement or removal of bumpers, exterior components, parking sensors, SRS sensors, sensors of driver-assist systems, wiring harnesses, cameras, units for vehicle control, seats, or trim panels of interiors.
Help at hand
The windscreen of the Mercedes Sprinter is a crucial component of the vehicle. It is responsible for driver and passenger safety, so even a small crack must not be ignored. A small crack can compromise the safety of your windscreen. This implies that in the event of a crash, the driver and passengers can be harmed by shattering glass. Also, a cracked windscreen can impede the line of vision, which is a cause for disaster, especially while cruising on a highway.
The windscreen will support the vehicle in the event of a roll-over accident. In case, the windscreen is damaged, it may compromise the structural integrity of the roof, raising the risk of death or injury for occupants of the vehicle.
In certain weather conditions, cracks may expand and so get it checked by a technician for repair or replacement. Though Mercedes Benz insists on its trained technicians from Mercedes to do this work, other agencies can fit OE glass. So, options are not limited to dealerships.