In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the adoption of acoustic windshield glass and laminated windshields. This increase is mainly because of the significant reduction in insurance premiums resulting from using windscreens that minimize the potential for whiplash injuries from an impact. In addition, acoustic or noise-reducing windshields are becoming more common in response to constant pressure from drivers who no longer want to spend their time behind the wheel listening to their car rather than thinking about it. An acoustic windshield precisely does what it says on the tin: It reduces the level of noise transmitted through the glass by about 25 decibels—a sizeable amount. Here’s everything you need to know about acoustic windshield glass.
What is Acoustic Windshield Glass?
Acoustic windshield glass is a type of laminated automotive safety glass that reduces the noise levels in a car. This type of windshield glass is more expensive than standard windshields, but it’s not uncommon to find it on new vehicles. Acoustic glass windshields are an excellent choice for people who spend a lot of time on the road, especially in areas with lots of construction, like near an airport. You’re probably wondering what the difference is between this glass windshield and a standard one. Acoustic glass, as the name suggests, is designed to reduce the noise emitted from your car. This is accomplished using a different type of silicone thicker than usual. The thicker silicone also makes the glass more rigid, so it’s less likely to break.
What are the Advantages of an Acoustic Windshield?
There are many advantages to having an acoustic windshield. Chief among them is the fact that not only is it designed to be much quieter than a standard glass windshield, but it’s also designed to be shatter-resistant. This can come in handy in the event of a collision, as the windshield is designed to absorb the impact of the collision rather than transmit it to the occupants of the car. If the windshield is standard glass, any impact will be transferred straight through to you and your passengers. Another obvious advantage of acoustic windshields is the noise reduction they provide. If you enjoy spending time on the road but find the constant roar of traffic and construction noise distracting or even wholly annoying, then having an acoustic windshield is a must.
What are the Disadvantages of an Acoustic Windshield?
As mentioned earlier, acoustic windshields are more expensive than standard glass. This is because the thicker silicone material comes at a price. In addition, if the windshield is damaged, the silicone’s extra thickness means it will be harder to repair. Another potential disadvantage of acoustic windshields is that they could increase the risk of road-rage incidents. Road rage has often been blamed on the fact that motorists don’t feel like they have a proper connection with the outside world when they’re in their cars. If you’re driving behind a car with an acoustic windshield, you can’t hear what the driver is doing and vice versa. This makes it easy to misinterpret the actions of the driver.
Which Vehicles Use This Type of Glass?
Acoustic windshield glass is generally found on luxury and sports cars, but it’s slowly becoming more common on more modestly priced vehicles. Acoustic glass windshields are standard on cars that are designed to be quiet, like hybrids, but they’ll also be found on high-end sports cars like the Corvette or the Porsche 911 because they are designed to be quiet, too. So while it’s not found on most mainstream cars, it’s becoming more common.
How to Find Out Whether You Have an Acoustic Windshield?
Because acoustic windshields are entirely transparent, you can’t tell whether a car behind you has one just by looking at the windshield. The only way to know for sure is to ask the driver. It’s not a bad idea to ask for a favor and let them know that you appreciate the relative quiet. If you’re buying a new car, there’s no guarantee that it has an acoustic windshield. Even if it has a sticker that says it has something called “laminated glass,” it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s acoustic glass. Again, the only way to know is to ask the manufacturer.
Conclusion
Acoustic windshields are more expensive than standard glass windshields, so they’re usually only found on higher-end vehicles. The only way to know if a car has an acoustic windshield is to ask the driver.
