Your car’s windshield is much more than a pane of glass that keeps the wind and rain off you and your passengers. They’re engineered to absorb the bulk of the force in a head-on collision or rollover, and technological advancements are making windshields an even more essential piece of your vehicle. Here are a few of the latest breakthroughs in auto glass technology.
Gorilla Glass
Gorilla glass is already a staple on smartphones and tablets, known for its strength and resistance to scratches and chips. Automotive manufacturers are now using Gorilla glass for windshields. It’s one-third the weight of typical windshield glass, yet twice as resistant to rock chips needing a windshield repair and is 50 per cent less likely to crack.
Windshields using Gorilla glass can be larger than standard windshields, giving drivers an increased viewing area. It can also be shaped to conform with dashboards and consoles with striking esthetic designs.
Windshield Projection Technology
It may seem like an idea from a science fiction movie, but windshields will soon project your smartphone information right in front of you. Projection technology means you won’t have to take your eyes off the road to get the information you need. Fuel readings, maps, upcoming hazards and poor weather conditions will pop up on your windshield while you drive.
The technology may soon feature gas station locations, restaurant suggestions and even video-playing capability for passengers to keep them entertained on long journeys.
Electrochromic Technology
With electrochromic technology embedded in your windshield, you can control how much sunlight enters your car with the push of a button. It can make driving safer and easier in sunny conditions, such as driving towards a sunrise or sunset.
Heated Windshields
One car manufacturer has developed a windshield with an ultra-thin and transparent layer of silver inside, which keeps 60 per cent of the sun’s rays out of the car. The silver is connected to an electricity source to heat the windshield during winter conditions for easy snow and ice removal.
No-wiper Windshields
Chattering, streaking windshield wipers could be a thing of the past. Some car manufacturers are playing with “ultrasonic forcefields” to replace wipers. Ultrasonic waves vaporize raindrops before they hit the windshield. The technology is still in the experimental phase but could be coming to a windshield replacement company near you.
Windshield Replacement in Edmonton and Northwest Canada
At All-West Glass, we use nothing but the highest quality materials and techniques for windshield repair and replacement. We have a massive auto glass inventory for all makes and models, so we can have windshield replacement done the same day you bring your car in. Contact us to find one of our 18 All-West Glass locations near you, including Edmonton, Whitehorse, Dawson Creek and Quesnel.
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