How Windscreens Have Changed Over the Years

It’s fair to say that the cars we drive have changed dramatically over the years.

From motor wagons of the late 19th century to the technologically advanced machines we drive today, the evolution has been staggering. Alongside the growth in the vehicles themselves, windscreens have also changed significantly over the years.

In this article, the team here at The Windscreen Company will take a closer look at how windscreens have changed over the years.

Folding windscreens 

It wasn’t long after the invention of the automobile that drivers realised they needed something to protect themselves from the elements. Folded windscreens were introduced to minimise the effects of wind and rain. 

Made from a flexible material, they could be folded up or down as required by the driver. 

In the early days, cars were mainly viewed as horseless carriages, but as engines became more powerful and the vehicles could reach greater speeds, it was acknowledged that a safer solution was required.

The first glass windscreens 

In 1904, the first glass windscreens were introduced to cars. Providing greater protection and safety for drivers, they were initially an optional feature of cars before becoming standard in 1915.

These windscreens were made from plate glass – the same kind of glass used for windows in buildings. While this option was far safer than folding windscreens, the technology still had a long way to go as plate glass shatters on impact, posing a hazard to drivers. 

Laminated glass becomes standard 

To combat the problem of windscreens shattering, laminated glass was invented in 1919. This type of glass is created by bonding two layers of glass together with a thin, plastic layer in between (usually polyvinyl butyral). When the glass is struck, instead of dangerously shattering, it will crack to keep the windscreen intact. This is a far safer type of glass for cars, and in the 1980s, it was made a legal requirement for all windscreens.

Heated windscreens 

Ford was the first manufacturer to introduce heated windscreens to their vehicles, doing so in the 1980s. A great way to defrost glass without having to manually scrape the windscreen, heated windscreens are now common in many vehicles and at The Windscreen Company, we even offer a heated windscreen repair and replacement service.

ADAS windscreens 

Since 2016, most new cars have come with advanced driver assistance systems, or ADAS, as standard. These systems are designed to make driving easier, and include the likes of automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings and windscreen head-up displays. 

Many ADAS features have cameras and sensors in the windscreen glass itself, helping the system detect where the car is on the road and operate accordingly. 

While this has made driving in the 21st century easier, if a windscreen becomes damaged then these systems can also be affected. This is why car windscreen calibration is always necessary after any windscreen work, to keep these systems working properly and ensure your vehicle is always safe. 

Windscreen technology has come a long way over the years, and no matter what type of windscreen you have on your vehicle, The Windscreen Company is here to help. For more than 25 years, we’ve provided leading repair and replacement services to vehicles of every make and model, and if yours has suffered any damage, contact our expert team today.     

The Windscreen Company

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The Windscreen Company, has over 20 years of experience in windscreen repair and replacement. Since 1998, they have been at the forefront of industry innovation, leveraging the latest technology to ensure customer safety and satisfaction.

The Windscreen Company's, help-and-advice pages offer valuable tips and guidance on maintaining vehicle safety through quality windscreen care, while also featuring updated industry realted content.

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