Auto Glass: What It Is and Why It Matters TIPS - Solana Windscreen!
Close your eyes and picture every safety feature your vehicle has. Did its windshield pop into your head? Chance are, probably not.It’s no surprise, really. Most commercials and advertisements aren’t interested in focusing on a piece of glass when there are engines, fuel efficiency and sleek interior features to talk about.
That’s where we step in. Your vehicle’s auto glass is there for a reason—an important reason. And that is to keep you safe. So what is it about your vehicle’s glass that makes it different than, let’s say, the glass you drink your water out of?
The auto glass performs differently.
Unlike the windows in your home, which shatter into larger pieces when broken, the glass surrounding your vehicle is much more susceptible to external forces, including rocks, accidents and shrapnel from larger vehicles passing by on the highway. To increase protection and prevent injury from impact to the windows, auto glass has two types of safety glass:
Auto Glass: What It Is and Why It Matters TIPS - Solana Autoglass! |
Laminated glass is used for the front windshield and is manufactured from a layer of polyvinyl butral (PVB) inserted between two layers of glass. After a heating and rolling process, the PBV becomes chemically and mechanically bonded to the glass on each side of it.
If your windshield should be hit from a collision or flying object, the PVB layer will stay intact, preventing the laminated glass to shatter. Instead, your windshield will chip or crack.
Laminated glass: Prevents you and your passengers from being thrown through the window in an accident.
Tempered glass is used for the side and back windows. The glass goes through a heating and rapid cooling process that fortifies its outer and core surface. The manipulation of pressures between the contracted exterior surfaces and slower cooling centre create tension, which is what gives the tempered glass its strength.
When should you get your windshield checked?
If it has a chip or crack, get it looked at.
Crystal Glass has certified auto glass technicians who put your safety first. We’ve been taking care of auto glass repair for over 65 years, and ensure every repair and installation is done properly. From chips and cracks, windshield replacements and everything in between, we can fix your auto glass and make it like new again. More importantly – safe for you to drive.
Remember, your auto glass is there to protect you. Let us make sure it does.