Understanding The Different Types Of Glass In Your Vehicle's Windows
The windows in your automobile are not your average, everyday glass. They have been designed and created to provide protection for you and your passengers, should something hit them or if you are in an accident. Generally, the windshield is made of a different type of glass than the rest of the windows. Here is a bit of information on the windows, their glass, and what to do if one of them is chipped, cracked, or completely broken.
Windshield
The windshield of your vehicle is made of laminated glass, Basically, two sheets of glass are pressed together with a thin, clear sheet of polyvinyl butyral between them. They are heated to secure the bond and keep them together. This means that if the windshield is struck with something, or you are in an accident, the glass will break, but the pieces will be stuck to the PVB. Because there are two separate sheets of glass, the windshield is very strong. Many times, only one sheet will be damaged instead of a crack or chip through the whole windshield. However, if you do have damage to it, you should take it to a windshield replacement company for repair. Temperature changes will cause the glass to expand and contract in a way that can cause the damage to spread. Trying to see through a crack or chip can be difficult and may be the cause of an accident.
Side and Rear Windows
The remaining windows in a car are made of tempered glass. While they only have one sheet of glass in them, they are heated and cooled in such a way that they will not splinter into sharp shards if broken. Instead, they will break into non-sharp pieces. While these pieces could cut someone, the way the glass breaks will have it just crumbling. Unfortunately, once one of these windows have been damaged, they cannot be repaired. The integrity of the glass is compromised, so the window must be replaced.
For the safety of everyone in your car, it is always best to have any window damage taken care of as soon as possible. Luckily, there are a number of companies that will come to you to do the work. Mobile auto glass repair can be done while you are at work, so you do not need to take the vehicle to the shop, get a ride to work, then get another ride to go pick up your car.
Share