Car windows are one of the most important elements of a vehicle, as they prevent any external object from entering the interior of the car and greatly minimise the risk of the occupants suffering serious injury in the event of an accident. For this reason, to enjoy safe driving at all times, it is essential that car windows are always in perfect condition.
Today, thanks to the continuous work of specialists in automobile manufacturing, vehicles feature car windows adapted to Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) which integrate cutting‑edge technology capable of maximising safety for the driver and other occupants of the vehicle. At Ralarsa glass workshop, specialising in car window replacement and repair, we explain the different types of car windscreens available on the current market.
What are the different types of car windows?
Car windscreens can be manufactured from different laminates and types of glass. The materials used in glass manufacturing determine both their specific characteristics and their functionality in the vehicle. Generally, different car manufacturers tend to install the following types of windows in their products:
- Tempered glass windows. This type of windscreen is made from a glass sheet approximately 5 millimetres thick. Thanks to its hardening process using thermal treatment at 600ºC, tempered glass offers great resistance to impacts and scratches. They are usually installed in the doors and the rear section of the vehicle.
- Laminated glass windows. A laminated window consists of two glass sheets — one exterior and one interior — with a plastic PVB layer placed between them. This construction offers a high degree of flexibility. Furthermore, in the event of impact or damage, laminated glass does not completely shatter but rather cracks without breaking apart, making it possible to repair a windscreen chip through a glass repair — a much faster and more economical process than car windscreen replacement.
- Tinted glass windows. Window tinting refers to car windscreens made from glass treated with a specific colour. The aim of tinting is to produce a windscreen capable of absorbing solar energy and preventing an increase in the temperature inside the vehicle. To install tinted windows on your car, they must meet the regulations established by directive 2001/92/EC.
- Electrochromic glass windows. These car windows are made from glass that incorporates advanced technology capable of darkening or lightening depending on the amount of solar energy perceived. As with tinted windows, the main objective is to minimise the vehicle’s interior temperature under bright sunlight.
- Athermal glass windows. Athermal windows are made from a highly resistant glass mass coloured with metallic oxides, such as iron, cobalt, or nickel oxides, among others. The integration of these metal oxides produces a windscreen capable of considerably reducing glare caused by reflections or sunlight. Athermal glass also shortens the time needed for proper climate control inside the vehicle, which in turn reduces fuel consumption and pollutant gas emissions.
- Thermal glass windows. Thermal glass — also known as heated glass — are windscreens that integrate a sophisticated heating system to eliminate fog, ice, or frost that obstruct the driver’s view.
Enjoy quality glass repair with Ralarsa!
Thinking of repairing a windscreen chip or replacing your car’s windscreen? At Ralarsa, a glass workshop specialising in car window replacement and repair, we offer high‑quality service carried out by the best specialised technicians in the sector. Choose Ralarsa glass workshop to solve any issue with your car’s windscreen!
