Auto Glass: How All Glass Is Not Created Equal
The glass in your vehicle represents a clear, sturdy form of protection from the elements. Your glass takes on all kinds of debris and annoyances daily; think rocks, dust, and 70 mph wind on the highway. Imagine speeding down the highway without it—terrible, right?
But how is your auto glass so durable? Regular glass would shatter if it were hit from an 80 mph pebble, so what gives? This quick blog from Sergio Lewis will discuss the science behind your vehicle’s glass.
Your Vehicle: A Tale Of Two Techniques
While we’ve acknowledged that your vehicle’s glass is pretty special, you may not know that the glass is made differently depending on where it will be.
Specifically, the windshield glass is made different from the remaining windows. This is because the biggest threat to the driver and passengers will likely come from in front. The front windshield has to prevent debris like rocks and falling objects from trucks from hitting the driver, while also keeping the driver/passenger from being ejected in the event of an accident. So first, we’ll dive into how the front windshield is created.
The Front Windshield Sandwich
Your front windshield is a secret sandwich. Yes, you read that right. Your windshield is a combination of two pieces of tempered glass and a thin resin called poly-vinyl butyral.
The glass itself is usually a combination of silica, dolomite, limestone, soda ash, and other materials. PVB simply keeps the glass from shattering or coming apart. This combination creates a durable product that is shatter-resistant, meaning minor fender benders and potholes won’t cause your windshield to fall apart.
While your windshield is held to the highest standard, that doesn’t mean your side or back windows aren’t sturdy, too.
Your Side And Back Windows – Tempered Glass
The side and rear windows in your vehicle are made of tempered glass, which has special properties also designed for safety.
Tempered glass is created by heating glass to astronomical temperatures (think over 1000°F) and then rapidly cooling it. This rapid temperature change creates an extremely durable glass that can also handle a ton of punishment from normal driving.
However, when it is broken, this glass is designed to shatter into very small pieces for safety. No one wants to get into an accident and worry about huge shards of glass flying everywhere.
All of your car’s glass represents an engineering marvel, but hopefully this article will make you think differently the next time you hop in the car.
Choose Sergio Lewis For Your Auto Glass Needs
While your glass is pretty strong, you shouldn’t let dents or cracks linger and weaken your glass over time. For your auto glass needs, visit Sergio Lewis Body Shop!
