When cars first debuted in the 1900s, windshields were an optional feature. Consumers who bought a windshield as an add-on item generally had extra money to spare. Today, windshields are a standard part of every car purchase because driving is a dangerous feat without them.
Windshields are made of laminated glass that’s specifically designed to keep you and your passengers safe from UV rays, flying debris, and even ejection in the event of an accident. It’s important that you know the windshield features that affect your safety and well-being. Check out what the experts at Glass Doctor have to say about why they matter so much.
Constructed with Laminated Glass
If your windshield were made with “regular” glass, it would shatter into sharp, harmful shards when broken. Fortunately, your windshield has a huge benefit working in your favor: it’s made of laminated glass.
Laminated glass is created using heat and pressure to sandwich polyvinyl butyral between two glass layers. If your windshield glass ever broke, the middle polyvinyl butyral layer would hold the glass in place, preventing jagged pieces of glass from flying everywhere.
Designed for High Impact
Windshield glass is designed to withstand a great amount of applied force. This increases your and your passengers’ safety in two ways:
- In a car crash, it helps prevent anyone or anything from being thrust through the windshield.
- If anyone or anything were to hit your windshield, the glass would be incredibly difficult to break through.
Protects Against Harmful UV Rays
If you’ve spent any time driving while the sun is out, you are probably familiar with the heat and light intensity that UV rays can produce. While some amount of UV rays may be beneficial, too much can pose severe risks to your health.
The laminated glass in your windshield helps to filter these so that less heat from the sun, intense light, and harmful UV rays can enter your vehicle.
Provides Clear Visibility
Your windshield glass is like a shield for your vehicle. While it keeps dirt, dust, and other outdoor elements from entering the car, it also allows you to see when those elements are coming your way.
Insulates Sound
Have you ever been driving next to someone on the road with loud music? If so, you probably noticed that the sound of the music was muffled. This is because your windshield and other auto glass are excellent sound insulators. Not only does it filter the sounds outside of your car, but it also contains sounds that may be happening in your own car.
ADAS Calibration
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have become integral components in modern vehicles to enhance driver safety. These systems rely on a network of sensors and cameras strategically placed around the car to gather information about the surrounding environment. Calibration is a critical aspect of ensuring that ADAS functions properly, and it’s particularly crucial when it comes to the windshield.
The windshield of a vehicle plays a pivotal role in housing many ADAS sensors and cameras. These devices are often mounted behind the windshield, using the glass as a protective barrier while still allowing for optimal functionality. Calibration involves precisely aligning these sensors to ensure that the data they collect is accurate and that the ADAS functions as intended. This alignment process is essential for features like lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and more.
FAQs about Windshield Glass
Are there different ways to enhance the safety of windshield glass?
Yes. Windshield glass is considered to be safer than most other types of glass. However, there are upgrades to make your glass even safer. You can choose to:
- Apply window tinting to reduce the sun’s glare
- Add hydrophobic coating to repel debris and water
- Opt for newer wiper blades to ensure your windshield stays clean and dry
We even offer a Windshield Protection Plan to help keep your glass in top shape. To explore these possibilities and more, contact your local Glass Doctor professional.
What is special about windshield glass?
The one defining feature of windshield glass is its ability to remain in one piece even when it’s broken. This is due to a durable layer of vinyl that’s laminated between two pieces of sturdy glass.
Glass Doctor Windshield Repair and Replacement Services
A well-maintained, intact windshield is essential to keeping you and your passengers safe while driving. If your windshield glass needs repair or replacement, don’t wait to take action. Call your local Glass Doctor at (833) 974-0209 or schedule an appointment online with one of our skilled auto glass professionals.