Auto Glass Glossary

Comprehensive guide to windshield safety, ADAS calibration, and auto glass terminology.

ADASGlass TypesStandardsDamage TypesInstallationIndustry

ADAS

ADAS
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems - Safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control that rely on cameras and sensors, often mounted behind the windshield.
AEB
Automatic Emergency Braking - An ADAS feature that automatically applies brakes when a collision is imminent and the driver has not responded.
Dynamic Calibration
ADAS calibration performed while driving on public roads at specific speeds. Some systems use dynamic calibration alone or in combination with static calibration.
Forward-Facing Camera
A camera mounted behind the windshield that provides visual input for ADAS features. Must be recalibrated after windshield replacement to ensure proper alignment.
LDW
Lane Departure Warning - An ADAS feature that alerts drivers when the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without a turn signal activated.
LKA
Lane Keeping Assist - An ADAS feature that actively steers the vehicle to keep it centered in the lane, building on LDW functionality.
Static Calibration
ADAS calibration performed in a controlled indoor environment using targets at precise distances. Required for most windshield-mounted camera systems after replacement.

Glass Types

Acoustic Glass
Laminated glass with a special interlayer that reduces road noise transmission. Common in luxury vehicles and increasingly standard in modern cars.
Aftermarket Glass
Replacement glass made by third-party manufacturers that meets federal safety minimums but may not meet vehicle-specific engineering requirements.
Laminated Glass
Safety glass made of two glass layers bonded to a plastic interlayer (PVB). Used for windshields, it holds together when shattered and provides structural support.
OEE Glass
Original Equipment Equivalent glass that meets OEM specifications but is made by third-party manufacturers. Quality varies by manufacturer.
OEM Glass
Original Equipment Manufacturer glass made by the same supplier who provides glass to vehicle manufacturers. Meets exact vehicle specifications for fit, optics, and ADAS compatibility.
Solar Glass
Glass with coatings or tints that reduce solar heat gain and UV transmission, improving comfort and protecting interior materials.
Tempered Glass
Heat-treated glass that shatters into small, relatively harmless pieces. Used for side and rear windows but NOT windshields.

Standards

AGSC
Auto Glass Safety Council - Industry organization that certifies technicians and promotes safe auto glass replacement practices.
ANSI/AGRSS
American National Standards Institute / Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standard - Industry standard defining safe auto glass replacement procedures.
FMVSS 205
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 205 - Specifies glazing material requirements including light transmittance and impact resistance for automotive glass.
FMVSS 212
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 212 - Establishes windshield retention requirements to ensure the windshield remains attached during a crash.
ROLAGS
Repair of Laminated Auto Glass Standard - Industry specification for windshield chip and crack repair procedures.

Damage Types

Bullseye
A circular chip with a cone-shaped impact point, resembling a bullseye target. Generally repairable if under 1 inch diameter.
Combination Break
A chip that combines characteristics of multiple damage types, such as a bullseye with radiating cracks.
Edge Crack
A crack that starts at the edge of the windshield, often from installation stress or manufacturing issues. Typically requires replacement.
Star Break
A chip with small cracks radiating outward from the impact point, resembling a star. Repairable if short legs and not in camera zone.
Stress Crack
A crack that appears without visible impact, often caused by temperature changes, structural stress, or manufacturing defects.

Installation

Full Cut
Installation method where all existing urethane is removed from the pinchweld. Required for severely corroded or damaged pinchwelds.
Partial Cut
Installation method where some existing urethane is left on the pinchweld as a bonding surface. Standard method when pinchweld is in good condition.
Pinchweld
The metal channel around the windshield opening where the glass is bonded. Must be clean and properly primed for a secure installation.
Safe Drive-Away Time (SDAT)
The minimum time required after windshield installation before the vehicle can be safely driven. Varies by adhesive type and environmental conditions.
Urethane
The adhesive used to bond windshields to the vehicle frame. Provides structural bond and must cure properly before driving.

Industry

I-CAR
Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair - Leading organization for auto body repair training and certification standards.
In-Shop Installation
Windshield replacement performed in a controlled shop environment. Preferred for ADAS-equipped vehicles requiring calibration.
Mobile Installation
Windshield replacement performed at the customer's location rather than a shop. May present challenges for ADAS calibration requirements.

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