When it comes to cars, windshields are often overlooked but they are so important! Auto glass has a rich history of research and development, and continues to evolve every year hand in hand with tech innovations in the automobile industry. Here are 7 cool facts about windshields you probably did not know. Ready?
1. Many years ago windshields were optional
Hard to imagine but when automobiles first appeared windshields were optional. They were an expensive add-on, so for those who could not afford the luxury, they had to be prepared. This meant wearing goggles and scarves when driving to be protected from outdoor debris and other elements. Windshields became a standard automobile feature in 1915 when Oldsmobile started putting them on all their vehicles. Thanks Oldsmobile!
2. Laminated safety glass was invented by accident
French chemist Edouard Benedictus inadvertently invented shatterproof glass when he dropped a glass flask coated in cellulose nitrate. Benedictus noted that the glass didn’t shatter, and later came up with the idea of a sandwich– a plastic sandwich– putting together two layers of glass with a thin film of plastic in between, creating the world’s first shatterproof windshield. Let’s call this a fortunate accident that saves thousands of lives every day! Check out a fun video about Edouard Benedictus.
3. The windshield wiper was invented by a woman
In 1902 when Mary Anderson[1] of Alabama was visiting New York city on a snowy day, she observed that the streetcar driver had to get out and continually clean off the windshield. This naturally caused delays and got Anderson wondering: What if there were some sort of blade that could wipe off the windshield without making the driver get out of the car? Anderson went back to Birmingham, made a sketch of her device “window cleaning device”, and wrote up a description of it. Then she applied for a patent.
4. Auto glass claims rank second among insurance claims
Windshield damage is the second most common car insurance claim in the US[2]. From hail damage to cracks and chips, windshield repair is what policyholders most frequently report.
5. Windshields provide roof support
Windshields are responsible for more than half of the structural integrity of the car in the event of a collision or rollover accident. They play an important role in holding the roof of your vehicle in place. Without windshields the roof would collapse and injure the driver and passengers.
6. Airbags depend on windshields
Windshields are essential to absorbing the impact of an auto accident. This directly affects the front seat airbags. A cracked windshield will not be able to properly absorb the impact on the passenger airbags, probably leading to a failed airbag deployment.
7. Windshields are getting smarter
With the arrival of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) technology, driving is safer and even more “efficient” than ever. If you own a newer vehicle, chances are that you have a smart windshield with cameras and sensors connected to your auto glass. In the future, windshields could incorporate digital information like maps and directions for drivers to easily reference while driving.
Call Us Today
As a leader in windshield repair, we guarantee that our repair to your chipped or cracked windshield will be perfect and permanent! If it can’t be repaired, we can replace it using only high-quality glass and adhesives produced in the U.S. If you need expert advice, contact us at 321.223.4106
[1] https://www.npr.org/2017/07/25/536835744/alabama-woman-stuck-in-nyc-traffic-in-1902-invented-the-windshield-wiper
[2] https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/what-are-the-most-common-car-insurance-claims-in-the-united-states-1028651808