Special Windshield Types

Rain Sensing Windshields

Rain-sensing windshields were developed to eliminate the need to continuously adjust your windshield wipers.

A sensor on the windshield projects infrared light into the windshield at a particular angle. The sensor then detects how much of the infrared light is bounced back. If the windshield is dry most of the light will bounce back to the sensor, if it is raining and the windshield is wet, then less light will be bounced back to the sensor.

The windshield wipers will turn on when the decrease in light bounced back reaches a certain point. To determine the speed of the wipers, the sensor measures the moisture build up between wipes and adjusts accordingly. While this automation is useful, some consumers find that they prefer manual controls. In this case, automation can be turned off.

Windshield Film Protection

Windshield film is much like tinting film, however, rather than being installed on the inside of a vehicle it is installed on the outside of the windshield to protect it. Windshield film protects against rock chips and other debris that are kicked up while driving. The film absorbs impact preventing cracking and chipping. Windshield film protection also causes snow and rain to run off your windshield more effectively, as well as protecting the interior from harmful UV rays. Properly installed protection films do not obstruct driver vision; in fact they are virtually invisible.

Heated Windshield Wiper Blades

Heated Windshield Wiper Blades heat up and melt ice build up. A heating element inside the rubber wiper blade is wired to your vehicle’s electrical system including a switch for the driver. These wiper blades face cold winters quite effectively and as a result should last significantly longer than traditional wiper blades. Heated Windshield Wiper Blades are also durable in the heat as well in the cold. Variations in size allow consumers to find heated windshield wiper blades to fit their specific vehicle.

Heated windshields

Heated windshields have a transparent metallic coating that is added to the windshield glass. Fine wires run through the windshield and connect to the vehicle’s electrical system. Once the car is on the wires run a current through the metallic coating—heating the entire windshield.

A heated windshield is a faster, more convenient way of de-icing a windshield. These windshields work 4x faster than using your defroster to thaw out your windshield. This system is also beneficial because the entire windshield is heated up uniformly, unlike a defrost system that radiates heat from a specific area out. After a windshield is clear, a heated windshield will continue to remain heated preventing re-frosting. They also prevent fog and condensation from accumulating on the surface of the windshield.

Antenna Embedded in Windshield

An alternative to having a traditional antenna on your vehicle is an antenna embedded between layers of glass on your windshield. An embedded antenna is said to perform just as well as a fender whip, with additional benefits such as reduction in wind noise and a sleeker look for the vehicle.

It should be noted that damage done to the windshield could hurt the reception of the antenna. In addition adhesive that are used in windshields can short out the signal. Special non-conductive adhesives are needed in the application of these particular windshields.

Heads Up Display

Heads up display, or HUD, allows a driver to see vital information such as speed and tachometer without looking at the dash. The information is projected on the windshield so the driver can keep their eyes on the road at all times.

Heads up displays were initially designed for aircraft (particularly military) but has since moved into the commercial sector. Vehicles have inherited the technology more recently.

It is only natural to ask, how well does a HUD work in the daytime? HUD works well at all times of day by using sensors that sense the light outside and adjust the brightness of the HUD. The driver can also adjust the brightness manually. Previously HUD was only available in certain makes and models. Aftermarket HUD can now be installed in all vehicles. Features such as GPS integrated into a HUD are especially beneficial for drivers.

Tinted Windows

Tint films are similar to protective films. Tint films differ in that they are thinner, colored and installed on the inside of the vehicle rather than on the outside. Choosing to tint windows has several benefits to both your vehicle and your passengers.

Tint films are beneficial to your vehicle for many reasons: First, since tint films block UV rays the interior of your vehicle can last longer. Second, tinted windows keep your vehicle cooler allowing you to turn down the A/C and in turn saving on mileage and emissions. Lastly, having a film on the inside of your windows, much like an outside protective film, may help increase the integrity of your windows in case of an accident. Tint films hold the glass together and keep it from shattering into shards.

Tint films are also beneficial to passengers for many reasons: First, Properly tinted windows can block up to 99% of UV rays, which can be harmful to humans. Second, as mentioned above, tinted windows keep your vehicle cooler. Third, tinting provides your vehicle with privacy, this is useful to protect valuables and possibly prevent a break-in. Lastly, since tinting windows increases the integrity of a window, glass related injuries during a car crash might be minimized.

It is important to check laws regarding window tints for your vehicle before you begin the process. Laws vary from state to state. Check for what tints are legal in your state, some states don’t allow any kind of windshield tinting at all. Most states allow tinting of the upper strip of the windshield. A windshield tinted entirely is, in fact, illegal. You can be held liable if you have a complete windshield tint.