Cars have glass all around. You've got the windshield or windscreen, several car windows on each side, and a rear windscreen as well. With so much variety of auto glass available, you'd be forgiven if you assumed that all of them were made of the same material.
In reality, windscreen glass and the type used to make each car window are significantly different. It should come as no surprise that the windscreen uses the most robust auto glass possible to produce the highest levels of protection.
In this article, we’re going to explore how auto glass is used for all car windows. Not only will you have a deeper understanding of auto glass by the end of this article, but you’ll also understand why repairing and replacing some auto glass costs more than others.
Let’s get started.
What Are the Different Car Windows Called?
To better understand auto glass, it’s essential to know where and how it’s used in your car. Here are the different car windows names and uses:
- Front Windshield: Also called front windscreen, this is the auto glass on the front of the vehicle, protecting you from wind and debris as you drive.
- Rear Windscreen: This auto glass protects the rear of the car. Besides protecting the interior of the vehicle, it’s also crucial for visibility when reversing.
- Front and Rear Door Windows: Windows on each door allow for visibility and also convenience. These days, they can be lowered and raised automatically when needed.
- Quarter Windows: Depending on the car’s design, it may have front or rear quarter windows. These are smaller pieces of auto glass that you usually can’t open.
- Front Vent Windows: Older makes and models used to have front vent windows. Simply put, they’re quarter windows that you could open to allow fresh air to flow into the interior.
- Roof Windows: Some vehicles also have windows on the roof of the car. They are also referred to as sunroofs. Some are fixed, though you can open many, either by sliding or tilting upwards.
Of course, the actual size and quantity of these windows will depend on the car’s design. Some makes and models use more glass than others. Still, they all have the essential parts in common: front and rear windshields plus side windows.
What Are the Different Types of Auto Glass in a Car Called?
Most production vehicles these days utilise two types of auto glass: tempered glass and laminated glass. Let’s take a closer look at the qualities of each kind.
Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is ideal for use in cars because it doesn’t break into sharp pieces. So in the case of collisions or other auto accidents, the occupants will not likely suffer from injuries caused by glass shards.
That unique quality comes from the method of producing it. The glass is heated and cooled very rapidly, which is how it gets those unique properties.
You’ll often find tempered glass on the back window, as well as those on the doors.
These traits also make tempered glass popular for use in cookware, aquariums, and so much more.
Pros and Cons of Tempered Glass
As mentioned earlier, tempered glass offers an added degree of safety because it won’t shatter into sharp pieces. However, it does have its fair share of drawbacks as well.
For one, once tempered glass is cracked for any reason at all, it can’t be repaired. That’s right! If the glass is compromised, you’ll need to replace it entirely, and that’ll cost you a fair bit of money.
Laminated Glass
Windscreen glass is made of laminated glass. It can withstand powerful impacts without shattering into small pieces, making it ideal for protecting the vehicle's front.
It’s made by combining two glass layers with a polyvinyl butyral layer sandwiched right in between (hence the term ‘laminated’).
Because of these benefits, you’ll find laminated glass used far beyond just the automotive industry. Plenty of homeowners and business owners also use laminated glass to enjoy the same benefits and protect their property.
Pros and Cons of Laminated Glass
Just like tempered glass, you won’t have to worry about getting cut if your windscreen glass cracks. The glass will do an excellent job of absorbing any impacts, such as the ones you’d experience in a car accident.
More importantly, laminated glass does a fantastic job at stopping projectiles that might come directly at you. Projectiles like rocks with sharp edges will have a more challenging time penetrating the glass, keeping the vehicle’s occupants safe.
Besides that, laminated glass also helps your wallet significantly. If your windshield is ever cracked, it’s still possible to fix it. As long as the cracks aren’t too deep or wide, a qualified technician can still fix them and save you from buying a whole replacement.
What's the Difference Between the Glass Used for My Windscreen and the Other Windows in My Car?
As mentioned earlier, the main difference between windscreen glass and other car window glasses is the material they’re made of. The windshield in your car is typically made of laminated glass, while tempered glass is used for the other windows.
That is a crucial difference not only for the safety of the driver and passengers but also for their comfort.
You see, laminated glass offers plenty of other benefits besides protecting the car from substantial impact, cracks, and projectiles.
Windscreen glass is also much more efficient at reducing heat gain from direct sunlight. UV rays will have a much tougher time passing through that glass and raising the temperatures inside the cabin.
Plus, the multiple layers in windscreen glass also reduce the number of noise vibrations that get through. Remember: That’s a substantial wind force hitting your windshield each time you drive. If you don’t hear the howling noise from all that wind, you have the auto glass to thank for it.
Learn more about windscreens from our blog! We have several articles dedicated to windscreens and auto glass, and we’re coming up with more! You may also explore our marketplace for your car’s glass panels, or better yet, request a replacement part through our Car Part Finder! Start by providing us with the auto glass code and specs here!
By Ray Hasbollah