When it comes to vehicle safety, people often forget the importance of the right auto glass on their cars. Not only is the right glass clear and allows you to see the road, but windshield glass should be able to stand up to a certain amount of impact from debris and protect the people in the car, whereas window glass should be easier to break in the event of an emergency.
When it comes to auto glass, there are two different kinds – for two very different purposes.
Laminated Glass
Laminated glass is made up of a thin layer of vinyl between two layers of glass. This creates a thicker, sturdier window. They’re considered one of the safest kinds of glass because they are not easy to break or shatter. Most vehicle windshields are made of laminated glass. They’re considered to be effective for preventing break-ins because of the effort required to break them.
Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is used for the exact opposite reason that laminated glass is used for windshields. Tempered glass is much easier to break than laminated glass, and is made by one of two ways. Glass can be tempered with chemicals, or a special heating and rapid cooling process. This process produces a breakable glass that breaks into small pieces with rounded edges, which is where it gets its other name: “safety glass.”
While both types of glass have different functions and uses when it comes to safety, they both work together with the rest of the safety features of your car to protect you and your family in the case of an accident.
If you think your windshield may need to be repaired or replaced, call Go! Glass at one of our locations in Kitchener and across Ontario and the Maritimes!