Car Windshields: Everything You Need to Know

What are the things that you want the best in your car? What features do you prioritize when selecting a car? Obviously, it’ll be mileage, model, color, interior, infotainment features, engine, and many more. Right? But have you ever thought about car windshields? This is one of the significant safety concerns that often goes unnoticed but it holds utmost importance. 

This blog contains all the details that you must know about a car windshield. From types to maintenance, it covers all. So, let’s dive in!!

What is a Windshield?

A windshield or windscreen is a protective front glass designed to protect the car from debris, winds, strong UV rays, and many more. As made with glass, it safeguards drivers and passengers from storms, accidents, animals, etc. 

Earlier, the quality of glass was not tough, but with the passing of time, stronger glasses that offer maximum protection came into the market. 

Types of Windshields

The different types and commonly used windshield glasses are as follows - 

• Laminated Glass

Laminated glass goes through the process of a thin sheet of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) getting sandwiched between two sheets of glass. These triple layers offer multiple benefits to car owners. 

• Reduces car temperature and helps in fuel efficiency as it requires very little time to cool down the car. In addition, laminated glass does not break into pieces; instead holds them at the time of collision.  
• Along with that, it is lightweight and highly resistant to breaking, which ensures excellent safety. As it improves vehicle performance, the demand for laminated glass is relatively high.
• Another advantage, why people prefer laminated glass over others is the noise reduction. It makes the drive more peaceful, and you can enjoy the playlist without disturbance. 

• Tempered Glass

Created by heating and then instant cooling, tempered glass gets placed in the door and rear windows. In the tempering process, the glass goes through rapid cooling, which in turn causes constant expansion and contraction for hardening the outer layer. 

In case of any accidents, the glass does not break into sharp pieces but shatters into pebble-like structures that are harmless and do not have any sharp edges. If tempered glass breaks, there is no other solution other than replacing it. 

• Value Added Glass

These glasses provide additional benefits like 

• Noise reduction, 
• Visual comfort, 
• Heat protection and 
• Improved visibility during bad weather conditions. 

Here are some different types of value added glass - 

• Acoustic Glass

To reduce the external noise while driving, Acoustic glass is beneficial. With a sandwiched acoustic interlayer between multiple glass layers, it offers a comfortable drive. With the help of interlayer infusion, it is effective in reducing wind and road noise and other external disturbances that come in between peaceful road trips. 

• Solar Glass

Nowadays, when the temperature in summer goes to 48-49 degrees Celsius, protecting your car from direct sunlight is essential. Solar glass has a distinctive inner layer that reflects the sun's infrared radiation, resulting in a reduction in the greenhouse effect in the car, which helps cool the car and improves fuel efficiency by reducing the load on the air conditioner. 

• Water Repellent Glass

With the heavy rainfall, sometimes the inability to see outside leads to accidents. So, this glass has a hydrophobic coating that makes rainwater wipe off quickly. As water droplets roll over in no time, it offers clear visibility in bad weather conditions. 

• Dark Green Glass

Sometimes, when drivers drive at high beams, it causes visual discomfort. So dark green glasses protect the driver’s eyes from sunlight and headlight glare, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience. 

Components of a Windshield

The durability of a windshield depends on many components. Each has a different proportion, and these components combine to form a strong glass. Its ingredients are as follows - 

• Silica Sand 

One of the most essential elements of a windshield, silica sand holds a more significant proportion than other ingredients. With a proportion of 65-70%, it is responsible for the transparent and foundational structure of a glass. 

• Soda Ash 

This ingredient holds the responsibility of the manufacturing process. To make the process smooth, it reduces the melting point of the mixture and makes sure that the glass is moldable. 

• Limestone & Dolomite

For maintaining durability, this element enhances the resilience and ensures that glass can hold the pressure for shaping. 

• Aluminum Oxide and Potassium Oxide(Special Edition)

Other than the above components, the windshield requires special additives to modify the specific properties of the glass and ensure optimal performance. 

Functions and Benefits of Windshields

A windshield serves multiple functions in a car, which are as follows - 

• Structural Integrity

The windshield acts as a supportive system to support the roof and protect the passengers in case of collision. 

• Clear Vision

One of the most critical functions of a car shield is to provide a clear vision for a safe drive. It is an essential part of preventing accidents.

• Keeps Passenger Safe

The car’s windshield is responsible for keeping everyone safe in case any emergency occurs. Make sure it is properly installed and durable to prevent breakages in any situation. 

• Improves Aerodynamics of The Car

A streamlined windshield plays a vital role in aerodynamics and with an appropriate angle, it can minimize aerodynamic drag, resulting in enhancing the car's fuel efficiency.

• Shatter-resistant

Another benefit of windshields is shatter resistant. In case of collision, the glass does not break into sharp pieces. Instead, it develops multiple cracks and remains in the frame only. 

Tips for Maintenance and Care of Your Car’s Windshield

To maintain the car’s windshield visibility, here are some tips that you should consider for durability and safety. 

• Avoid Slamming Doors 

The amount of pressure you use in closing the car’s door directly affects the windshield. Slamming doors creates vibrations that weaken the glass and damage the existing cracks badly. 

• Cleaning 

Windshield requires basic maintenance on an everyday basis. It helps clean dirt, debris, and bugs. While cleaning, make sure you use good quality products and microfibre cloth to remove the dirt. 

• Install a Bug Shield 

Bugs or debris cause scratches on the car, which causes discomfort for the driver. So, installing a bug shield or deflector will help protect the windshield from minor scratches caused by them. 

• Replace Worn Wiper Blades

The condition of wiper blades can affect your windshield’s visibility. So, it is crucial to replace them regularly before the wiper metal scrapes against the glass. 

• Avoid Extreme Temperatures 

Avoid parking the car in direct sunlight, as extended exposure to the sun can fade the tint, which might increase the chance of the car's windshield getting damaged in the summer. Also, high temperatures can increase the existing cracks. 

• Maintain A Safe Distance

Keep a safe distance while driving to avoid dirt and dust from the movement of another car. 

The Bottom Line

To conclude, a car's windshield is not just a piece of glass, but it plays a crucial role in enhancing driving comfort, safety, and efficiency. However, they are prone to damage as well, and many insurers do not provide cover for these damages. 

From InsuranceDekho, you can choose a car insurance policy that provides comprehensive coverage in case of windshield damage or any other unforeseen events. Visit our website or connect with an insurance advisor at  +91-7551196989. 

FAQs

• What are the benefits of windshields? 

The benefits of car windshields are: It protects against the harmful ultraviolet rays that can affect human skin and car’s interior badly, as staying longer in UV rays can lead to the risk of skin cancer. In the case of accidents, it prevents the roof from collapsing and protecting the passengers. It reduces noise from the external environment, which offers a peaceful and comfortable drive.  

• How to maintain a car windshield? 

You can maintain the windshield by Keeping your car windshield clean and maintained is essential. Make sure you use a microfibre cloth with good-quality of cleaning products for durability. It is necessary to repair the small cracks on an urgent basis, as ignoring them can worsen the situation in the future. Maintain a safe distance while driving. 

• What are the components of a windshield? 

The components of the windshield are Silicon sand, Soda ash, Limestone & Dolomite

• Is it okay if I replace the windshield by myself? 

The answer is no. For replacing the car windshield, seeking professional help is vital. A trained professional makes sure that the windshield gets installed appropriately and is safe for use. 

• How does a car windshield protect the passengers at the time of collision? 

The windshield offers a clear view to alert the driver at the time of emergency. As it stops the roof collapsing, the passengers inside the car remain safe. Also, if any accident happens, the windshield does not break into pieces; instead, it develops multiple cracks and stays within the frame.