The glass in your windshield is not the same type of glass that is used for your other windows. Safety glass is required by the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) for the windows in a vehicle. The windshield glass is required to go through an additional process known as lamination in order to protect the occupants of vehicles. If you ever need auto glass replacement, you need to use an auto repair service who follows these standards.
Difference Between Laminated and Tempered Glass
Tempered glass has to go through a tempering process of rapid cooling and extreme heat. The tempering makes the glass tough, with it being five times stronger than regular glass. This process is necessary for windshields as it not only makes the glass more durable but if it should break, it will break into small pebbles instead of glass shards.When the glass is laminated, such as your windshield, it means a piece of plastic has been placed between two pieces of glass. The windshield glass is then heated in an autoclave or oven. This process ensures that if your vehicle is involved in an accident, the windshield may break, but the pieces will stick to the plastic to prevent the broken glass from endangering the driver or passengers.
Windshield glass is made from the laminating process, and other windows in a vehicle are generally made through the tempered process. All vehicle glass needs to be shard proof and sturdy, but the windshield needs additional strength to withstand projectiles on the roadways.
When small items hit your windshield, the three layers will protect it from completing breaking. Typically, these small items will only damage the outer layer of the windshield. While the other windows in the vehicle also need to be tough, they do not come into contact with road debris as the windshield does.
Importance of OEM Standards for Your Windshield
The OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) standards are in place for every part of your new vehicle. These standards are set by the engineers who have designed the car. If your windshield should suffer any damage, you want auto glass replacement done by an auto glass repair service that follows these standards, such as Dan's Glass.If your windshield is not replaced with OEM standard glass, it may not be safe and able to provide you with the safety features OEM standard windshields can give you. If it is not OEM safety glass, it is considered, 'aftermarket auto glass.'
Aftermarket windshields are manufactured by glass companies that do not have a relationship with carmakers. Their windshields are copies that do not have the consultation from the vehicle manufacturers to ensure their safety. Because of copyright laws, aftermarket windshields cannot be created as replicas of the original windshields. Having auto glass replacement of your windshield should be done by auto glass repair services such as Dan's Glass, who use only OEM replacement windshield glass. These windshields are made with the same standards as OEM glass and are often manufactured in the same factories as the vehicles. Your windshield is one of the most critical safety features on your car or truck. You have to maintain proper care of this glass to ensure your safety, and that of your passengers should you ever have an accident.
