What Is The Difference Between A Windshield Glass And Window Glass Of A Car?

Not all fingers are of equal length. This is perhaps true for all things including the glass installed on your car. If you have ever wondered if the glass on your car is different from one another, the simple answer is yes.

If you are more interested in an elaborate answer, rest assured that The Ottawa Tinting Zone has the perfect explanation for you.

The glass on your windshield and that installed on the windows are much different from one another. If you’ve ever come across a broken windshield and a broken car window glass, you may have noticed a bit of a difference, but if you haven’t, here is some of the information that you need to know.

What types of glass is installed on the car?

One thing is certain, the glass installed throughout your care is different from one another. Each of the glass installed in each area serves different purposes and has been modified based on those reasons to serve the users. For example, the windshield is made thicker compared to the window glass and that is because the primary aim of the windshield is to protect the driver as well as the passengers from wind, debris, and other items that could compromise their safety and health.

The vent glass on the other hand is installed for cosmetic purposes and to allow air into the vehicle when the rear window glass is not in use.

To better understand the purpose of each of the glass installed on a vehicle, we dive deep into the glass types, their properties, and functions.

Front windshield auto glass

As earlier stated, the front windshield auto glass is installed on the vehicle for an important reason. Perhaps the most important auto glass on the vehicle, this glass is aimed at protecting the car itself, the driver, and passengers from wind, dirt, dust, flying objects, insects, and other items that could harm the operator and passengers.

Far more than this, the windshield also helps to maintain a certain condition within the vehicle thus ensuring that the vehicle remains on the ground even at break-neck speed.

Some vehicle manufacturers have gone the extra mile to install window tints and UV coatings on the front windshield and this is aimed at protecting the interior as well as users from the harmful effect of the rays which is a part of the sun.

As part of the function of the windshield, significant support for the roof is evident and the airbags located on the passenger side have been designed to bounce off of the windshield as it is being deployed for safety.

Back windshield auto glass

The back windshield auto glass is similar to the front windshield. Although made from tempered glass, the rear windshield is usually bonded with the rest of the car frame and cannot be removed unless force is applied.

The rear windshield usually sports horizontal lines that are used to conduct electrical currents which are converted to heat on the rear windshield. This heat plays an important role in defrosting ice and drying the rear windshield.

Car windows

The car windows are located on the door sides of the vehicle and designed to offer safety and protection to the interior space as well as occupants. Windows are made differently from the windshield and this is because the function is different.

Types of Car Glass

Having understood the windshield and window glasses along with their functions, it is important to note that car windows are often made from tempered glass. However, there are two main types of glass that are used in building car window glass.

Tempered glass

Most of the modern vehicles come sporting tempered glass in the door and rear windows. This type of glass is produced after it has been subjected to a rapid heating and cooling process. This process is what informs the pebble-like shape of the glass when it breaks.

The pieces that are left after breaking are not as sharp as you would expect a typical glass mirror to be. This design is focused on reducing the chances of harm caused to vehicle users in the event of accidents or other high-impact forces.

Laminated Glass

Windshields are mostly made from laminated glass that is designed to withstand high impact force without shattering. The nature of the glass used in making windshields is what allows it to crack, or chip without extensive damage to other areas. Windshields are specifically designed to reduce injuries, especially for people who are sent flying out of their vehicle or into the windshield during an accident.