We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Automotive

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Auto Glass?

By R. Kayne
Updated: May 23, 2024
Views: 16,428
Share

There are two main types of auto glass — tempered glass and laminated safety glass. Tempered glass, which typically is used on the rear and side windows, goes through a special process where it is heated and then quickly cooled. Laminated safety glass, which is typically used on windshields, is composed of two pieces of glass with a thin layer of vinyl. It's then heated and pressed together in an oven called an autoclave. Both types of glass are stronger and more impact resistant than regular glass. When tempered glass receives a strong hit, it will shatter, but it will shatter and fall to the ground into small pieces that do not have sharp edges like regular glass. When laminated safety glass receives a strong impact it will also shatter but, generally, the pieces will adhere to the vinyl and not fall to the ground.

In automobile accidents auto glass is often damaged and needs to be replaced, but this isn’t the only instance where replacement is required. Gravel kicked up on the freeway can result in a chip or small vein in the windshield. Over time vibration can cause the vein to grow. In some states driving with damaged auto glass is a ticketable offense.

You may be surprised at how easy it is to have your windshield replaced. Auto glass specialists do this routinely and will usually come to your home or place of business. The wipers, molding and cowl are removed, and the damaged windshield is lifted out. Old adhesive may need to be cleaned away. Once clean, new adhesive is applied to a groove that holds the windshield in place, and the new windshield is installed. The cowl, molding and wipers are replaced and the entire job is done in about an hour. You may be advised not to drive the vehicle for an hour to give the adhesive ample time to set.

If your auto glass only has a small nick or vein, an auto glass specialists might be able to treat the spot to resist further spreading for a small fee. This can save you money in the long run, and the repair usually takes less than 30 minutes. Commonly, the nick or vein is thoroughly cleaned and dried. Next, resin is injected under pressure and held in place with a material such as Mylar. An ultraviolet light is applied to cure the resin, then the Mylar and extra resin are scraped away. Finally the area is polished.

Depending on circumstances, an auto glass specialists might charge an insurance company directly, rather than a customer. Many auto glass specialists are available 24 hours a day to accommodate accidents around the clock. You can also call for an inspection and quote. You might find that a repair is all you need to keep a small nick from turning into a big problem down the road.

Share
WikiMotors is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wikimotors.org/what-is-auto-glass.htm
Copy this link
WikiMotors, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WikiMotors, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.