Your windshield and how it protects you

Most people do not realize that the windshield has another function other than to keep the cool wind out of their face while driving down the road. It isn't their fault that they believe this and I can't really blame them. No one has taken the time nor seen a reason to educate consumers on the importance of their windshield. If you continue reading, you will more than likely think twice about having just anyone replace your windshield when the time comes.

Your Windshield's Purpose
First of all, your windshield is designed to protect. From everyday driving to a life-threatening wreck, your windshield is protecting you and your family at all times. Your windshield is also a key component to your car's supplemental restraint system (SRS) or airbag. If it were not for your windshield, the passenger's side airbag would be completely useless. This is because the passenger's airbag uses the windshield as a backstop to ensure that it is deployed in the correct position. Think about it...the driver's airbag is in the steering wheel and inflates toward the driver. However, the passenger's airbag is on top of the dash and inflates upward and away from the passenger. Because the windshield is curved, the passenger's airbag is able to inflate upward and then follow the curvature of the windshield toward the passenger...granted that the windshield is properly installed.

There are many, many "time-saving" techniques that some installers use to replace a windshield as quickly as possible, but they almost always result in an improper installation. I will write about the dangers of an improper installation soon; but, in short, an improper installation or replacement can result in the passenger's airbag not deploying correctly thus being useless.

The windshield also protects the driver and passenger from being ejected during a collision as well. This is fairly obvious, but it takes a lot of prep work and attention to detail to ensure that the windshield has the strongest bond possible to prevent it from detaching during a collision.

One of the lesser known functions of a windshield is to absorb impact. When we think of glass, we don't exactly think of soft. However, windshields have three layers - two layers of glass with a layer of polyvinyl in between. This prevents the windshield from shatterning upon any impact as well as creates elasticity. Even though the outside layer of glass may chip or crack, the inside layer allows the windshield to remain flexible and absorb any impact that may occur.

Finally, your windshield provides a substantial amount of support for your roof. Would you be shocked to know that your windshield is supporting up to 60% of your car's roof? Well, shocked or not, it is true and you should be very thankful. Car manufacturers have spent large amounts of time on roof support. This is because a roof collapsing on a passenger has the highest percentage of fatality. But wait...the windshield is there to protect you! As I said earlier, the windshield supports up to 60% of weight placed on your roof.

So, hopefully you have read through this information and understand a little more about the importance of your windshield. If you already knew some of this, congratulations. I hope you will educate the others around you.

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