A broken windshield is more than just unsightly; it can also compromise the safety of your car. In addition, your choice about replacing your windshield can help build a greener world.
The environmental impact of windshield replacement can be minimized by choosing a sustainable product and using eco-friendly repair techniques. Learn more about these factors to make an eco-conscious decision.
Energy-efficient windshields
Few car parts are more exposed to the elements than your windshield. Even minor chips or cracks can lead to big problems if left untreated. This is why a timely repair or windshield replacement St. Louis is always in order. The good news is that the industry has made strides in creating durable windshields with low energy consumption.
Windshield glass is more complex than the glass used in containers and beverages. It’s designed with an inner plastic film of PVB sandwiched between two layers of glass. There are multiple rationales for this design, but one is that it reduces the risk of glass shards in case of an accident.
The specialized glass also helps to minimize cabin heating. Unlike regular glass, it’s designed to reflect infrared (IR) waves, making it more energy efficient. These features require a lot of energy to produce, but innovations in production technology are improving efficiency and reducing the overall environmental impact.
Longevity
A cracked windshield is an unsightly blemish on a vehicle and a safety risk for its passengers. Even a tiny crack impairs visibility while driving and can cause serious harm if left unattended. Getting it fixed as soon as possible is essential to prevent further damage and avoid legal ramifications.
Windshields perform three vital functions: they protect passengers from being ejected in a collision, prevent airbag deployment, and contribute to the structural integrity of the car’s roof. They are also essential to a car’s aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.
Choosing a windshield with longevity increases your windshield’s lifespan and reduces the number of times it needs to be replaced, thereby decreasing its environmental footprint. It’s also a good choice for drivers worried about climate change’s impact on energy consumption.
Recyclable windshields
As the auto industry continues to move towards more environmentally responsible policies, there are many things you can do to help. One of the most important is to choose a glass repair company that uses sustainable materials and production processes. Additionally, you should also choose a company that recycles their old windshields.
Windshields are made of special laminated safety glass designed to stay together in the event of a crash. This design is intended to keep passengers safe in the vehicle.
However, this safety feature makes windshields a complex item to recycle. The two sheets of glass are held together by a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) that is not easily separated.
In the past, windshields were often discarded and sent to landfills. But, recent advancements in technology have allowed windshields to be recycled. The resulting glass, known as “cullet,” can produce various products, including bottles, vases, and bowls.
Disposal
Many auto glass companies are shifting toward environmentally friendly manufacturing and disposal methods for their replacement windshields. These processes eliminate waste by reducing the amount of materials in landfills—the methods also lower greenhouse gas emissions by focusing on efficient production and recycling.
A cracked or chipped windshield does more than ruin the appearance of your vehicle. If left unchecked, these small damaged spots can grow into larger cracks and chips, impairing visual clarity. This can put you in danger when driving, mainly if the damage blocks part of your driver’s vision.
A recently released video of Riley Leon’s pickup truck tossed around by tornado winds illustrates the safety engineering that goes into automotive glass. Windshields are engineered to prevent ejection during a rollover accident and keep the roof from caving in on you during an impact. These features are all made possible by the laminated safety glass of a vehicle’s windshield.
