Car glass
Glass covers a small percentage of your car's surface. Yet, it scores high on the list of very important parts of your vehicle. This article will attempt to provide some invaluable information on this very valuable component of your car.
Let's first step back into the pages of history.
Some Reflective Information on Car GlassGlass first made its appearance in the late 1920s not only at the front, but on all sides and the back as well.
Initially, though, those inside the car could see outside happenings only indistinctly. Also, ordinary glass was used, which had a tendency to break into zillions of fragments when faced with any kind of impact upon it. This endangered those inside.
Laminated windshields were first installed in vehicles in 1927-28. Over the years, the design was improved upon considerably, to provide for greater safety.
The mid-1930s saw the introduction of the curved glass in a car's windshield and in the late 1950s, in the rear windows as well.
The early 1950s saw the dawn of the special glass that could absorb the heat of the sun.
What are the Functions of a Car Glass?
It keeps out the dust and grime, not to mention flying insects and falling leaves.
It keeps out thieving hands from stealing items left on the seat or in the glove compartment , provided, of course, you remember to raise the windows when leaving your car!
Its strong surface prevents the passengers from getting injured by flying bits of glass during an accident.
It provides shade against dancing sunbeams when provided with a special coating.
It keeps out the cold blustery winds and snowflakes in the winter season.
It stops raindrops from splashing inside the interiors of the car.
What Type of Glass is fitted in a Car ?
Actually, it is not just one type of glass that is fitted in your car.
The windshield of your car that is located at the front comprises of more than one sheet of glass, with a plastic layer slotted between them. This plastic layer is in a laminated form. The two glass sheets are not flat, but have a curved shape. This glass of your windshield is made of what is known as safety glass.
The rear window of your car, as well as all the side windows, is made of glass that is known as curved tempered glass. This glass literally goes through a hot experience : it is quickly heated up and then equally quickly undergoes a cooling process. It thereby becomes a super strong glass. On impact, the fragments are tiny and not rough, thereby preventing really serious injury.
Shattering InformationSo you think the glass of your car is strong and you don't really need to worry? Well, think again?
When a baseball comes sailing over the nearby park fence and hits the glass of your car, whether it is the windshield or a side window, you are glad that the strong surface of the glass does not cause it to fully shatter. A few cracks do appear, but you decide that it does not really matter ? why spend greenbacks on repairing some minor cracks? Wait a second! You are dead wrong to dismiss so casually the importance of repairing the glass. You may not mind the slightly ugly look that a cracked glass gives to your car; but what about the safety aspect? Those tiny cracks can easily expand into a more elaborate design. This could happen even if some droplets of water land on it while hosing down your car during a wash. Soon, the glass could get weakened and (God forbid !) you get involved in a serious accident. Then the "dead wrong" decision could literally result in someone being dead. Isn't that really shattering information?
Thought for Reflection: Repair or Replace the Damaged Car Glass ?There are some automobile experts who advise you not to make haste to replace an entire sheet of glass that is damaged in a minor way. This is because replacing the glass is much more expensive. For example, replacing the entire rear window glass of your car could set you back by $250 - $300. The costs of repairing, on the other hand, could be far less. If the cracks measure about half a diameter, say, then you could be paying less than $70. It is also less time-consuming. However, it is advisable to obtain the services of a professional to repair the car glass rather than use a do-it-yourself repair kit and botch up the job.
Of course, that said, it is absolutely vital that you get the car glass replaced in its entirety if it has massive cracks that cover the surface right to the very ends. Yes, it could cost you well over $500 to replace, say, all the sheets of glass in your car; but remember: Safety First!
Some Insightful Information on Car GlassWhen you apply for automobile insurance, take a close look at what is covered under auto glass damages. You will probably see that damage to the car glass while the vehicle is in motion (as in an accident) is covered under the heading of "collisions". If, on the other hand, the car glass is damaged as a result of some hooligans venting their anger on it with bats and sticks, then it will be covered in another section.
Whatever the damage, some people wrongly assume that only the windshield is covered. On the contrary , the glass in the entire vehicle is covered.
When you opt for a complete replacement of the car glass, insist on original-equipment (OE) glass. That way, you will get an exact replacement of the original glass in terms of strength.
Do not wait too long in getting any damaged car glass repaired / replaced. Get the job done on the same day, as even small particles of grime can worsen the dents.
Your first reaction on seeing a cracked glass in your car is to lightly touch it. Be careful! Even the tiniest crack has a sharp edge and even your tiniest finger can create one more chip.
Confirm the guarantee period for the repaired / replaced glass.
Use good cleaning solutions that are readily available in the market to keep all the glass in your car sparkling clean.
Keep handy an effective solution that is specifically used for the removal of pesky insects that decide to shorten their life span on a part of the car glass. Yuck!
As you can see, there is a good deal to reflect upon about the glass in your car !
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