Different Types of Glasses used on Windshield

Safety is one of the biggest concerns for any car owner. One crucial factor is the car windshield which plays a significant role. As windshield glass is specifically designed for automobiles, it protects the driver and the passengers from any dirt, dust, and debris that could cause harm. A good windshield needs to be shatterproof so that the sharp broken pieces of glass do not cause any harm or injuries to the driver and the passengers within.

What are the different types of windshield glass?

Mentioned below are the different types of windshield glasses:

Laminated windshield glass:

The lamination process begins when two sheets of glass are placed on different sides of a thin sheet of polyvinyl butyral or PVB. These sheets are bonded to form one piece under heat and pressure. An autoclave heats each component as they are pressed in between rollers. This technique fuses all three layers and makes the layers strong and see-through.

Laminated glass helps in boosting the fuel efficiency of the car. Since air cooling uses a significant amount of fuel, adopting laminated glass reduces the heating up of the car and minimizes the burden on your vehicle’s cooling system. Recent tests have shown that using laminated glass instead of standard glass helps to lower the temperature. Reduced workload on air conditioners equals better fuel efficiency.

Another factor of laminated glass that improves fuel consumption is the lightweight of the glass. The demand for lightweight products is increasing every day since it improves the vehicle's performance. For every 0.5mm thickness reduction in the windshield, there is a 3kg per meter square reduction in the weight. Thus, using laminated glass reduces the overall weight and saves fuel.

Other than this, Laminated glass provides many more benefits. It is strong and proves to be difficult to break, giving safety to the occupants of the car. Due to the ability to hold its pieces when cracked, minimizes the damage and adds to the safety in case of breakage.

Another advantage of using laminated glass is noise reduction. Keeping the car away from outside noise, traveling by car becomes quieter and more comfortable. People can talk or enjoy the music even better without noise and disturbance.

Tempered windshield glass:

Rear Windshields & door glass, on the other hand, are made from tempered glass by using the tempering technique. In this process, the sheet of glass is heated up to a certain temperature. Then, the glass is cooled rapidly with cold air. This process causes the glass to constantly expand and contract resulting in the outer layer hardening and the inner layer being induced with tension. This tempered glass is used for rear glass replacement or side window replacement.

Once broken, tempered glass cannot be repaired, and the only solution is to replace it. Although each windshield glass has different functions, together, in an accident, they protect you from broken glass. In the case of a rollover, windshields retain the roof’s rigidity while the side airbags protect the passengers within.

Read Also: Which Windshield is Best for Your Car: Laminated or Tempered?

Value Added Glass:

Value added glass for windshields refers to specially designed types of glass that offer additional benefits beyond basic functionality. These types of glass enhance the driving experience by addressing various factors such as solar heat, noise reduction, visual comfort, and improved visibility in different weather conditions.

• Solar Glass:

Solar glass windshields are designed to reduce the heat that enters the vehicle's interior from sunlight. They have a special inner layer that reflects a significant portion of the sun's infrared radiation, thereby minimizing the greenhouse effect inside the car. This not only keeps the cabin cooler, reducing the need for air conditioning but also helps improve fuel efficiency.

• Acoustic Glass:

Acoustic glass windshields are engineered to reduce noise from outside the vehicle. They consist of multiple layers of glass with a special acoustic interlayer sandwiched between them. This interlayer absorbs and dampens sound vibrations, resulting in a quieter cabin environment. It's particularly effective in reducing road noise, wind noise, and other external disturbances, enhancing the overall comfort of the passengers.

• Dark Green Glass

Dark green glass windshields are designed to reduce glare and improve visual comfort. This type of glass reduces the intensity of sunlight and glare from headlights, which can often be bothersome for drivers, especially during dawn, dusk, or under bright sunlight. The dark green tint helps protect the driver's eyes and ensures a more comfortable and safer driving experience.

• Water Repellent Glass

Water-repellent glass windshields feature a special hydrophobic coating that causes rainwater to bead up and roll off the surface quickly. This helps maintain clear visibility during rainy conditions, as the water droplets are less likely to stick to the glass. This technology also reduces the need for windshield wipers, as the water disperses easily, improving driving safety and convenience.

Read Also: OEM vs. Aftermarket Windshields: All You Need To Know