Windshield Repair News: Developments in Windshield Technology
As with most business industries, technology constantly drives the windshield repair and automotive industry forward. Car design and manufacturing processes look for new and innovative ways to bring advanced features to car models. These new developments help keep brands competitive as the automotive industry grows and changes.
As a leader in windshield repair, we’ve seen many changes in auto glass throughout the years. Let’s look at some of the leading developments in windshield technology for 2022.
4 Advanced in Windshield Glass and Repairs in 2022
Over the past several years, windshields have changed significantly from the plain glass used in the past. Here are four significant advances we’ve seen as one of the top Vancouver windshield repair companies:
1. Panoramic Windshields
Brought into the auto industry by Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, panoramic windshields hit the market with the Tesla Model X. Considered the largest all-glass windshield available today, this auto glass spans 31 square feet of surface area. One of the advantages of these windshields is that they stretch over the driver and passenger, beyond the standard roofline, to add visibility to your vehicle. They also add significant natural light to your car. While Tesla is currently the only make of vehicle using the panoramic windshield, we can expect to see these emerge with more brands as the years go on. Although windshield repair is more costly with the added square footage, the benefits of these panoramic windshields seem to outweigh any expenses.
2. Smart Car Glass
Just as you can take advantage of innovative technology features in your home, we’re starting to see smart car glass hit the market. Electrochromic glass is emerging with some of the leading luxury sports car manufacturers. It enables the driver to limit the amount of sunlight coming into the vehicle, increasing visibility and comfort. From a windshield repair perspective, changing the amount of light decreases glare and improves road safety. You can also reduce energy consumption, limiting air conditioning usage.
3. Heated Front Windshields
Many brands have adapted this feature, with heated front windshields being an excellent option for environments with cold winters. Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, and Land Rover are all offering heated front windshields. Some advantages are their ability to defog and defrost faster than standard windshields. Due to wiring sandwiched within these windshields, windshield repair is more expensive and complicated. However, the advantages are well worth the costs.
4. Wiper-Free Windshields
While this concept is still in the works, some luxury vehicles are working on offering windshields that don’t need wipers to clear rain and snow. These use an ultrasonic force that causes moisture to slide off the glass. Since they apply sound waves to the surface of the glass, you can expect windshield repair to be more complicated than with traditional auto glass.
Contact Avenue Auto Glass for Help with Your Windshield Repairs and Upgrades
Whether looking for windshield repairs or the latest industry upgrades, Avenue Auto Glass offers a higher level of service for your needs. We stay on top of the latest industry advances and trends to ensure you get the highest level of service with your auto glass work. Contact our Vancouver windshield repair experts today to discuss your options and schedule an appointment.