Hello, and welcome back to our blog! Windshields and car windows are not something people think about on a regular basis, so we thought it would be fun to share some interesting factoids about auto glass. In part one of this short blog series, we told you a little bit about how auto glass got its start — as a luxury item. We also looked at the two most common types of auto glass: laminated and tempered. You can follow this link to read the details about each of these fun facts. Today, let’s look at a few more auto glass tidbits. Remember, if you need a windshield replacement in Denver, you can always call your friendly Denver Mobile Auto Glass team! Please continue reading below to learn more.
The Invention of Windshield Wipers
Where would we be without our windshield wipers? These items are such a small vehicle component, yet they are essential for driving anywhere, especially here in Colorado where it can go from a sunny 70-degree day to a blizzard over the course of a few hours. Thankfully, in 1903, Mary Anderson developed a “window cleaning device” to remove snow, rain, and ice from windows on passenger cars. Her first working prototype wipers were made of wood and rubber attached to a lever that the trolley driver could pull to engage. Many people initially doubted Anderson’s invention and shrugged it off as a device to distract trolley drivers from the road. Eventually, these window cleaners became standard on streetcars by 1913, and would later become commonplace on automobiles. However, Anderson never receiving a dime for her invention.
Auto Glass is Designed To Protect You
While windshields may seem as a barrier to simply keep the bugs and rain from hitting your face while you drive, auto glass is actually designed to protect you and keep you safe. Windshields, door windows, and rear windows are meant to keep passengers in their vehicle in the case of an auto collision. What’s more, your windshield assists in maintaining the structural integrity of your roof so that it is less likely to collapse upon impact.
Windshields and Airbags
Along with maintaining the structural integrity of your vehicle, your windshield is an important component of your airbag safety feature. Your frontal airbags are designed to deploy suddenly as a result of an impact, and your windshield functions as a support mechanism that guides the airbag toward you to protect you from hitting the steering wheel. Because the airbag deploys upward towards the windshield, the National Highway Travel Safety Administration (NHTSA) requires auto glass technicians to use strong adhesives to keep the windshield in place during impact and airbag deployment.
Windshields Are Insurance Claim
Having a windshield replaced is one of the most common auto insurance claims. Living in Denver, you are well aware of the intense weather we get here in the winter, spring, and summer. Hail is one of the main causes of windshield damage, especially when the hail is the size of golf balls or larger. Wind is another culprit for auto glass damage.
Auto Glass Films Provide UV Protection
Auto glass film that features ultraviolet filters can help protect against the harmful rays of the sun. Not only does a protective UV film on your windshield protect you and your passengers from UV rays while traveling, but this innovative windshield feature also protects your car’s interior, including the dash, upholstery, carpeting, and items left in your car.
Auto Glass Innovations
As researchers continue to develop new windshield materials that make these essential vehicle components even better than they already are. As automobile standards, designs, and features continue to reach new technological heights, innovations in windshield and auto glass technologies must keep up. Windshields may soon feature such innovations that include high-definition display screens that will not affect the driver’s ability to see, auto glass that dims automatically, windshields that defrost better and faster, and windshields that are stronger and more resistant. The auto glass of the future will be all about improving convenience but even more so about enhancing safety.
Schedule a Windshield Replacement
Now that you know just how awesome your auto glass really is, this may help you realize how important it is to maintain. If you have damaged auto glass, call us for a windshield replacement in Denver. Our team at Denver Mobile Auto Glass is committed to providing superior customer service and exceptional windshield replacements to get you back on the road in a safer vehicle. Call us today!