At one point in the mid-1900s, all of the glass in cars was laminated glass, but the side and rear windows changed to tempered glass for safety reasons. Not only is it tougher, but in an accident, it can be shattered easier to get to passengers.
One factor that can cause a windshield chip to turn into a crack is the stress caused by driving or a speed bump, pothole, or other uneven terrain. The force radiates through the car, putting additional pressure on the edges of the chip, which can quickly lead to a crack.
Did you know that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) require auto glass adhesives to be six times stronger for cars with passenger airbags?
Triplex glass was patented in 1910 when Edouard Benedictus added a gelatin layer between two glass panes to strengthen glass for car windshields. In the twenties, this glass was brought to the U.S.
Did you know diamond dust is used in the creation of automobile windshields? Special tools use diamond dust to cut and shape the glass because diamonds are harder than glass.
It’s important to get small window and windshield cracks and chips repaired as soon as possible because they can turn into a large crack that can’t be repaired. This will result in a full window or windshield replacement.
Sometime around 100 BC, the Phoenicians developed the earliest forms of glass blowing. A thousand years later, German glassblowers discovered how to make flat window panes out of blown glass, creating wavy sheets of glass with a characteristic greenish tint.
Laminated glass for windshields was invented in the early 1900s. The process was invented independently by a couple of European inventors: The French Edouard Benedictus and the English John C. Wood. Both of them took two pieces of glass and sandwiched a layer of cellulose in the middle.
Glass is a composition of a number of oxides that fuse and react together from heating. These can be found in raw materials such as limestone, sand, and soda ash.
Did you know that your car’s windshield is the number-one safety restraint in your vehicle? The windshield provides a critical layer of protection that keeps you inside the car and things out of the car.
When it comes to windshield damage, a stress crack is a crack that occurs without anything actually hitting the windshield. These are usually due to a large variation in temperature and almost always start at the edge of the windshield.
In the early 1900s, people were at risk to lose their lives in accidents by going headfirst through their windshield. This event was called “wearing a glass necklace.”
Rear glass and windows are made from tempered glass, which if hit will shatter into tiny pieces to prevent damage to occupants. Rear glass will rarely chip since the glass is thinner.
If the glass in your vintage or classic car has a metal frame, it can affect the restoration process. Glass without the frame can be restored to the edge, but glass with it will have a narrow band that is unrestored.
In the float process, the raw materials for glass are combined and melted in a tank. These materials are mixed to remove carbon dioxide bubbles and ensure an even mixture.
While that little crack forming on your car’s windshield may not seem like much to worry about right now, cracks tend to spread given enough time. Since this can hinder your ability to see on the road, it’s smart to have cracks repaired as soon as you notice them.
Windshields were first introduced in 1904, but had a long way to go. Early windshields were usually so low that rocks could ricochet off them into the driver. They were also made of plate glass, which shattered into dangerous shards. Fortunately, laminated glass started being used in 1919.
Most cars had curved windshields by 1957. Some cars also had curved side windows, which allowed automotive stylists to add more room to the interior and produce smoother car bodies.
Are you seeing flowers? As auto glass restoration and repair experts, we know nicks, chips, and cracks come in all sizes and shapes. If the damaged area is generally round, and the missing glass forms a petal-like pattern, then you have a flower chip.
All auto glass installed in the United States must be able to pass National Highway Traffic Safety Administration baseline standards. That's why it's important to let a professional handle your windshield replacement.
Did you know that warm weather conditions can cause windshield chips to spread into vertical cracks? This is because the heat distorts the shape of the glass, leading to cracking—a condition made worse by the cooling effect of the air conditioning unit.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, was formed in the 60s as United States citizens became increasingly interested in automotive safety features.
Tempered glass, also called toughened glass, is considered a safety glass that’s stronger than regular glass. It’s made stronger by controlled temperature and chemical treatments which compresses the outer surface and causes tension in the inner surfaces.
One type of auto glass is aftermarket auto glass, which is made by companies that do not contract with any car manufacturers. In most cases, most dealers do not accept aftermarket glass if you return a leased vehicle with it.
Did you know? Many people think that it is faster and more cost effective to replace a cracked windshield than to repair it – that is probably not the case. Consult a professional before you make that decision.
It is a terrible feeling to come out and find one of your windows broken – regardless of the reason. Instead of riding around with plastic covering the missing window, bring your car into us for quick replacement.
Injuries and accidents are typically caused by windshield replacements, not repairs. Consult a professional to determine the option that is best for your situation.
Under certain conditions, slamming a car door quickly when all of the windows are closed can cause any of the windows to shatter because of the built-up air pressure. When a window pops out, call our pros, and we will pop a new one back in.