Pide tu cita online en 2 minutos
Indica el daño, elige tu taller preferido
selecciona fecha y hora y ¡Listo!
When we talk about the different types of car glass, it is common to find two factors that often cause confusion. Firstly, and which is easy to identify, are the different windows according to their shape, and in whose structure cases of broken car glass may occur. In this sense, it will always be necessary to use a vehicle glass repair service in order to avoid any future setback that could be harmful to its occupants. In this repair are included the types of windshield damage, and in the car glass workshop they will tell you whether it is more convenient to repair or replace the glass.
Secondly, there are the types of glass that are differentiated by their manufacturing process and the materials used. Let’s see what this second category is about.
What types of glass exist?
Tempered
Tempered glass is manufactured by subjecting the glass to temperatures of around 600 degrees Celsius in order to mould and solidify it in the best possible way. This type of glass is characterised, above all, by breaking into small rounded pieces and not into sharp shards.
Laminated
Laminated glass consists of three solid layers. Two of these layers correspond to two sheets of tempered glass joined by a layer of transparent polymer film, also called PVB (polyvinyl butyral) or EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate). These three layers together undergo chemical and thermal processes to create a single material unit.
It is important not to confuse this type of laminated glass with the lamination carried out in car workshops to darken the glass using vinyl films.
Tinted
Tinted glass is a variant that offers numerous advantages and which, in fact, often has a darkened tone from the manufacturing stage. This is done in order to provide the occupants with greater protection by better absorbing UV rays, among other benefits. It is important to note that, from a legal perspective, tinted glass cannot be used for the windshield.
Types of windows in a car
Windshield
Most car manufacturers use laminated glass for the windshield, as it offers greater safety, with the transparent polymer layer acting as a cushion for broken car glass. Furthermore, the windshield, being one of the essential parts of any vehicle, usually requires vehicle glass repair service after any damage.
Side windows
Side windows refer to both the front and rear ones. These windows are usually made of tempered glass because, in the event of an accident, they make it easier to evacuate passengers.
Quarter glass or vents
These triangular windows were originally designed to ventilate the vehicle, as older models did not have ventilation or air conditioning systems. In recent models they can still be found, but basically for aesthetic purposes. Since they are, in a way, an extension of the side windows, they are also made of tempered glass.
Sunroof
This is the glass located in the roof of the car. It is usually positioned centrally, right above the driver’s and front passenger’s seats. This window serves an aesthetic purpose, in addition to allowing good lighting inside the vehicle. This type of glass is tinted to prevent the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays.
Panoramic roof
Like the sunroof, this glass is located on the roof of the vehicle and offers an overhead view for both front and rear passengers. However, some car models have a panoramic roof that is actually an extension of the windshield. If your car suffers any damage on the panoramic roof, it is necessary to take it as soon as possible to a car glass workshop to determine what type of windshield damage it has sustained.
Rear windshield
The rear window of a car is made of tempered glass, like the side windows. Besides letting in light, the main function of this window is to give the driver a clear view to change lane or road when looking through the rearview mirror.
Finally, it is worth mentioning that, except for the windshield — which by law must be made of laminated glass — the type of glass used in the manufacture of the other windows will vary depending on the manufacturer, the car brand, and its model.
At Ralarsa we take care of all your car windows!
Whatever type of window you want to work on, at all our locations our professionals are ready to solve any issue your vehicle may have.
At Ralarsa we are trained to identify and repair any type of windshield or other window damage. Book your appointment by calling our number or through our website!
