What Is a Metallized Windshield?
by William Vandemark
Metallized windshields are also known as metal oxide windshields. Metal particles in the glass reduce the amount of visible light, infrared and ultraviolet radiation entering vehicles.
Function
Metallized windshields protect the interiors of vehicles against harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. They also keep interiors cooler by reflecting the infrared heat of the sun. Another benefit these windshields provide is reduced glare while driving. Some car manufacturers use the electrically conductive property of these windshields to aid in defrosting and deicing. Some manufacturers use the metallized windshields in place of radio antennas.
Composition
Metallized windshields are manufactured by adding a 1- to 2-micron layer of metal oxide to the glass. The metal oxide can be composed of tin, zinc and indium. Metallized film can also be installed directly onto windshields by professionals or by car owners with do-it-yourself kits.
Warning
Windshields with metal particles can interfere with radio waves. Interior tollway transponders, dash-mount satellite radio receivers, and GPS receivers may become unreliable. In vehicles with metallized windshields, external transmitters and receivers may be required.
Considerations
The amount of tint allowed in a windshield varies. The State Window Tinting Rules & Laws Chart (see Resources) lists specific information by state.
Writer Bio
William Vandemark has been a professional writer since 1986, when Pittsburgh Technical Institute published his textbook on Computer Aided Drafting. His nonfiction has appeared in "Aviation International," "Fantasy Magazine" and on the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America blog. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in creative writing from Carnegie Mellon University and a certificate in screenwriting from TheFilmSchool.
