Different Types of Autoglass

To keep drivers safe, safety glass is used in windshields. Standard plate glass was used in the past, but because it shatters into sharp pieces, it can cause serious injury to drivers and their passengers.

By the late 1930s, safety glass was used and continues to be used in all automobiles to keep drivers and passengers safe.

What Types of Auto Glass are There?

Auto GlassLaminated Glass

To make laminated glass, there are two sheets of glass that are stuck together with a layer of PVB (polyvinyl butyral) resin. High temperatures are applied to the glass to fuse the two pieces like a sandwich. This type of glass holds up well to impact, which makes it great for automobiles.

If there is a crash, the laminated glass won’t shatter. Although it may break, the PVB layer will keep the glass intact. You won’t have to worry about glass breaking into pieces and injuring you or your passengers.

Laminated glass is also used in skylights, shop windows, floors, aquariums, and more.

Tempered Glass

Tempered glass, also called toughened glass, is four times stronger than regular glass. This type of glass is made from a process that involves heating up single-ply glass to over 600 degrees Celsius. It is then put through a rapid, high-pressure cooling procedure called quenching.

Tempered glass is very strong and is just as safe as laminated glass. Rather than remaining intact during impact like laminated glass, tempered glass will shatter into small dull-edged pieces that look like pebbles.

Dealer Glass

This type of glass is purchased directly from the auto dealership and is authorized by the vehicle manufacturer to service your automobile. Dealer glass is made from the same original equipment manufacturer or OEM that made the glass for your vehicle when it was new.

After Market Glass

This type of glass is manufactured by companies that are directly contracted with car manufacturers. It is produced with the same specification as dealer glass and is considered to be original equipment equivalent. While aftermarket glass is less expensive, it is usually the same thickness and carries the same guarantee as your dealer glass.

What Type of Glass is Used for Front and Rear Windshield Repair and Replacements?

Both the front and rear windshields are clear pieces of glass, but they are vastly different. Rear windshields are constructed with tempered safety glass to protect passengers and add to the structural stability of the vehicle.

Since there are a number of differences between front windshield glass and rear windshield glass, the process of repair and replacement is also different. This is why we recommend using a Pittsburgh auto glass shop like Three Rivers Auto Glass for professional, expert repairs.

At Three Rivers Auto Glass, we carry original engineering manufacturer or OEM glass that is used in a variety of makes and models, as well as specialty glasses to meet your windshield replacement needs.

Contact us today to learn more!

Denny Toth
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