Which type of glass is typically used for a vehicle windshield, and why?

• A. Acrylic glass, because it's lighter than glass.
• B. Tempered glass, because it shatters into small harmless pieces.
• C. Laminated glass, because it holds together when shattered and provides safety by preventing large shards from penetrating the cabin.
• D. Polycarbonate glass, because it's impact resistant.

Answer: (C)

Windshields are designed to keep occupants safe and maintain the cabin’s integrity during a crash. Laminated glass achieves this because it consists of two layers of glass with a plastic interlayer (often polyvinyl butyral) in between. If the windshield is hit, the outer layer may crack, but the interlayer holds the pieces together, preventing large shards from flying into the cabin. This barrier helps protect occupants, supports the roof structure, and provides a stable surface for airbag deployment. Other glass types either break into sharp fragments or lack the interlayer that keeps shards from penetrating the interior, so they aren’t used for windshields.