By Windshields also known as windshield glass protect the driver and front passenger from flying debris, dust, insects, rocks, and other road hazards. In the event of a crash the windshield can play a major role in providing structural support to the cabin of the vehicle by absorbing up to 45% of the force of a front end collision.
While the windshield may look like any other ordinary window on an automobile, a lot of research, tests, and trial-and-error have taken place in order to create this protective safety feature. Today the windshield is made of laminated safety glass that consists of three layers of glass with a plastic layer in between. The middle layer of PVB provides a safety film that prevents the glass from shattering. This is why a windshield cannot be simply repaired, but must be replaced.
In addition to protecting the driver and passengers, windshields also contribute significantly to the safety of all occupants of the vehicle in the event of a rollover or serious collision. The windshield prevents the roof from crushing in on occupants and ensures that airbags deploy properly to cushion them in the event of a crash.
For this reason, it is essential that windshields be installed correctly and remain in good condition. In the event that a windshield is damaged or cracked, it is important to have this fixed immediately to avoid potential injury in the event of a crash.
While many people know that a windshield should be replaced if it has been severely damaged in an accident, there is some confusion as to how much damage is too much for a windshield to repair. Several factors are considered when making this decision, such as the location and type of damage to the windshield. A cracked or chipped windshield can interfere with the driver’s line of sight, making it difficult to see the road ahead. This is why many experts recommend having windshields from FB Glass replaced even if the cracks or chips are small.
After a windshield replacement or installation it is important to know how long it takes for the adhesives to cure enough to be safe to drive the car again. Values known as the Minimum Drive Away Time MDAT or Safe Drive Away Time SDAT have been established to allow drivers to be confident that their new windshield can withstand the forces of a crash. This value is determined by the temperature and humidity of the curing environment, which is often difficult to control in mobile installations. Therefore, it is important that consumers check with a qualified installer to determine if the SDAT or MDAT values have been met. If they have not been, the consumer should contact the installer for a replacement or refund.
