Yes, tempered glass is commonly used in cars and is highly suitable for automotive applications, particularly for side and rear windows. Here are the key reasons why tempered glass is a good choice:
1. Safety
- When tempered glass breaks, it shatters into small, blunt pieces instead of sharp, jagged shards. This reduces the risk of severe injury to passengers in an accident.
- The way tempered glass shatters also minimizes the chance of large gaps, which can help protect passengers from being thrown out in a crash.
2. Strength and Durability
- Tempered glass is up to five times stronger than regular glass, making it more resistant to impacts from small debris or objects on the road.
- It can withstand temperature variations, which is essential in vehicles where interior and exterior temperatures can vary drastically.
3. Resistance to Breakage
- Because tempered glass is strong and flexible, it can handle the vibrations and stresses that come with driving on rough roads, making it less likely to crack or break under normal driving conditions.
4. Cost-Effectiveness
- Tempered glass is relatively affordable compared to other types of specialty glass, making it an economical choice for automotive manufacturing without sacrificing safety.
Exceptions: Windshields
- For windshields, laminated glass (two layers of glass with a plastic layer in between) is used instead of tempered glass. This is because laminated glass provides more strength and prevents the windshield from shattering on impact, maintaining a barrier between passengers and the road.
In summary, tempered glass is a great choice for most car windows due to its safety, strength, and durability features.
