Auto Glass Facts For Vehicle Owners

How familiar are you with your vehicle’s windows? Since they play crucial roles in road safety for you and your passengers, it’s essential to know the basics.

Your windshield is not a single solid piece of glass but instead consists of two glass sheets with a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) sandwiched in between, creating laminated glass. The PVB inner layer serves as a protective barrier, preventing the windshield from shattering during a collision.

The rear window in your vehicle is crafted from tempered glass, which is the same material used to protect smartphone screens. During the manufacturing process, this glass is heated and rapidly cooled to enhance its strength. Despite its durability, tempered glass can still break when subjected to extreme pressure, but it is designed to shatter into small, less hazardous pieces if it does break.

When you require a windshield or rear window replacement, it’s important to be aware of a cost difference between the two, as these windows are constructed from distinct types of glass.

If you own a modern vehicle, it’s likely equipped with several fundamental Advanced Driver Safety Systems (ADAS). Some of the most prevalent features in this category include:

These functionalities are managed by a range of sensors and systems strategically positioned throughout your vehicle, with some of these sensors integrated into your automobile’s glass.

Have you ever questioned the purpose of those tiny black dots situated around the edges of your windshield? These dots are known as either the frit or the trim and were originally introduced to conceal the juncture between the windshield and the vehicle’s frame. They are fused into the glass during the manufacturing process, and today, they serve multiple functions beyond aesthetics. In modern vehicles, the inner-facing side of the frit or trim plays a role in securely bonding the glass to the vehicle’s frame, while the outer-facing side of these black dots acts as a shield against UV radiation, safeguarding your dashboard from deterioration.

Cracked and chipped windshields account for nearly 30% of all auto insurance claims in the United States. However, it’s important to note that not all types of auto insurance policies provide coverage for glass damage. If you’re contemplating how to finance the repair or replacement of a damaged windshield, rear window, or side windows, it’s advisable to review your insurance policy before seeking coverage from your insurer. If you hold comprehensive auto insurance, your policy should cover the cost of repairs or glass replacement (with the deduction, of course). On the other hand, if you only have liability coverage, you will be responsible for covering the expenses.