When it comes to automotive glass, there are two main types: tempered and laminated. Tempered glass is used for the front and rear door windows, as well as the rear window, while the windshield is made of laminated glass. This type of glass is treated with rapid heating and cooling processes, which causes it to break into small pieces that mimic the shape of pebbles when shattered. The windshield is an essential part of a vehicle, providing a protective barrier and a clear line of sight to the road.
It also plays an important role in the car's structural integrity in rollover accidents, absorbing 45% of the impact during a head-on collision. Automotive glass is also used for sunroofs, as it is designed to be UV-resistant. Laminated glass is designed to tolerate heavy impacts during a crash or collision. It is made up of two layers that bond at high temperatures, creating incredibly strong and durable automotive glass that won't break in the event of an accident.
This type of glass can be used for any application where there is a potential for impact by a person. If you're not sure if a piece of automotive glass is tempered or laminated, simply read the manufacturer's label. Different types of glass are used throughout the vehicle because each type has a different purpose. The only solution to repairing a broken tempered glass is to replace it with a new one, since it cannot be repaired. Aftermarket automotive glass can also come from the OEM, but was created on a different production line.
Automotive glass can serve multiple purposes depending on consumer requirements.