The side windshield of a car, the glass panel that provides a clear view of the road to the side of the driver and passengers, goes by various names and terminologies across the world. These differences in terminology often reflect regional variations, cultural influences, and historical contexts. In this blog by Nuvision Auto Glass, we’ll delve into the multifaceted world of side windshields and their diverse appellations.

Side Window

In many English-speaking ​countries, the ​most straightforward and ​universal term ​for the side ​windshield of ​a car is ​”side window.” ​This term is ​used in ​the United States, ​Canada, the ​United Kingdom, and ​other nations ​where English is ​the primary ​language. It’s a ​simple and ​practical name that ​accurately describes ​the purpose of ​the glass ​panel.

Car Window

Another common term that transcends borders is “car window.” While this term can refer to any window in a car, it is often used to describe the side windshield in the context of casual conversation.

Roll Down Window

Historically, side windshields were more commonly referred to as “roll down windows.” This term emerged during the era of manual crank windows, where the window could be rolled down or up using a handle. Despite the widespread shift to power windows, the term still lingers in some regions as a nostalgic reference.

Side Glass

The term “side glass” is used in various parts of the United States. This name emphasizes the material used for the windshield, which is made of glass.

Door Window

In certain contexts, particularly in automotive repair or maintenance, the side windshield might be referred to as the “door window.” This terminology is more technical and is often used by mechanics and professionals.

Wing Window

In the United Kingdom and some other parts of the world, the side windshield is occasionally called the “wing window.” Historically, cars had small triangular windows near the front of the vehicle that could be opened for ventilation. These windows were often referred to as wing windows, and the term may have carried over to describe the larger side windshield.

Door Glass

Another technical term often employed by mechanics and those in the automotive industry is “door glass.” This term clearly specifies the location of the glass panel and distinguishes it from the windshield at the front of the car.

Vent Window

In the United States and Canada, there was a time when cars featured smaller, often triangular windows that could be tilted to allow air circulation. These were called “vent windows.” In some regions, this term might be used to describe the side windshield, especially if the design harkens back to the era of vent windows.

Quarter Glass

The term “quarter glass” typically refers to the small, often triangular, rear side windows in a car. However, in some cases, it might be used to describe the larger side windshield. This is more commonly encountered in the automotive industry.

Passenger Window and Driver’s Window

Some people simply refer to the side windshields by their relative position within the car, using terms like “passenger window” and “driver’s window.” This is a practical way to specify which window you are talking about.

Side Panel

In certain contexts, the side windshield may be called the “side panel.” This term is less specific to the glass itself but rather encompasses the entire side of the car, including the door.

Porthole

In some vintage or classic car circles, enthusiasts might use the term “porthole” to describe side windshields. This term draws from the nautical theme, as some classic cars had small, circular windows reminiscent of ship portholes.

Doorlite

This is a less common term, used regionally, to describe the side windshield. It is a blend of “door” and “lite” (a variant spelling of “light”). It highlights the function of the glass to let light into the vehicle’s interior.

Carriage Window

In more traditional and formal language, the side windshield may be called a “carriage window.” This term has historical connotations, harkening back to the days when horse-drawn carriages had windows.

Roller Window

In some regions, particularly where older vehicles are still in use, the term “roller window” is used. This name hearkens back to the days when windows were manually rolled up and down with a handle.

Lateral Window

A more formal and technical term for the side windshield is the “lateral window.” This term is often used in automotive engineering and design circles.

Takeaway

What you call ​the side ​windshield of a ​car can ​vary widely based ​on where ​you are in ​the world, ​your cultural influences, ​and your ​personal preferences. Whether ​you refer ​to it as ​a “side ​window,” a “car ​window,” or ​by one of ​the other ​terms mentioned, each ​name carries ​a unique history ​and significance, ​adding to the ​rich tapestry ​of automotive terminology.

What do you call the side windshield of a car?

What do you ​call the ​side windshield of ​a car? ​It might seem ​like a ​simple question, but ​it can ​lead to a ​surprisingly complex ​answer. The side ​windshield of ​a car is ​often referred ​to by a ​few different ​name, and the ​terminology can ​vary depending on ​where you ​are in the ​world. In ​this blog by ​Nuvision, we’ll ​delve into the ​various terms ​used to describe ​this essential ​part of a vehicle.

Side Window

One of the most common terms for the side windshield is the “side window.” This is a straightforward and practical name, as it describes precisely what the glass is—a window on the side of the car. The term “side window” is widely used in the United States, and you’ll often hear it in everyday conversations about cars. Whether you’re asking someone to roll down the side window or discussing tinting your side windows, this term is clear and unambiguous.

Side Glass

Another term that’s ​used to ​describe the side ​windshield is ​”side glass.” Like ​”side window,” ​it’s a simple ​and descriptive ​name that conveys ​the idea ​of a transparent ​surface on ​the side of ​the car. ​This term is ​also commonly ​used in the ​United States ​and is often ​used in ​the context of ​repairing or ​replacing damaged side ​glass.

Quarter Glass

In ​some regions, ​particularly ​in ​the ​United Kingdom, ​Australia, ​and ​New ​Zealand, the ​side ​windshield ​is ​referred to ​as ​”quarter ​glass.” ​The term ​”quarter ​glass” ​is ​derived from ​the ​idea ​that ​the car’s ​side ​windows ​are ​divided into ​quarters, ​with ​the ​front windshield ​being ​the ​first ​quarter, the ​rear ​windshield ​being ​the second ​quarter, ​and ​the ​side windows ​being ​the ​third ​and fourth ​quarters. ​While ​this ​term might ​be ​less ​common ​in the ​United ​States, ​it’s ​widely recognized ​in ​other ​English-speaking ​countries.

Door Glass

The side windshield ​can also ​be called “door ​glass,” particularly ​when it’s in ​the context ​of discussing the ​windows on ​the doors of ​the car. ​This term is ​self-explanatory and ​is used worldwide. ​When someone ​mentions that they ​need to ​replace their door ​glass or ​that their door ​glass is ​stuck, it’s clear ​that they’re ​talking about the ​side windshield ​of the car.

Side Window Pane

In certain cases, ​the term ​”side window pane” ​is used ​to describe the ​side windshield. ​A “pane” typically ​refers to ​a single sheet ​of glass, ​and the term ​”side window ​pane” emphasizes the ​individual nature ​of each window ​on the ​side of the ​car. This ​terminology is less ​common but ​can be found ​in various ​English-speaking regions.

Side-Lite

In the context of vintage or classic cars, you might come across the term “side-lite.” This term has fallen out of common use and is mostly associated with older vehicles. It’s a charming throwback to a time when cars had a more artful and ornate design, and the glass on the sides of these cars was referred to as “side-lites.”

Fixed Window

Sometimes, the side windshield is simply called a “fixed window.” This term is used to distinguish the non-movable, stationary windows on the side of the car from the windows that can be rolled down or opened. Fixed windows are common on many modern vehicles and provide a sense of security and protection.

Vent Window

In some older cars, you might hear the side windshield referred to as a “vent window.” Vent windows were ​small, triangular ​windows that could ​be opened ​to allow fresh ​air into ​the car while ​still maintaining ​some degree of ​protection from ​the elements. While ​they are ​less common in ​modern cars, ​the term “vent ​window” is ​still used to ​describe these ​unique features in classic automobiles.

Quarterlight

In the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries, another term for the side windshield is “quarter light.” This term is a variation of “quarter glass” and is often used to describe the small triangular windows in the front doors of some cars. These windows, also known as “vent windows,” can be opened for additional ventilation.

Fixed Vent Window

This term combines elements from various other terminologies. “Fixed vent window” is used to describe a non-movable, triangular window that provides ventilation. While not a widely used term, it’s precise in its description.

Side Vent

The side windshield ​is sometimes ​called a “side ​vent,” emphasizing ​its function as ​a means ​of letting air ​into the ​car’s interior. The ​term “side ​vent” is not ​as common ​as some of ​the others, ​but it’s still ​used in ​discussions about car ​design and ​features.

Side Quarter

In some informal conversations, you might hear the side windshield referred to as the “side quarter.” This is a simplified version of “quarter glass” and is easy to understand, even if it’s not the most technical term.

Takeaway

So, what do ​you call ​the side windshield ​of a ​car? The answer ​depends on ​where you are, ​the context ​of the conversation, ​and even ​personal preference. Whether ​you use ​terms like “side ​window,” “side ​glass,” “quarter glass,” ​”door glass,” ​or any of ​the other ​variations, the key ​is effective ​communication.