Welcome back to the Denver Mobile Auto Glass blog! As experts in all things auto glass in Denver, we have windshields, rear windshields, sunroofs, and side windows on our minds constantly. But most people don’t spend their days thinking about just how cool windshields and auto glass really are. This got us thinking — maybe if more people knew some interesting facts about their auto glass, they would develop a new appreciation for this essential vehicle component. Today, we’ll explore some fun and interesting facts that you may not know about your windshield and auto glass. At the very least, you’ll be able to use this awesome knowledge at trivia night and impress your friends. Read on to learn more!
Auto Glass Began As a Luxury Item
It might seem a bit unusual to think of with today’s automobile standards, but some of the earliest automobiles were completely open, leaving drivers and passengers exposed to the elements. That’s right — can you imagine driving around Denver in the middle of a winter snowstorm with no windows to protect you from the freezing snow and frigid wind? Early car manufacturers began implementing windshields on several models, but auto glass was not a standard feature across the board. Having a windshield on your vehicle meant you could afford to ride in comfort, making auto glass a sort of status symbol. But with the rapid development of the auto industry in the early twentieth century, the need to standardize certain features became a necessity as vehicles continued to grow in popularity while becoming more affordable for the average working class family. With improvements in the auto glass manufacturing industry, the materials became cheaper meaning more automakers could add windshields and side windows as a standard feature.
There Are Two Types of Auto Glass
There are two common types of auto glass — laminated and tempered. Laminated glass is used for windshields because it is strong and durable. It is constructed of transparent polyvinyl and two sheets of heat-infused glass, which prevents it from shattering. While this type of glass will break, it typically does not completely shatter in an auto collision. In fact, it is designed to withstand heavy impacts in collisions. As a result, laminated glass poses less of risk to drivers and passengers.
Tempered glass, on the other hand, is heat-treated but is only single-ply. This type of auto glass is typically used on side, door, and rear windows. If this glass breaks, it is designed to break into thousands of small pieces rather than big shards. Tempered glass is also used to make baking dishes and cell phone screens. Unlike laminated glass, tempered glass cannot be repaired in most cases.
Replacement Auto Glass
Could your windshield, side, door, or rear windows use some TLC this spring? Call Denver Mobile Auto Glass today to schedule a windshield repair or replacement. While we are a Top Rated Local® windshield replacement team, we are your go-to resource for all things auto glass in Denver and the surrounding areas. Call us today, and be sure to join us for part two of this short blog series.