Understanding the Different Types of Glass on a Vehicle
Contrary to popular belief, vehicle glass isn’t the same as the glass used in houses.
Contrary to popular belief, vehicle glass isn’t the same as the glass used in houses. The material has unique properties that help the car endure certain conditions.
There are two main types of vehicle glass: tempered and laminated. Let’s discuss the fundamental properties of both types.
Laminated car glass
Laminated car windows were invented in the 1920s when professionals sandwiched a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) sheet between two glass sheets. The method fused the components with high heat, which gave birth to safety laminated glass.
Laminated windows are prone to breaks, but they don’t shatter in the event of a collision. Instead, they’re specifically designed to absorb impact without collapsing. As a result, the property reduces the chances of injuring the passengers with flying glass shards. Furthermore, the material can even serve as a cushion should one of the passengers slam into a window during an accident.
Even though the automobile industry uses laminated glass extensively, it has many other applications where people might sustain injuries due to impact. For example, many stores use laminated glass to protect their customers.
Tempered car glass
Tempered vehicle windows are reinforced safety glass produced with robust chemical procedures. These methods heat and cool the materials to make them stronger than standard glass.
Once the perfect temperature is achieved, the inside of the glass is in a state of equilibrium. In other words, if the car’s window is broken, it doesn’t burst into sharp pieces. Instead, it breaks into small, cube-like chunks, which are far less dangerous than razor-sharp bits of glass.
Vehicle manufacturers generally install tempered glass side windows and back glass panes. It works great for various applications, including trucks, sedans, and SUVs.
The most impressive feature of tempered glass might be its sturdiness. It’s about four times as durable as standard glass panes despite being just as thick. As a result, it can endure a more significant impact.
Tempered glass does fracture when the outside force is extremely powerful. But as previously mentioned, the risk of injuries is minimal, considering that the edges aren’t jagged and sharp.
Replacement glass solutions
If a car window breaks, vehicle owners can choose from two types of replacement glass:
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) glass—OEM glass is built by the same producer who manufactured the original window, ensuring the same quality and dimensions.
Aftermarket glass—OEM companies can manufacture aftermarket glass on different production lines. It can also come from other companies, leading to differences in quality and size.
How to address broken vehicle glass
Shattered car glass is a significant safety hazard. It compromises the vehicle’s structural integrity, and driving with damaged glass is illegal in most states. The best way to solve the problem is to hire a car glass repair contractor. They have all the skills and knowledge to fix or replace windows safely.
Lucid Auto Glass provides mobile windshield repair and replacement in Tacoma, Olympia, Renton, Lakewood,and surrounding areas. Our auto glass services include windshield replacement, rock chip repair, crack repair, and leak repair as well as door window regulator and door window motor repair and replacement. Family owned and operated. Military discounts available.
