Think about the most important feature of your car. hint: It’s transparent and allows you to see the road ahead. Let’s end the suspense, it’s your good ol’ windshield! But, did you know that the very first vehicles didn’t come with a windshield?
Even though windshields are one of the core requirements when manufacturing a vehicle it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that they are deeply neglected. Windshields were originally designed to look after the occupants of an automobile, protecting them from the wind and debris. However, their role has evolved over time, just like their physical structure and appearance.
Let’s take a closer look at how this glass screen came into existence.
In this article:
1. Optional Plate Glass Windshield: Early 1900s
2. Shatter Resistant Glass & Further Developments: 10s to 50s
3. Contemporary Shift As We Know It: 60s to Present Day
1 Optional Plate Glass Windshield: Early 1900s
The first-ever windshield was born in 1904 and until then, motorized horseless carriages were the deal. These obviously didn’t help protect their occupants from exterior debris or the transient weather–so much so, that the drivers used to wear goggles, just so they wouldn’t be blinded by the first mosquito they hit!
So, when the thought of having an extra layer installed on vehicles was first put into practice, it was just two sheets of window-pane glass put together. This was later standardized by Oldsmobile in 1915. However, this prototype posed a risk to drivers and passengers alike, as it could shatter easily upon impact.
2 Shatter Resistant Glass & Further Developments: 10s to 50s
It was Edouard Benedictus, a French artist, and chemist, who invented the laminated glass. Fun fact: it was an accidental discovery when a cellulose-coated beaker broke in his lab but retained its shape! From there on, many tried to improve the strength of this model, while maintaining cost-effectiveness. Carleton Ellis was credited for patenting the resin laminate in the 1930s. Shortly after, automakers started adding a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) in between two layers of glass (which is still used in certain vehicles as an emergency surface that can be broken if submerged in water). This provided additional defense against UV rays and noise.
The first half of the 20th century saw a variety of improvements in the auto glass industry. From Cadillacs with a V-split windshield offering a swing technology to Chevrolets with their tiltable windshields, the world of automotive glass looked brighter than ever. Later, with the development of single-curved and panoramic curved windshields, there was a drastic shift in the market. The superior strength and sustainability in design made it a perfect choice for spacious cars.
3 Contemporary Shift As We Know It: 60s to Present Day
Considered a landmark achievement, Ralph Nader’s lobbying for driver safety in the 60s led to the establishment of the federal standards for windshield strength and clarity as well as limits on windshield penetration. With technological advancements and the evolution of nano-technology, better avenues opened up for the automobile industry in developing windshields that support a cascade of features such as UV protection, heat-absorption, self-cleaning, and possessing display potential.
It’s pretty amazing how much more a windshield is capable of than you could imagine. It’s not a simple glass sheet; the modern-day windshield is your guardian against road debris, severe weather, and vehicle accidents, including collisions:
- Structure & Safety: A vital part of any vehicle’s structural support, and overall safety. Did you know that rollovers account for about a third of all automotive accident fatalities in the U.S.? This often happens because drivers/passengers can get thrown off due to the opening created by the windshield separating or side windows fracturing. Hence, a well-installed windshield can reduce the chances of ejection and prove to be life-saving! You can check out our blog for an exhaustive list on driving and vehicle safety.
- Airbag Deployment: Airbags are designed to inflate rapidly during a collision and deploy into the windshield for its positioning. But, if the mounting is faulty, the windshield itself can be blown off by the force of the airbags, leading to a greater risk of injury or even death of the passengers. We have put together a detailed guide for all you need to know about airbags. (You can also check out our guide on seatbelts and emergency braking systems.)
Adding a front glass not only makes automobiles safer but also enhances aerodynamic performance. It even improves fuel economy and decreases highway noise.
4 Windshield Legislation
As per the Canadian Motor Vehicle Act Regulations, there are several laws laid out to guide the manufacture, use, and replacement of auto glass. So tinted glass, for example, must meet the minimum light transmittance requirements under the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Since the 19th century, the evolution of windshields has seen some tangential drifts and interesting developments. The future holds possibilities for advances such as informational displays, touch screen integration, and increased malleability to help in case of accidents.
Do head over to our blog for more useful articles and guides!
