Which type of glass is normally used in automobile windshields?

The type of glass that is normally used in automobile windshields is laminated glass. This choice is correct because laminated glass consists of two or more layers of glass sandwiched around a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or another interlayer. This construction provides significant safety advantages: if the glass is shattered in an accident, the layers hold together, minimizing the risk of injuries from flying shards. Additionally, laminated glass provides UV protection and sound insulation.

The specific properties of laminated glass make it the preferred choice for windshields, as it needs to meet safety standards set by organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This standard requires that the glass remain intact in order to ensure the structural integrity of the vehicle.

While other types of glass, such as tempered glass, are used in other parts of the vehicle like side and rear windows due to their strength and shatter resistance, they do not provide the same level of protection and safety as laminated glass does for windshields. Tempered glass, when broken, shatters into small pieces, which can create additional hazards. Therefore, the use of laminated glass in windshields is a crucial safety feature in automotive design.