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Common Auto Glass Features

What options does your vehicle have?

Windshields range in shape, size, tint, and features. Some vehicles that are the same year make and model have many windshield options. See below for the common windshield features and tips for identifying if you have them. These features include: rain sensors; heated windshields; third visors; shade bands; electrochromic mirrors; heads up display (HUD); lane departure warning systems; solar controlled and acoustic glass.

 

Heads up Display (HUD)

This technology was first invented by General Motors in  a car in 1988. It is widely used in aviation industry in a Fighter Jets. This systems were originally used for showing speed, tachometer and other basic readings from the dashboard. But as the technology advanced, much more sophisticated and critical information is being displayed.

Windshield Third Visor

The black speckled shading in your windshield behind your rear view mirror. It is designed to keep the sun out of your eyes at the top middle of your windshield between your fold down visors.

Heated Wiper Park Area

A “Heated Wiper Park Area” is when heating elements are embedded in the glass underneath where the wipers sit when not in use. These heating elements (lines) warm the glass and reduce ice buildup on your windshield wipers. They also assist in the defrosting of the bottom of your glass.

Rain and Light Sensor

The rain light sensor is an opto-electronic system that generally consists of LEDs, photodiodes, a microcontroller and the necessary control circuitry. An optical sensor with a near infrared, light emitting diode located just behind the rear-view mirror sends an infrared beam onto the back side of the windscreen.

Shade Band

The shade band also known as the sun strip, is there to diffuse the sunlight in your eyes on a sunny day and especially just before sundown. Depending on the auto maker, colours vary from grey to green to blue and many other sun-reducing shades.

Lane Departure Warning System

Will notify you when you are drifting between lanes without using your signal light. It uses a camera attached to the windshield to function. It may beep, vibrate, show a picture on your navigation system, and/or light up an indicator.

Outside Noise Reduction Windshield

The acoustic vinyl layer creates a thin, yet firm barrier that protects the broken glass from falling inwards. It reduces the dependence on a thick windshield glass for your car. The specialised PVB interlayer creates an efficient glass that is equivalent to a thick noise-proofing windshield.

Thermal-Control Windshield

Most modern high quality windshields are solar controlled. While it is not a frequently talked about feature, it is designed to block energy from the sun. This protects your eyes, resists interior fading, and helps keep your vehicle cool.