Windshield is a Misleading Name – More on Mobile Windshield Replacement Done Right – Part 1

Modern windshields do a lot more than block the wind

Early cars, or “horseless carriages” as they were called at the time, didn’t have windshields. Since their top speed was so low, it wasn’t really necessary. However, when the twentieth century rolled around and internal combustion cars started to get faster, more common, and more practical, people realized pretty quickly that they wanted protection from dirt, insects, and debris that the wind blew into their cars. This gave rise to the first windshields. In this series, we’ll discuss windshield history and technology, then we’ll take a look at mobile windshield replacement.

One of the first cars - mobile windshield replacement blog

Early windshields were designed to shield from the wind, but not much beyond that. They were essentially the same as a plate glass window you would find in houses of the time. Most were actually designed to fold in half with the idea being when the windshield got too dirty to see through, you folded it down out of the way and looked over top of it. However, these early windshields had another big problem – safety. Since they were made of plate glass, even a minor accident could cause them to shatter into long, pointed shards that were very dangerous to drivers. Of course, this was also long before airbags or even seatbelts were included in cars, making the plate glass windshields even more dangerous since occupants could be thrown through them in a crash.

The quest for a safer windshield

Windshield technology got a big boost early in the twentieth century due largely to a laboratory accident by French chemist Edouard Benedictus. Benedictus had been doing some experiments with a compound called cellulose nitrate when his assistant accidentally put away some of his lab equipment while it was still dirty. While the beakers sat on their shelf, the cellulose nitrate hardened into a clear, plasticky coating on the inside of the glassware.

Check back soon for Windshield is a Misleading Name – More on Mobile Windshield Replacement Done Right – Part 2. In the meantime, check out our page on mobile windshield replacement.

Our Auto Glass Service Is Insurance Approved

Chapman Mobile Auto Glass Repair and Replacement is an approved and preferred provider for most of the major auto insurance providers. We can bill your insurance provider directly, so you get your auto glass repair or replacement taken care of with no money out of pocket above your deductible (if applicable). If you carry liability coverage only and therefore do not have glass coverage, our services are affordably priced and we accept Cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. We no longer accept checks and apologize for any inconvenience.

Happy Customers

What does that mean to you the customer?
Simple – it means less down time for you and your vehicle. It means your damaged auto glass is being replaced using a quality replacement. If it is a vent glass, quarter glass or back glass it will be installed with Dow Adhesives. The same brand and quality of urethanes and primers used by 80% of the original vehicle manufacturers in the world.

Because we strictly adhere to all time and temperature requirements of the manufacture, in shop service may be required during times of inclement weather such as rain, snow or temps below the recommended levels. Ignoring these factors will greatly increase your chances of problems including failure of your windshield’s retention.

Ultimately, it’s your car and you have the right to select any windshield replacement facility you choose. So call the best, Chapman Mobile Auto Glass at 505-228-5869. You will be glad you did.

Scroll to Top