Which type of glass is commonly used in vehicle windshields?

• A. Tempered
• B. Laminated
• C. Float glass
• D. Acrylic

Answer: (B)

Windshields use laminated glass because it combines two layers of glass with a plastic interlayer that bonds the layers together. If the glass is struck, the interlayer keeps the shards from flying apart, maintaining a barrier and preserving visibility. This setup also helps the windshield stay in place and contribute to the vehicle’s structural integrity during a crash or rollover, which protects occupants.

Tempered glass, while strong, is designed to crumble into small pieces rather than stay bonded after impact, making it unsuitable for windshields where maintaining a barrier is crucial. Float glass is just a plain sheet of glass without the safety interlayer, so it wouldn’t hold together in a collision. Acrylic is a plastic material and isn’t used for standard windshields because it doesn’t meet the durability and safety requirements of automotive glazing.