Vent Glass

Among the different types of auto glass, vent glass plays a vital role in enhancing the functionality and safety of vehicles. Vent glass, also known as side glass or side window, refers to the smaller windows typically found in the side doors of automotive vehicles. Unlike the windshield, which is made of laminated glass, vent glass is commonly made of tempered glass. This type of glass is designed to shatter into small, granular pieces upon impact, reducing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants. The primary function of vent glass is to provide ventilation and regulate airflow within the vehicle cabin.

Vent Glass was Created by Mercedes-Benz

The invention of the side window is often credited to Carl Benz, the founder of Mercedes-Benz, who introduced the first practical automobile in 1886. Benz recognized the need for a window that could be opened to provide ventilation and designed a hinged glass panel that could be manually operated. With the advent of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), vent glass has also evolved to accommodate sensors and cameras that are integral to these systems. This integration ensures that the benefits of vent glass are not compromised by technological advancements but rather enhanced to meet the demands of modern vehicles.

Benefits of Vent Glass

Ventilation and airflow is one of the key benefits of vent glass. Airflow allows fresh air to enter and stale air to exit, vent glass helps maintain a comfortable and pleasant environment for the occupants. This is particularly important in Arizona during the hot summer weather – or when the vehicle is parked for an extended period.

Vent glass provides an additional means of escape in case of emergency situations. In the event of a collision or other incidents that may render the main doors inoperable, occupants can utilize the vent glass to exit the vehicle. This feature is especially crucial in situations where time is of the essence, such as during a fire or submersion in water.

Vent glass is made of tempered glass, which is designed to shatter upon impact. While laminated glass is shatter resistant, tempered glass still offers a certain level of impact resistance. This means that it can withstand moderate force without breaking, providing protection against flying debris or objects that may encounter the vehicle during normal driving conditions. The impact resistance of vent glass contributes to the overall structural integrity of the vehicle.

Made in USA Auto Glass vs OEM Auto Glass vs OEE Auto Glass

Made in USA auto glass is produced in state-of-the-art facilities across the nation. USA auto glass undergoes rigorous testing to meet the highest industry standards. Made in China auto glass is usually imported from Shangdong Donghao Autoglass, or other such manufacturers, and does not meet OEM structure safety standards.

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) is produced by the same manufacturer that supplied the original windshield for the vehicle. It is designed to meet the exact specifications and quality standards set by the automaker. For more information visit What is OEM Auto Glass?"

Original Equipment Equivalent (OEE) on the other hand, is manufactured by third-party companies and is often more affordable than OEM glass.

OEM glass is generally considered to be of higher quality due to its precise fit and adherence to the automaker's specifications. This is particularly important for modern windshields, which are often integrated with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking. A properly installed windshield is crucial for the optimal functioning of these systems.