Many of us would only think of the windshield as simply the glass that covers the front window of cars, and seldom would we think of its value. But it is actually a vital safety feature and provides ready protection for car users. In fact, it functions like a great barrier against a headwind and protects car passengers from any hurtling flying objects like stones, rocks, insects, birds, and debris. Moreover, it also prevents larger objects from easily penetrating into the car.
The Constituent Materials of a Windshield
The windshield is generally made from laminated safety glass wherein two panes of safety glass are bonded together by an intermediate layer of laminating material. This laminating material—called polyvinyl butyral (PVB)—is a tear-resistant plastic that holds the glass together. It also prevents the immediate disintegration of the windshield.
The safety glass, on the other hand, imparts additional support to the vehicle’s roof, preventing a complete and immediate collapse of the roof during a rollover. It also supports the inflated emergency airbag when it deploys during an accident.
Windshield Damage and Degradation
Although strong and tough, the windshield is not invulnerable to the onset of damage. Minor road accidents, for example, can easily cause a gradual cracking of its glazing. Additionally, the windshield is usually susceptible to degradation due to constant use and frequent exposure to harsh atmospheric elements. It can also be weakened by mechanical and human-inflicted damages. All this damage and degradation can be categorized into two types:
1. Minor chips and scratches
The regular and extensive use of your car can be a factor in the onset of chips in your windshield. Along the way, dust, sand, small stones, and other objects usually hit this protective glass, causing chips and cracks. Dust and minute particles that adhere to the wipers, on the other hand, can cause small scratches on the glass surface.
2. Delamination
Delamination is the milk-like appearance on a windshield glazing and is usually the result of the disengagement or separation of the PVB layer from the glass. Delamination can readily compromise the windshield’s integrity, and can slowly turn it opaque.
The Onset of Stray Light
Sometimes you would simply ignore the presence of scratches, chips, and cracks on your windshield, but they can easily turn into driving hazards — especially when driving at night. These simple damages can readily diffract lights, and eventually cause stray light that could be very distracting to the driver. Hence, when cracks or delamination occur on your windshield, you must replace it. The good thing is that there are numerous windshield replacement services out there. But if you want an expert service, you should visit vanisleautoglass.com. Lastly, you don’t need to replace your windshield if it only has small chips and scratches, for you can immediately remedy these chips and scratches by using DIY glass repair kits.