Types of Windshields
Windshields are one of the most important components of a car since they protect the occupants from wind, dust, and other exterior factors when driving. When a windshield is damaged, it can be quite inconvenient. These windshields come in various types. Let’s look at some of the most common types of windshields:
Laminated Windshield Glass:
Laminated glass is composed of two or more layers of glass separated by a layer of plastic. This improves safety by preventing big chunks of glass from shattering in the event of an accident. Laminated glass also boosts the fuel efficiency of the car. Since air cooling uses a significant amount of fuel, using laminated glass reduces the heating up of the car and minimizes the burden on your vehicle’s cooling system. Laminated glass is extremely sturdy and difficult to break. It has the ability to hold its pieces when cracked thus minimizing the damage and adding to the safety in case it breaks. Laminated glass also helps in noise reduction. It keeps the car away from outside noise and makes traveling more comfortable.
Tempered Windshield Glass:
Tempered glass is created through a heating and rapid cooling process, which makes it much stronger than normal glass. The tempered glass is largely used for side and rear windows to ensure safety as they shatter into dull pieces, minimizing injury risks. Rear windshields and door glass are made from tempered glass through a specified tempering technique. In the event of damage, tempered glass cannot undergo repairs. The only solution that remains is complete windshield replacement.
There are also some hybrid solutions like heated windshields which contain thin heating elements to quickly defrost the windshield or Heads-Up Display (HUD) windshields that are incorporated with a system that gives vital driving information onto the windshield thus facilitating safer driving as drivers can access information while keeping their eyes on the road. Solar Glass is yet another type which is integrated with a layer that absorbs solar heat, reducing the heat build-up inside the vehicle.