Athermal windshield: rules for selection and care

15.10.2019

(Votes: 1, Rating: 5)

Issues discussed in the material:

What is an athermal windshield?
How to choose the right athermal windshield
How to install a thermal windshield
How to properly maintain a thermal windshield

Today, more than half of the cars produced come from the car factory with a athermal windshield. This type of glazing is a kind of know-how in the car market. Its advantage is that this type of glass, due to its technical characteristics, has a thermoregulation function (in hot weather it protects the interior from heating, and in winter it better retains heat inside the car) and an anti-reflective effect.

What is athermal windshield

The first athermal windshield appeared in the second half of the 20th century (1959), when silver ions were applied in a thin layer to an ordinary glass surface. It is completely unrealistic to perform such a high-tech manipulation in “handicraft” conditions. Initially, to improve heat capacity, a thin silver film was applied to the most ordinary glasses.

The “silvered” windshield practically does not allow ultraviolet radiation from the sun to enter the car interior, thereby preventing overheating of the latter. At the same time, the entire other spectrum of rays will pass through the window without hindrance, without distorting the driver’s view. This “filtration” is due to the physicochemical properties of silver.

A nice addition is the presence of an anti-reflective effect. Sputtering of silver ions gently disperses bright sunlight without dazzling drivers of other vehicles moving in the oncoming lane. One could compare the silver coating with tinting, but, unlike the latter, the athermal coating does not reduce the light transmission function of the windshield and is permitted by traffic regulations.

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Installing this type of glazing has a huge number of advantages, one of which is the ability to reduce the load on the air conditioner (up to 40%), and therefore save fuel.

An athermal windshield has quite a wide range of functionality, so if you decide to buy, you should be very careful in choosing it so as not to become the owner of a fake. Of course, visually distinguishing ordinary glass from athermal glass is quite simple. The first is absolutely transparent, while the second has a purple or greenish tint. Difficulty in identification during visual inspection may arise when comparing athermal and tinted coatings.

The light transmittance of ordinary glass exceeds 90%, while that of “silvered” glass ranges from 80 to 90%. The athermal windshield boasts another feature, namely, the “invisibility” function for many devices - radars, navigators, and so on. The thing is that the metal coating interferes with the normal signal transmission of the mentioned devices.

Many car enthusiasts are of the opinion that athermal glazing is much stronger and more durable than classic glazing, but the cost of the former is 1.5 - 2 times more.

A few years ago, not many people knew about athermal coating. Basically, it was used only by fans of car tuning. But today, many companies produce cars from factories in which such glass is already included in the basic configuration of the models. In connection with the introduction of know-how into mass car glazing, the interest of car enthusiasts in this topic has increased significantly. One of the main questions is what does the term “athermal windshield” mean? In this article we will talk in detail about all the nuances that will help you when choosing a product for your vehicle.

The interior of a vehicle is a fairly compact space that instantly reacts to any changes in the environment. First of all, we are talking about an increase in air temperature outside. Under its influence, both the external and internal surfaces of the car “heat” very quickly. This makes staying inside the vehicle very uncomfortable, even painful, for both the driver and passengers.

The advantages of such glazing

Increases comfort in the cabin. In the southern regions, this is the main problem with car operation in the summer. Without air conditioning, it is generally impossible to be in traffic jams. It immediately becomes clear what athermal glazing in a car is.
The operating mode of the climate control system is simplified. Among other things, this leads to a reduction in fuel consumption.
The service life of interior parts increases. Plastic and leather do not tolerate high temperatures well. Especially when exposed to direct sunlight.
There is a certain effect in winter: glass with a lower transmittance in the IR range retains heat in the cabin.

The simplest way to impart thermal insulating properties to glass is to apply an athermal film to it. Unlike the well-known tinting, this will practically not impair visibility. There are complex multilayer metallized plastics that give the desired effect.

The correct solution would be to use specialized glass. Good technologies for its manufacture have appeared relatively recently, due to the rather complex production process.

A car windshield is usually made using triplex technology. These are two layers of heat-treated glass, between which there is a durable synthetic film. When broken, the fragments remain on it, preventing injury to passengers. The same film can also be used to create a thermal barrier.

To impart reflective properties in the IR range to single-layer glasses, this method is not applicable. As well as the surface introduction of metal atoms into the glass layer. Therefore, silver ions and oxide molecules of other metals are introduced into the glass mass when it is in a molten state.

Transmittance in the visible range ranges from 90% for windshields labeled “Tinted” to 75% for side windows, in the case of a higher degree of protection “Overtinted”. This fits well within the domestic GOST, which normalizes light transmission indicators.

How is athermal windshield marked?

Large manufacturers label their products. Pay attention to the inscription in the corner of the athermal windshield, which reads - Tinted or Overtinted. The difference between them lies in the light transmission coefficient.

Tinted – moderate heat absorption. The windshield transmits 85-90% of light, and the side glass - about 80%.
Overtinted – enhanced heat absorption. Provides maximum thermal comfort. The light transmission coefficient of the frontal light is 78.5%, and the side light transmission coefficient is 72%.

On some products you can also see the “Solar” marker. This means that in the manufacturing process of this product a film was used that protects the car interior from overheating.

In order not to make a mistake with your choice, we recommend seeking help from a specialist who can advise you on the spot about all the characteristics of the chosen type of glazing, as well as tell you about the pros and cons of the product.

Disadvantages of speakers

The main disadvantage is that the production of such products is too expensive. As a result, such automobile glass costs almost 2 times more than usual. Although, if we take into account its long service life and the fact that the driver does not have to burn more gasoline in the summer or change faded upholstery, then such glass will eventually be able to be “beaten off”.

The second disadvantage applies only to those who like to use gadgets such as radar detectors and navigators. Unfortunately, due to the components that make up such glass, it can literally jam the signal. Therefore, problems may arise.

The third disadvantage is that such products are difficult to find for any car. Of course, there are fakes on the Internet for every taste and color, but there is no point in buying a fake. It’s better to wait until the factory model goes on sale.

By the way, counterfeit models that have flooded the market due to the growing popularity of speakers are another drawback. But, it can be excluded if you pay attention to several nuances.

Athermal windshield: pros and cons

Athermal windshield has the unique property of absorbing ultraviolet radiation from the sun by “absorbing” thermal energy. At the same time, this type of glazing does not interfere with the penetration of other light spectra accessible to the human eye.

The main properties of athermal glazing include the following:

Blocking a certain proportion of infrared and ultraviolet radiation from entering the vehicle interior . A special glass surface retains some of the rays directly within its thickness, and the rest are simply reflected from it due to a special component of the composition.
It has a fairly high level of heat absorption, which allows you to protect the dashboard and seats from excessive heating even on the hottest days, when the car sits in the sun for a long time.
The glass is not only slightly darkened, but also has an anti-glare function . A special coating prevents the unfavorable refraction of sunlight, which eliminates the possibility of temporary blinding of the driver.
Creating a comfortable temperature regime in the vehicle interior . Temperatures will remain relatively stable throughout the trip, even on a very hot day.
Athermal glass is stronger than regular glass . Therefore, there is a high probability that on the first one, due to a small stone falling from under the wheel, a crack or other damage will not form.
The color intensity of the glass surface changes depending on the lighting power along the roadway. This feature helps reduce driver eye fatigue, which is very important during long trips.
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In the cold season, the window does not fog up and practically does not freeze . In Russian winter conditions, this ability is very useful, since the driver does not lose the quality and degree of visibility. Thermal windshield eliminates the possibility of condensation forming on the surface due to the temperature difference between inside and outside the car.
A comfortable atmosphere is consistently maintained inside the car and the temperature is maintained . The type of glazing under consideration can significantly reduce the frequency of use of the air conditioner (or even completely abandon its operation) and, accordingly, fuel consumption.
The interior is protected from heat, since athermal glazing prevents direct sunlight from entering the vehicle interior and thereby reduces the temperature of the “torpedo” by several degrees.
Athermal coating does not fade in the sun . The color of the surface does not change under the influence of environmental factors for a long time, which significantly extends the service life of the product.

All of the above means that an athermal windshield not only creates a cozy atmosphere inside the car, but also ensures the safety of the driver and passengers. That is why most foreign companies have included this type of glazing in the basic equipment of their vehicles. It is good to know that some domestic car factories have also begun to use new technology in their production.

Many car enthusiasts are wondering whether the use of an athermal windshield is allowed or not. A little later we will consider in detail the permissible standards for the light transmittance of glass. But now we can say with confidence that most companies produce products that comply with the regulations established by law. If you are not sure that the windshield allows enough light to pass through, you should contact an expert for advice before purchasing.

The disadvantages of the glazing in question include:

High cost of the product (1.5-2 times higher than the price of conventional glazing).
It is not universal, that is, it does not fit a number of car models and brands. Despite the fact that the product is included in the basic package, it is not installed on all cars
Has a negative effect on radars, navigators and other devices. Due to a special coating component, athermal windshields can cause interruptions in the operation of some devices inside the vehicle (failures in mobile communications, Internet connection, GPS signals, and so on).

What kind of glass is called duplicate?

Duplicates are classified as ARG (automotive replacement glass) - this means that the product imitates the original. Original auto glass is much more expensive.

A duplicate is a product that imitates the original, made according to good patterns, but with deviations according to various criteria. Non-original ARG auto glass may not have the same molding, dimple, rain and light sensor on the glass. Otherwise, non-original glass can sometimes be as good as the original glass. Such glass is usually produced on modern equipment using good polished glass. On non-original glass you will never find the automaker's logo, only the name of the auto glass brand.

What to choose - original or duplicate?

The original is the ideal option, maximally meeting all standards and parameters. If the price suits you, take it. However, the price for original glass is often several times higher than for analogues.

Installing duplicate glass on your car is not something scary or surprising, because according to our statistics, 95% of car owners choose a duplicate. However, it should be borne in mind that duplicates also come from different brands and may differ in quality. There are European, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, costing from 1,500 to 150,000 rubles.

What are the disadvantages of duplicate glass?

— Possible reduction in the value of the car upon sale. A potential buyer can point out the fact that the windshield was replaced with a non-original one. However, the windshield is now considered a consumable and is replaced very often.

— Distortions are possible. All duplicate glass has tolerances for distortion, but they must comply with GOST.

— Deviations in geometry are possible. All duplicate glasses are made according to the dimensions of the original glass with permissible deviations. This means that the glass may be several millimeters smaller or larger than the original, or have a slightly different curve. In most cases, this is not noticeable to the eye and does not affect the quality of the installation.

— Possible lack of components. Some windshields must be equipped with additional moldings and bases for a rain sensor. Cheap duplicates usually don’t have this; you have to buy extra.

Bottom line: You can install both original and duplicate glass on your car. Consider your budget and the process of operating the car - if you often drive on the highway, then installing expensive original glass may not be the best idea. At the same time, you should not hope that a duplicate windshield for 2-3 thousand rubles will be of the same quality as one for 8-10.

Athermal windshield manufacturing technology

Most car enthusiasts do not know what the fundamental difference is between athermal glazing and other coating technologies - tinting, pasting with a special film and others. But the method of making an athermal windshield is completely different from those known to most of the population.

The process of producing athermal glass is very complex and labor-intensive. Manipulations can only be carried out at the factory using high-tech specialized equipment, which is created exclusively for the production of this product. This is the reason why today only a few enterprises are engaged in the production of athermal glass. Small factories do not have sufficient funding to purchase the necessary expensive equipment to produce the product in question.

This type of glass is obtained by adding a certain amount of impurities to the molten mass. In order for the product to acquire the necessary properties, iron oxides and silver ions are used. It is thanks to these components that the final product acquires a blue or, more often, green tint. By the way, to make sure that the product is original, you can look at it through polarized glasses - if through them the color of the glass surface turns purple, then it is most likely not a fake.

The composition of the glass mass includes pure sand and a number of additional impurities. The substance melts at a temperature of 1600 degrees Celsius.

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To give the product additional resistance to ultraviolet radiation, various metal oxides are added to the mass. The result is visible after the first hardening - silver ions give the glass blue, green and violet shades.

At the stage of giving the product its primary shape (molding), the mass is placed on tin layers. The material was not chosen by chance - tin does not react with the elements of the composition. The resulting glass is re-tempered, but with a gradual decrease in temperature to 200°C.

The melted glass is cut, and then re-melted and cooled sharply. This is done in order to give the product the required shape. In addition, sharp temperature fluctuations provide additional hardening to the windshield - making it stronger and more resistant to mechanical stress.

The final stage consists of processing the edges of the product.

The production of athermal windshield is a completely new direction. Before the advent of advanced technology, most companies produced only so-called “athermal film”. It also has high energy-saving properties, but its manufacturing technology is completely different. This film is a multilayer product (up to 200 “plates”).

Each layer prevents the penetration of a small percentage of ultraviolet radiation, therefore, after passing through 200 “levels”, only a small part of it reaches the very surface of the glass. Thus, the use of film does not involve tinting, but is aimed at protecting the car interior from overheating by blocking incoming thermal energy.

Marking of athermal glass on cars

To find out whether a car has athermal glazing, you can look at the markings. Thermal auto glass is designated by the letters “iR” in a circle. If the marking shows the designation “UU”, then the car has athermal auto glass with ultraviolet protection. These double-glazed windows reflect sunlight well and protect the driver from glare. The degree of reflection is reduced to 40 units.

Another inscription indicating the use of a non-thermally conductive double-glazed window is Tined or Overtined. The Tined mark is placed on car windows with light transmission of more than 80%; the color of the glazing will be greenish. The Overtined mark is placed on car glass with light transmission up to 80%, the tint will be blue-green.

Athermal windshield: GOST and traffic police requirements

Many drivers wonder whether installing a thermal windshield is allowed? There are rules established by law that define the standards for light transmittance and the width of the solar control strip of automobile glass (compliance with the regulations is established during the technical inspection of the vehicle) GOST 5727 - 88 “Safe glass for land transport” clause 2.2.4., according to which the light transmittance of glass providing the driver with visibility should be:

not less than 75% for wind ones;
70% - for the rest (not wind), included in the regulated field of view P, which determines forward visibility. This category includes front door windows and front side windows (if available).
The light transmittance of the remaining windows is not standardized.

If the light transmittance of the glazing is below 70%, then a “V” marker is placed on the surface of the product. The windshield, whether painted or tinted, must not alter the correct perception of white, yellow, red, green and blue. Mirror tinted glass is prohibited from being installed according to the law (“Appendix to the basic provisions for the admission of vehicles to operation and the responsibilities of officials to ensure road safety”).

Athermal glasses marked TINTED and OVERTINTED comply with GOST 5727. Therefore, if such an inscription is present, then no problems are expected with passing the technical inspection regarding the glazing.

Type of glass	Light transmission of windshields, %	Light transmission of front side windows, %
Acceptable according to GOST-5727	At least 75	Not less than 70
TINTED	81	80
OVERTINTED	78,5	72

Of course, as with most measurements, there is an error here. The maximum permissible inaccuracy in determining light transmittance should not exceed 2%. According to traffic police statistics, more than half (about 60%) of the worst traffic accidents occur at night. That is why very strict requirements are imposed on indicators such as transparency and absence of distortion of the windshield.

Thus, the answer to the question “is the use of an athermal windshield allowed or not?” obvious - yes, allowed. It is only important to adhere to the established standards, because this is, first of all, your safety and concern for the safety of the life and health of other people.

Is there a penalty for installation

According to GOST, permitted tinting transmits more than 70% of sunlight without a mirror effect. This means that there is no fine for installing athermal glass on a car if it complies with the law. Only the front side windows and windshield are adjustable. But athermal film, which transmits less than 60% of the light, begins to mirror. This is not allowed on any window.

The fine for incorrect tinting is 1,500 rubles. In case of repeated violation, the amount increases to 5000.

How to choose a thermal windshield

Before purchasing an athermal windshield, pay attention to its shading indicators. If they exceed the norms established by law, the driver of the vehicle may be immediately deprived of his driver’s license. If the glazing fully complies with the regulated indicators, then you can safely purchase the product.

Despite the high cost of the product, many drivers choose athermal glazing. This popularity is due to the fact that this type of glazing creates the most comfortable conditions in the car interior - in summer it maintains a pleasant temperature regime, protecting against overheating, and in winter, on the contrary, it retains heat inside the car. These functions make it possible to reduce the frequency of use of climate control and thus significantly save on fuel. In addition, athermal glass is very durable, which, combined with all the mentioned functionality, makes them an excellent investment tool.

What types of glass are athermal?

The production of truly high-tech athermal glass began relatively recently; they were installed only on premium cars as optional equipment.

An intermediate solution can be considered a reduction in the optical transparency of the windshield; it is always made using triplex technology, that is, two layers of glass with a plastic flexible film glued between them.

It is this that can be tinted, like the one that is glued on the outside. Issues of strength and wear resistance will be resolved, but other problems will remain.

How to distinguish an athermal windshield from an ordinary one

Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to be 100% sure of the originality of a product using only a visual inspection. We previously mentioned several ways to identify a genuine product. Firstly, the presence of the factory marking “Tinted” or “Overtinted” on the windshield. If there are inscriptions, then with almost 90% probability it is not a fake.

According to the law of the market, demand generates supply. But, as previously noted, the process of creating athermal glasses is extremely complex, so not many companies are involved in their production. The demand for these products is currently huge, and the supply is relatively limited. As a result, countless counterfeit products have appeared on the market that do not even have a fraction of the functionality declared by the original. It happens that sellers offer amateurs (in the automotive industry) ordinary windshields with a sun strip, passing them off as athermal. In order not to become a victim of scammers and not to become the owner of a counterfeit product, and even at an inflated price, you need to understand how to distinguish one type of product from another. Let's figure it out step by step:

First, carefully inspect the windshield from all sides. Pay special attention to inspecting the edge of the product - it should be completely smooth, even and neatly sanded. If there are chips on the edge or a film is visible, then with 100% probability we can say that this is a fake.

Secondly, look for the marking in the corner of the product. All major manufacturers that produce athermal glass mark TINTED or OVERTINTED (the difference is in the light transmittance and surface shade: TINTED (has a greenish tint) - 81%, OVERTINTED (distinguished by a pronounced green color) - 78.5%).

The production of athermal windshields is carried out using high-quality and very expensive equipment, and therefore there are not many companies that produce this type of glazing. Small businesses cannot afford to purchase the necessary equipment, and therefore, when choosing a product, find out the name of the manufacturing company. By purchasing products from a well-known brand, you can be sure of their authenticity.

Typical shades for a particular type of glazing (green and purple) do not always indicate the quality of the product. To make sure that this is not a fake, look at its shadow. If this glass is made according to the rules of the original technology, then the shadow from it will be many times darker than from tinted or regular glass.

There are a few more tricks that will help you identify a fake:

During your inspection, try on polarized glasses . Through them, rainbow stains (similar to spilled gasoline stains when sunlight falls on them) will become noticeable on the glass surface. This illusion occurs as a result of the refraction of solar rays when they collide with the components of the glass mass.
Compare the product and its shadow . The latter, in theory, should be noticeably darker. Although, on its own, as a single check, this method is not so effective. You can achieve darkening of the shadow in other ways. Experts still recommend paying attention to the first point and trying polarized glasses when inspecting the product.

If you comprehensively apply all the tips mentioned, then identifying a fake will not be difficult even for a beginner. And this will allow you to significantly reduce the time spent searching for the right product and not throw money away.

How to produce

Athermal glazing is produced using special equipment. Anti-reflective glasses in pale green or pale blue are marked in the upper right corner with the stamps “Overtinted” or “Tinted”. Markings differ in the percentage of light transmittance: Overtinted transmits 81% of rays, and Tinted 3% less.

Each manufacturer produces glass differently, so they can have different shades: from brownish to purple. Athermal options with chameleon colors have beautiful iridescence and are becoming more and more popular on the market.

What you need to know about installing a thermal windshield

The installation of athermal glazing is no different from the installation of conventional or tinted glazing. However, an athermal windshield is a very expensive purchase, therefore, for its installation, it is recommended to contact proven services from professional craftsmen. The quality of installation and the service life of the product directly depend on the skill of the installer.

The quality of glass is directly proportional to its cost. Therefore, if you decide to save on car glazing, then it is very likely that the product will not meet your expectations. In addition, poor quality of the product can have a detrimental effect on the condition of the entire car.

If you do not have the opportunity to install athermal glass on your vehicle (due to the high cost of the product or in the case when it is impossible to install this type of glazing on your car model), then you can resort to an alternative option - athermal film. The properties of both products are very similar. The film sizing process is similar to regular tinting. If we compare such manipulations as replacing glass and sizing film, the latter is obviously much faster and cheaper. But if you prefer this option, you sacrifice glazing characteristics such as quality and strength.

The functionality and comfort of using athermal windshields have been tested by many drivers. As we have already seen, this type of glazing is an excellent way to reduce the load on a car’s heating system in winter, as well as protect the driver and passengers from the sweltering heat in summer. There is no point in trying to challenge the already proven effectiveness of a product. It’s not for nothing that large car factories have included it in the basic equipment of many manufactured models.

How to install the film yourself?

To install the athermal film, you need tools, namely the athermal film itself, a spray bottle, liquid soap, a blade, felt napkins, a spatula, a hair dryer and a glass scraper.

First, the driver needs to make a solution based on liquid soap and water. Some people use dishwashing detergent because it removes stains better. The liquid is used to treat the glass from the outside.

The next step is to apply the cutting to the glass. The material should not be cut closely, but with a small margin on the sides. After applying the film to a wet surface, it immediately sticks to it. The tint is leveled, cut and trimmed to fit the window.

To make it more convenient to adjust the material to size, you need to use a spatula. With its help it is easy to level the film. At the same time, you need to turn on the hair dryer and set it to 550°C. Air is directed to the folds from the center to the edges. By working with a spatula, the driver will be able to stretch the film, removing all irregularities and air.

After the work is done, you need to wash the glass and remove all defects with a blade (if any). The last thing left to do is remove the protective film. As a result, you need to achieve a tight fit of the film. The easiest way to do this is gradually: first the upper part, and then the lower part.

Installation of other windows is carried out in a similar way.

How to care for your athermal windshield

The rules for car glass care are very simple. Below we have prepared for you a small list of tips, using which you can easily cope with washing the windows of your vehicle. The frequency of washing directly depends on the climate and weather conditions, but on average it is recommended to carry out the procedure once every few days: in the summer - to remove dust, in the winter - to remove snow and ice. It is important to constantly maintain transparency of the windows, especially the windshield, as a clear view increases your level of safety.

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In order not to scratch the glass surface during the cleaning process, it is recommended to carefully select detergents and devices:

We recommend purchasing a special sponge (a prerequisite is that the sponge must be soft and clean to avoid damage). If you don’t want to spend money on a purchase, you can use an ordinary clean rag made of soft material to wash windows.
If contamination is minimal, then you can use homemade soapy water instead of chemicals.
If the windows are very dirty, then in a specialized store you can purchase a special solution for washing glass surfaces (spray, foam, concentrate, etc.). An auto glass cleaner would also be an excellent solution.
If the level of contamination is critical (stains of resin, paint, etc.), then ordinary car cleaners will not help. In such a situation, you should purchase special concentrated products containing surfactants, solvents and other chemical impurities.

Attention! When using concentrated or other strong chemicals, avoid getting the solution on other surfaces (paint, rubber, metal)!

Windshield wipers on a car are designed to clean the glass surface from dust, dirt and condensation, but often, they themselves can become a means of causing damage (scratches) to the glass surface. To avoid this, be sure to periodically clean your windshield wiper blades to remove dust, dirt, snow and ice. Never use wipers dry. Brushes perform their function only in combination with windshield cleaning fluid.
If you notice that a crack or chip has formed on the windshield, then you should operate the car with extreme caution: do not press on the glass surface, do not slam doors, do not exceed the speed limit, and generally drive the vehicle with the utmost care. As soon as possible, contact a service center to replace the glazing.

Production Features

Many people consider athermal glass to be a tinting method. But I would not say that we are talking about simple glass tinting here. Tinting involves the application of special materials. For example, you can look at previous materials about silicone and removable tinting.

I'll tell you right away. Since the technology is new to many, many often confuse the concept of athermal glass with the application of tinting or with the installation of tinting films. But in the case of speakers, the manufacturing technology is much more complicated. They cannot in any way be applied to a finished windshield. That's why it's not tinted.

To produce such a structure, modern and highly efficient factory equipment is required. The essence of production is the addition of special additives to the mass, which is obtained by melting glass and then giving it a given shape. Silver ions and iron oxides are used as additives. It is thanks to them that those blue or green shades characteristic of athermal glass are obtained.

When viewed through sunglasses, the color will appear purple. But additives do not just change color, but provide the product with useful characteristics.

In short, the production of speakers requires standard raw materials with the addition of special additives. It is the additives that make the difference between conventional and athermal glazing.

Advantages and disadvantages

Although I’m not Wikipedia, I can say exactly what the strengths and weaknesses of athermal car glazing are. We previously looked at the strengths and weaknesses of car tinting in exactly the same way.

Let's start with the positive qualities. They were formed by reviews from car owners themselves and the opinions of experts. As a result, we have the following advantages:

Strength and durability exceed those of ordinary glass;
The load on the operation of heating and cooling systems in the cabin is reduced;
In summer, the interior heats up less intensely;
In winter, glazing retains heat;
Unlike anti-rain for glass, AC does not need to be updated;
There is lower fuel consumption, since additional equipment operates with less intensity;
Much less fogging;
The AC hardly freezes;
When sunlight hits the glass, it scatters;
The amount of glare is reduced;
The interior fades more slowly;
The front panel heats up less intensely;
There is no penalty for using the speaker, since it is a factory product.

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Athermal glazing actually has many advantages over classic windshields. Yes, there are some drawbacks, but they can often be overcome.

Each driver decides independently whether to buy a car with AC or order it separately. I would advise you to just take a ride in the car of an acquaintance or friend who has such factory-type glazing installed. That is, from the manufacturer.

I once had to personally encounter speakers when a new type of glazing was just gaining momentum in popularity. On a hot summer day, I was first driving my own car, and then moved into a friend’s car to feel the difference. I was pleasantly surprised, because despite the apparent similarity of the cars, the level of comfort was completely different.

No, athermal glazing does not have magical properties. That is, when it’s hot outside, it will be hot in the cabin without the air conditioning on, even with speakers. But with all the additional benefits and ability to reduce glare, this glass is really worth the money spent on it.

As for the disadvantages, they are as follows:

Price. It's not difficult to find out how much a speaker costs. Price tags vary depending on the manufacturer and the product for a particular car. But be prepared for the fact that the price will be 1.5-2 times higher compared to conventional glazing;
Limited assortment. Since the technology is just emerging, it is not yet possible to find suitable glass for all cars. But increasingly, car companies are providing speakers as standard equipment for their new models. That’s why you don’t always need to buy it separately;
Gadgets. Some additional equipment may not work entirely correctly. This applies to navigators and radar detectors, for example. Functions are sometimes blocked or performance deteriorates. But this does not happen often enough to consider the situation a serious flaw.

Caring for athermal windshields in winter

Caring for car windows in winter requires a special approach. If you do not follow the established rules when cleaning, you can damage the glazing and render it unusable.

Russian winter is famous for its severity and severe frosts, so during this season you must always have a special defrosting product in your car. Without it, you will not be able to remove ice from the windshield glass surface, or open a frozen lock.

Important!

Never use brushes or scrapers to remove ice from the glass surface! It is impossible to do this without damaging the coating - scratches will form on the glass. In addition, scraping ice in this way is a very thankless task - after spending a lot of time and effort, you will not achieve a positive result.

If using an ice scraper was absolutely necessary, try polishing the glass surface at the end of winter to remove or at least smooth out the scratches. Although the best solution would be to simply avoid this situation.

The best way to clean an icy windshield is to turn on the heater in the cabin; warm air will easily melt the ice crust. If necessary, you can also use the defrost mentioned earlier.

Don't forget about caring for your wipers. In winter, due to exposure to low temperatures, they wear out faster and therefore require special attention. It is recommended to clean the windshield blades at least 2 times a day. It is best to carry out the manipulation using warm soapy water. On particularly frosty nights, it is recommended to remove and take the wipers with you.

Ordinary wipers are not adapted to harsh winter conditions, and therefore an excellent solution would be to purchase special “seasonal” winter brushes. Thus, you will extend the life of your windshield, increase your level of safety and save your nerve cells.

Spectral composition of sunlight

Light energy is conventionally divided into three ranges:

visible light;
infrared (IR) radiation;
ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

All these are ordinary electromagnetic waves, differing only in frequency or wavelength. These two characteristics are inversely proportional and are uniquely related to each other through the speed of light. Only the narrow region between the IR and UV ranges, to which his organ of vision reacts, is useful for a car driver. It is advisable to cut off everything else, preventing unwanted energy from penetrating into the car interior.

As for the UV range, high-frequency light is well absorbed in the atmosphere. At sea level, only 3 percent of total energy comes from this shortwave portion of the spectrum. And after passing through ordinary car glass, almost nothing remains from ultraviolet radiation.

The situation is much worse with infrared, otherwise called thermal radiation. Its share in total energy exceeds 50%. Traditional glass practically does not block IR rays. When they enter the cabin, they cause the interior to heat up, which is why even the most powerful car air conditioner is difficult to save in the summer. And in the parking lot it comes to irreversible destruction of interior materials.