The windshield of a car is one of its most important components, as it protects the occupants from the elements and helps keep them safe. It’s no surprise, then, that many people wonder why windshields don’t break upon impact. The answer lies in the combination of the windshield’s design and the materials used to make it.
What Are Windshields Made Of?
Windshields are typically composed of two layers of glass with a plastic interlayer in between. The outer layer of glass is known as the “laminate” and the inner layer is called the “tempered” glass. The plastic interlayer is made up of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), which acts as an adhesive and provides strength and durability to the windshield.
The PVB interlayer is a vital component in the windshield’s construction as it helps to keep the glass from shattering on impact. It also adds to the windshield’s overall durability and helps to protect against UV rays.
The outer layer of the windshield is usually made from a combination of silica, soda ash, and other minerals. The combination of these materials helps to create a strong, durable, and scratch-resistant layer. The tempered glass on the inside is heated to a high temperature and then cooled quickly, which gives it its shatter-resistant qualities.
In addition to these components, windshields also contain a range of additional components such as sealants, UV inhibitors, and other chemicals. These components help to ensure that the windshield is able to perform at its highest level for a long time.
Why Don’t Windshields Shatter during a Car Crash?
Windshields don’t usually shatter during a car crash because of the PVB interlayer. The PVB interlayer helps to absorb the energy of the impact, spreading it out over a larger area and preventing it from focusing on one spot. This prevents the windshield from cracking and shattering, even in the most severe impacts. The PVB interlayer also helps to keep the glass together, so that it doesn’t shatter into small pieces and injure the occupants of the car.
What Should I Do in the Case That My Windshield Shatters?
If you are in an accident and your windshield does shatter, it can be a scary and disorienting experience. However, it is important to stay calm and take certain steps to ensure your safety and protect yourself from further damage. Here are some tips on what to do if your windshield shatters during a crash.
1. Immediately Assess the Situation
Make sure that you and any passengers in the vehicle are safe and out of harm’s way. If possible, move the vehicle out of the way of other traffic. Once you have determined that everyone is safe, you can begin to address the issue of the shattered windshield.
2. Contact the Authorities
If you are in a serious accident, it is important to contact the police and/or emergency services, who can help you assess the damage and, if necessary, provide medical assistance. Make sure to keep your insurance information handy.
3. Cover the Windshield
Use a blanket or other material to cover the broken glass and protect yourself and any passengers from further injury. If you cannot cover the glass, try to keep your distance from the car until it can be addressed.
4. Contact Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to make a claim. Depending on the specifics of your policy, your insurance company may cover the cost of replacing the windshield.
5. Contact a Windshield Replacement Service
Once you have made a claim with your insurance company, contact a reputable windshield replacement service to have the windshield replaced as soon as possible. Make sure to ask about their experience and certifications.
Conclusion
Windshields don’t shatter upon impact because of their unique composition. They’re made of multiple layers of glass, plastic, and metal, which work together to absorb the impact of a collision and prevent the glass from shattering. This makes them an essential safety feature in cars and helps to protect drivers and passengers in the event of an accident. However, in the rare event that your windshield does shatter, it’s important to contact a trusted business to get it replaced immediately.
If you are looking for auto glass repair in Portland, you can contact us at Executive ENM. Make sure that you are driving safely and protected by having your windshield repaired after incidents. Get in touch with us to bring your car for auto glass repair at Executive ENM.
