Types of Auto Glass: Exploring Windshields, Side Windows, and Rear Windows
When we talk about vehicle safety and comfort, the utmost significance of auto glass cannot be denied. Auto glass is a crucial part of every vehicle’s front, side, back, and top. Having that said, Car Glass Repair has come up with a detailed discussion of different types of auto glass, windshield, side windows, and rear windows. In addition, their innovative features and functions have been elaborated as well.
Auto Glass | The Transparent Barrier In Vehicles
Autoglass is a general term that covers the vehicle windshields, side windows, and rear windows. Besides comfort and safety, auto glass provides various other functions such as vehicle structural integrity, airbag coordination, precise and clear visibility, ADAS system, and force absorption. If we talk about its composition, silicon dioxide, soda ash, and dolomite are pivotal ingredients in its manufacturing.
Up ahead, we have enlisted the types of auto glass.
Types of Auto Glass
There are basically two types of auto glass; laminated and tempered auto glass. Both types of offer unique functioning.
Laminated Auto Glass
This type of glass has been in use in the automobile industry since 1903. This robust auto glass is manufactured by bonding three different layers under high heat and pressure. The central plastic layer which is made up of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), is surrounded by both sides of glass layers. Laminated auto glass is utilized for windshields or front windows due to its precise and durable crafting. Therefore, laminated glass is somewhat more expensive than tempered auto glass due to its difficult manufacturing procedure.
Functions of Laminated Auto Glass
- Impact resistance
- Structural Integrity
- Acoustic Insulation
- UV Protection
- Improved security
- Enhanced safety
- Reduced glare
Tempered Auto Glass
Tempered glass is also called toughened glass, another type of auto glass. It is used for crafting the side and rear windows of vehicles.
Functions of Tempered Auto Glass
- Resisting Break-in
- Provides rapid glass breakage in case of emergency evacuation of passengers
- Gives privacy & aesthetic
- Provides heat resistance
- Safety against impact damage
Windshield
The windshield is basically a vehicle front window glass, unlike the other windows it is made up of laminated auto glass. This window glass offers a multifaceted role due to its unique structure and composition. In addition, this glass window provides ample protection, safety, structural integrity, airbag deployment, and a unique ADAS system.
Side Windows
As the name indicates, these glass windows are installed on the sides of the vehicle. Nowadays, all luxurious vehicles have motorized systems to roll up and down the side windows. Like rear windows, side windows are also manufactured with tempered glass type. The size of side windows may vary from vehicle to vehicle. The size windows also have tinted film options to control light and privacy.
Rear Windows
Rear windows are also known as rear windshield, rear windscreen, back glass windows, etc. This window is installed to provide safety from the back side of the vehicle. Like the other side windows, the back or rear window is also made up of tempered glass. Under high pressure, these windows can be broken down into tiny blunt pieces instead of sharp-edge pieces.
Like the front glass, rear window glass also provides support and strength to the roof of the vehicle. For the winter season, back windows also have an option of electrically conductive elements or wires to defrost the ice from the window. Moreover, these windows also have rear defrosters to remove condensation for enhanced visibility.
Preventive Measures To Avoid Auto Glass Damage
- Always try to park your vehicle in a covered space such as a shade or garage.
- Keep a safe and appropriate distance from other vehicles especially trucks to prevent the hitting of rocks on your glass windows.
- Regularly check the wipers and blades of windshields
- Always try to avoid forceful slamming of vehicle doors.
- Prevent your vehicle from abrupt temperature changes.
- If you find any cracks or chips on the auto glass, try to repair or replace it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, all types of auto glass play a crucial role in maintaining safety and comfort. Whether you are using laminated glass or tempered glass, each auto glass type has its own unique features and functioning. We have presented a detailed discussion of the windshield, side windows, and rear windows for users’ convenience. Exploring and choosing the best glass for your vehicle ensures your comfort, safety, and vehicle durability.
