Auto glass – Types, maintenance and more
Have you ever wondered why the windshield glass does not break into sharp shards of glass when a car meets with an accident?
That is because the glass used to make the windshield and the side windows of the car is not regular glass. It is called auto glass and is specially designed to meet the needs of an automobile.
Here are some things about the auto glass of your car you did not know about:
• The first type of auto glass is called the laminated glass. You can see laminated glass in the windshield of your car. Not just that, laminated glass is also used for other purposes outside the automobile industry. It is used wherever there is a possibility of human impact.
• The laminated glass is made by bringing together two glass sheets and sticking them with polyvinyl butyral and then heating it to high temperature.
• Laminated glass in the windshield helps to protect the car accident victim from getting a major injury if he or she is thrown off towards the glass in full impact.
• Laminated auto glass can be easily repaired if it has a minor crack. This is done by drilling a special adhesive into the glass with the right pressure.
• The second type of the auto glass is called the tempered glass. Tempered glass is also used these days to protect your cell phone screens.
• In this, a single glass is introduced to heat and then it is rapidly made to cool down.
• You will find tempered glass in the glass of the side and back windows of your car.
• Just like the laminated glass, tempered glass is harmless when it shatters and breaks down into pieces. These glass pieces won’t have a sharp edge like the regular glass.
• One of the major difference between laminated glass and tempered glass is that while laminated glass can be fixed if damaged, tempered glass can only be replaced.
Tips to maintain your car windshield:
• As soon as your car spots a cracked windshield, get it checked and fixed by the auto glass experts.
• Change your windshield wiper twice a year.
• Park your vehicle in the shade to protect it from overexposure to UV rays.
• Don’t keep your car out on chilly night, instead park them in garage. Drastic fluctuations in the temperature can cause the windshield to crack and damage.
• Avoid slamming your car doors as it puts pressure on the glasses of the windshield.
• Be aware of what cleaning products are you using on your vehicles. Stay clear of products which contain ammonia.
It is best to spend on a good auto glass specialist and get your car’s windshield repaired, as you will thank yourself later if you ever are in a car accident.