Benefits of Laminated Auto Glass
In the 1950′s plate glass was used in car windows as well as windshields, which would smash into dangerous shards upon impact. Many people were brutally injured, killed by decapitation or suffered the loss of limbs in car accidents because of this unsafe windshield glass. Thankfully, the auto industry recognized the need to manufacture a safer windshield alternative in laminated glass and that revolutionary product has saved countless lives over the years.
Laminated auto glass has many excellent benefits and has been in use for several decades. This special type of glass is manufactured by combining two curved sheets of glass with an inner layer of plastic sandwiched in the middle using intense pressure and heat in an autoclave. During this process, the glass adheres to the plastic, so that when the glass is impacted, the pieces stay affixed to the plastic center.
Some laminated auto glass contains polyvinyl butaryl which effectively stretches inward or outward upon impact, while still holding the glass together. This resistance to breakage prevents objects from entering the front area of the car as well as preventing people from being ejected from the vehicle in a collision. The windshield also keeps the integrity of the car intact, preventing passengers from being crushed in a rollover accident. Improperly installed windshields can also prevent airbags from deploying properly.
Since laminated auto glass does not break easily, it is used exclusively for windshields and not for side windows of vehicles. Side windows need to be easily breakable in the case of an accident or emergency, so that they can be broken out, allowing passengers to escape. Tempered glass is used in side windows because it breaks into many very small pieces, rather than shards which can cause serious injuries. Tempered glass is also referred to as “lite” glass or safety glass.
As laminated auto glass does not break easily, it is important that front seat passengers wear safety belts, which will prevent them from coming in contact with the windshield, which can cause serious head and facial injuries. Passengers are also retained in the vehicle in the case of a rollover accident, which is one of the leading causes of death in car accidents.
Laminated auto glass effectively prevents approximately 97% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays from entering the inside of a vehicle, which can preserve regular gas mileage in hot summer weather. This directly reduces the need for drivers to use their air conditioning, resulting in no increased gas mileage.
The transmission of high frequency sound is reduced by the use of laminated auto glass. This ensures that stereo systems inside the vehicle sound better because the sound waves are kept inside of the car.
Vehicles can be made “bullet proof” by adding multiple layers of laminated auto glass.
Other less widely known uses for laminated glass are in greenhouses, shower enclosures and thermometers. Some office buildings or skyscrapers use this kind of glass because it will not break out and will not drop and shatter in the event of an earthquake.
Windshield Repair and Automotive Insurance
I would like to discuss a question I hear quite a bit. Will my insurance pay for a windshield repair? Prior to launching and running Auto Glass Locator I had an auto glass shop and multiple windshield repair locations in automotive service centers. On a typical day I would personally perform around 10 windshield repairs and generally each windshield repair would be covered by the insurance on the vehicle. However, this coverage varies from state to state and there are some states where the automotive insurance providers will not cover the cost associated with windshield repairs. Auto glass coverage is usually found in the comprehensive section of your automotive insurance policy and is more than likely not covered if you carry a “liability only” policy. The best suggestion I can make is to contact your insurance agent to discuss your policy prior to scheduling a windshield repair. Most auto glass shops will contact your insurance company for you prior to performing a windshield repair so It’s okay if you are approached by a windshield repair technician prior to speaking with you insurance company.
Car Glass Replacement Prices
Filed under: Auto Related, Replacements, Windshield Repair
Auto Glass Locator will help you find the perfect glass shop for your car glass needs whether you drive a Corvette, BMW, Mercedes, Toyota, VW or any other type of car. It is our number one priority to help our site visitors find a local cost effective glass shop for all windshield replacement and repair needs.
Within seconds of entering your zip code you’ll have a list of shops and details needed to help you select the shop that fits your auto glass requirements. After you’ve found the shop that most fits your autoglass requirements you can select the “request quote” button and submit your details for a windshield replacement or repair price quote.
Damage to your front windshield can be very hazardous if it’s in your line of site. It is dangerous to drive around with Impaired site due to a crack in your windshield and can be very dangerous to you and your family without repair. Auto Glass Locator is here to help you find the best possible glass shop for your needs. Use the search form below to find a local auto glass service center in your city.
Get a price quote for your BMW windshield, Corvette windshield or other vehicle type now.
