Choosing the Right Glass for Windshield Replacement
Your vehicle’s windshield is your number one shield against the outside elements that can harm you on the road. On top of that, a good windshield that’s well cared for provides a clear line of sight to the road ahead, giving you all the advantages of safe driving. But there are some moments wherein driving safely isn’t enough to keep your windshield free from cracks and chips.
Sometimes, your windshield can be cracked or chipped by stray debris like heavy branches or sharp pebbles that can damage the auto glass.
Getting your vehicle to an expert windshield repair and replacement service is highly advisable, even if only minor damages exist. Though they’re small issues, cracks, scratches, and chips can evolve into major damages that can shatter your windshield.
If you are at the stage where you need a complete windshield replacement, though, make sure to learn about the different auto glass types that have been created solely for vehicles.
There are only two types of windshield glass, but these two are generally hard to choose from due to the great advantages they provide.
Laminated Windshield Glass
Laminated glass was first created in the 1920s with the automotive industry’s innovation of fusing two glass sheets together using a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer. This technique, involving high heat, gave birth to laminated safety glass. If there’s a collision, this type of glass would fracture but wouldn’t shatter into dangerous shards, prioritizing safety.
This glass is a protective barrier and is engineered to withstand substantial impacts, minimizing the risk of injury to drivers and passengers. Acting as a cushion, it mitigates harm when occupants are propelled towards the window during accidents.
While these are commonly found in windshield applications, laminated auto glass proves beneficial wherever there’s potential human contact with the glass.
Opting for laminated glass gives you three layers of safety on the road and has superior sound-dampening properties, reducing noise transmission compared to standard glass. In addition to these advantages, it effectively blocks a substantial amount of harmful UV rays, safeguarding your vehicle’s interior upholstery from fading and reducing skin damage due to prolonged sun exposure.
Tempered Windshield Glass
Car doors and rear windows typically feature tempered glass. Unlike laminated glass, this type undergoes heating and rapid cooling to strengthen it. Though there’s only one layer of it, tempered glass doesn’t break into shards upon collision. Instead, it fractures into numerous pebble-like fragments that lack any sharp edges. Compared to standard glass, it possesses enhanced resistance to bending and can endure greater external forces without fracturing. But once a tempered windshield has been shattered, it can no longer be repaired and must be replaced as soon as possible.
Value Added Windshield Glass
These types of windshield glass are special types that provide extra advantages beyond mere functionality. These variants enhance the driving encounter by tackling diverse elements like solar heat noise mitigation, visual comfort, and heightened visibility across various weather circumstances.
Water Repellant Glass
Glass windshields treated with water-repellent coating have a unique hydrophobic layer that prompts rainwater to form beads and swiftly slide off the surface. This characteristic aids in preserving clear visibility in rainy weather, as the droplets are less likely to stick to the glass. Its hydrophobic technology would minimize reliance on windshield wipers, enhancing driving safety and convenience.
Solar Glass
Auto glass engineered for solar protection aims to diminish the heat caused by sunlight infiltrating the vehicle’s interior. Featuring a distinct inner layer, these windshields can effectively reflect a large portion of the sun’s infrared radiation, mitigating the effect within the car. This dual function maintains a cooler interior and contributes to enhanced fuel efficiency.
Acoustic Glass
Engineered for noise reduction, acoustic glass windshields are designed to diminish external sounds within the vehicle. These comprise multiple layers of glass that house a specialized acoustic interlayer that effectively absorbs and dampens sound vibrations. This feature makes the interiors quieter, notably reducing road and wind noise alongside other external disturbances to elevate overall comfort.
Dark Green Glass
Windshields tinted in dark green are designed to diminish glare and enhance visual comfort. This variety of glass can effectively decrease the intensity of sunlight and glare emanating from the headlights, which can frequently pose as a discomfort for drivers whenever the sun is at its brightest. These dark hues shield the driver’s eyes, ensuring a more comfortable and safer driving experience.
To conclude, there are many different types of windshields to consider when having yours replaced may it be due to an accident or for simple upgrades. With the many different features to look for in each type of glass, the easiest way to decide is to consider the glass’ make-up, strength, cost, and the purpose of the installation. With an experienced windshield replacement and repair technician by your side, this decision would be made much easier so make sure to choose the best that you can.
