Not all automotive glass is alike. While both windows and windshields are designed for safety, they have unique characteristics to serve different purposes. Learn about them in this guide to understand how they protect your family.

What Type of Auto Glass Is Used in Windshields?

Since windshields are exposed to flying road debris, they’re designed for extra strength and resilience. Manufacturers use laminated glass, or multiple tempered glass layers held together by sheets of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) film. They apply high pressure and heat to the glass to make it bond with the film, then quickly cool it down to make it stronger. The internal film layer also helps block ultraviolet (UV) rays.

If a windshield does break during a collision, it doesn’t shatter. It remains a spider crack, held together by the film to protect the driver and any passengers. The strength of the windshield also contributes to the vehicle’s structural stability, helping keep the roof intact during rollover and front-end accidents.

What Type of Auto Glass Is Used in Car Windows?

Automotive glass for side and back windows are made from single sheets of tempered glass. Like laminated glass, tempered sheets undergo extreme heating and cooling processes to increase resilience. These steps make the panes stronger than non-tempered varieties of the same thickness, preventing damage when people slam shut car doors.

To protect people in the vehicle, car windows remain in relatively large pieces if they break. They have pebble-like roundness to help prevent sharp shards. Since tempered glass is so safe, it’s also used to manufacture pots and pans, smartphone screens, and sunglasses.

If you need repairs or replacement for any type of automotive glass, turn to Genesee Glass & Mirror. Based in Rochester, NY, this shop has served drivers throughout Monroe County for over four decades. Their products come with 10-year manufacturer guarantees against seal failure. Call (585) 621-3580 to request a free quote, or visit their website for more information on auto glass.