Whether you’re in the market for windshield replacement and want to know what’s hot on the market or are wondering how auto glass and safety go hand-in-hand, the latest windshield technologies are a great way to upgrade and streamline your car, truck, or SUV.
History of Auto Glass
For the past seven decades, laminated glass has been the glass of choice for windshields in vehicles of all shapes and sizes. Invented in the early twentieth century, this glass is actually several layers of material: two or more layers of glass surrounding a plastic or resin sheet in the middle that serves as an interlayer. This interlayer is what keeps the glass from breaking into large, potentially dangerous pieces upon impact, instead shattering into a “spiderweb.”
This makes laminated glass ideal for vehicles, since harm to passengers during large collisions is reduced. It’s also beneficial in that a minor windshield chip or crack can be repaired without necessarily replacing the entire windshield.
Laminated Auto Glass Features
While safety is the number one reason why laminated auto glass is used for vehicles, there are additional benefits to it.
• Security: Laminated glass is much more difficult to shatter than tempered auto glass. This means that car theft is greatly reduced when the would-be thief has to go through laminated glass, since it can take up to a minute to get all the way through the glass to the car’s interior.
• Noise Control: The extra layer in laminated glass offers additional sound protection. This keeps the interior of the car more comfortable without completely blocking the necessary traffic noises that make driving safe.
• Sun and Temperature Control: Many new types of windshields come with infrared coatings and ultraviolet protection options. These not only keep the harmful sun’s rays from heating or damaging your car’s interior, but they can also keep your passengers (and yourself) out of the harmful UV rays that contribute to skin cancer.
• Additional Perks: From antennas and defrosters to speedometers, many types of laminated glass include the latest technologies right in the interlayer. While these types of benefits might not add to driver safety, they do add an appeal that increases car value and satisfaction.
Taking Care of Your Laminated Glass
While laminated glass has provided many steps forward for auto glass technology and auto glass repairs, it’s important to remember that letting a minor windshield crack or chip go without repairs can have an impact on how well it functions. Always keep your windshield in good condition and make sure the factory seal stays intact during repairs to get the most out of your car’s features.