It is well known that everything related to technology evolves every year, and the automotive market is no exception to the volatility in terms of design. In this respect, the windshield plays a fundamental role in the evolution of vehicles, meaning the challenge for any car glass workshop increases considerably when it comes to repairing a broken windshield or replacing the front windscreen, among other aspects necessary for the safety and proper functioning of the vehicle.
That said, replacing a windshield requires certain extra skills on the part of the professionals, and these are not only related to the windshield itself, but also to the correct calibration of the technological elements that the car comes equipped with. The technological evolution of windshields has the primary goal of ensuring user safety at all times, and for that reason, it is always worth reviewing the features that will continue to become more and more sophisticated. Let’s take a look at which these are.
Technological innovations in the windshield
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
Nowadays, almost all the vehicles currently on the market incorporate the ADAS system. This system has significantly reduced the number of accidents globally, and therefore also the number of injuries and deaths, as well as the related economic costs for both owners and insurance companies. This system works through radars, laser distance meters, ultrasonic devices, and cameras. Most of these components are located at the top of the windshield. Remember the importance of keeping the ADAS system calibrated if you are going to replace the windshield.
Head-Up Display (HUD)
Imagine your traditional dashboard, but now projected directly onto the windshield, as if you were in a video game. This is one of the most striking innovations featured in today’s latest generation cars. This function allows you to precisely see the distance to the car ahead, the speed limit for a specific lane, safety alerts, among other parameters. Additionally, in some car models, it shows an exhaustive navigation system, music and radio equalizer visuals, and more.
UV ray filtering
When we talk about safety in a modern car, we mean it in a broad sense. A current car’s windshield filters at least 90% of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and many also feature thermal insulation, which helps reduce the temperature inside the car during summer.
Integrated acoustic insulation
In the near future, drivers will no longer need to use external soundproofing systems to improve the car’s acoustics. Always with the aim of preserving safety inside the cabin, current models integrate a modern acoustic insulation system into the windshield to improve concentration at the wheel. Reduction of both low- and high-frequency noise, as well as of noise produced by rain, is among the most notable new features in modern windshields.
What’s to come
As mentioned earlier, changes in vehicles are evident year after year, just like replacing the front windscreen. In technology conferences, safety at the wheel is always a priority. With this aim, innovations and trends in the automotive market are created to modernise vehicles, and major brands handle this process very well.
Since Tesla’s entry into the market, the most important car manufacturers have engaged in a race against time to present the most advanced innovations. A clear example of this are the much more sophisticated projection systems integrated into the windshield, since lack of concentration — rather than speeding — is one of the main causes of road accidents. Currently, these projections extend almost to the passenger seat, causing unnecessary distractions for the driver.
It is also expected that other brands will opt for windshield designs functioning as large multimedia screens, similar to a smartphone, some with smart features and augmented reality. The big upcoming novelty here is undoubtedly the first Apple cars, which are about to debut.
As for windscreen wipers, a modern laser system developed by Tesla will be the new arrival in this field. This will substantially improve visibility, as current wipers are unable to reach every corner of the glass. In this context, it is worth considering everything related to replacing or changing broken glass.
At Ralarsa we keep up with the times
At Ralarsa, car glass workshop, we are aware that technological advances in favour of caring for the planet are one of our core principles.
If you have any doubts regarding any issue with your car windows and how to repair or replace them correctly, contact one of our workshops located throughout the peninsula.
At Ralarsa, we are here to help you!
