A2 window glass specification

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whatevershebringswesing

Member
Does anyone know if the glass in our windows and windscreen has a built-in protection from UV sunlight. I know this is true for my old Saab (hush but soon to be sold) but I don't know if the same applies to the A2.
atb
 
W

whatevershebringswesing

Member
Thank you Didgesteve. Interesting - didn't know that. I thought I had seen something written about my Saab to the effect that some glass was above the norm (which I really need if I can get it). But if all cars are the same in this respect then the issue doesn't affect my choice of car (yes it is that significant in my case!). atb
 
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jogon

Member
Well it is tinted green on the windscreen and side windows and tinted grey on the rear heated window so will have better protection from UV than clear glass. Some green tinted glass is classed as green solar which will have a special interlayer within the laminate to block UV rays
 
Didgesteve

Didgesteve

Member
Some windscreens are polarized, which means that they help block out harsh reflections and make it easier for your eyes in bright sunlight. They are quite unusual, perhaps that's what the special screen is you were reffering to?
 
Didgesteve

Didgesteve

Member
steve_c said:
Links to back up these claims would be very helpful.
Click to expand...
You can't polarize glass, but you can apply a film that is polarized to the glass. If you wear polarized sunglasses while driving you will see some car windscreens have have a dark blue tint. It's popular on mercedes vehicles, perhaps it's an optional extra. I found this link regarding someone who retro fitted it.
 
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whatevershebringswesing

Member
Thank you all!! Great article RAB. Summary:
• Common for windscreens to help significantly in reducing UV due to being a laminate with a vinyl layer.
• Some windscreens are even more effective by having a layer which polarises the light.
• It is practically possible to retrofit a film that has the same benefit (but may not be permissible if opaque).
• It is less common for side windows to be laminated (normally tempered only) therefore assume less protection.
• Even normal side windows filter some UVB (burn/tan) but not UVA (skin ageing/raised risk skin cancer).

In relation to the A2 in particular I will try to find out if the side glass is laminated (in which case the performance matches the windscreen). If it isn't then a retrofit film is a possibility provided that doesn't impede opening the window.
atb
 
steve_c

steve_c

A2OC Donor
whatevershebringswesing said:
• Some windscreens are even more effective by having a layer which polarises the light.
• It is practically possible to retrofit a film that has the same benefit (but may not be permissible if opaque).
Click to expand...
Don't believe everything you get told on internet forums. The link Didgesteve provided did not support his claim about polarized windscreens, what it was actually describing was photochromic windscreens (referred to as 'polarized' through ignorance).

The Boxer Wachler Vision Institute of Beverly Hills, California published research in 2016 covering the question of UVA exposure in automobiles: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27258091 which was reported around the world eg https://www.cbsnews.com/news/your-car-side-window-could-be-a-health-hazard/ or here https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/1754362/how-bmw-and-mercedes-drivers-receive-twice-as-many-harmful-uv-rays-as-other-motorists/

The A2 like most other cars does not have laminated side windows.
 
U

Un4tural

Member
I have a set of the fancy self dimming glasses and while they get slightly darker in the audit it is very minor compared to outside - optician mentioned it as well that it will not work in the car as the glass will block majority if not all the UV so the glasses coating does not react.

Mine has "Heat insulating tinted glass" option according to Audi so it might be doing more than standard spec though - can feel a difference between this and my old one, though when it does get really chilly it is still freezing.
 
W

whatevershebringswesing

Member
Steve_c I was unusually hasty in summarising! Thank you for clarifying polarising/photochromic. It sounds like you have specialist knowledge. Don't worry - I am by nature doubtful of everything I read! The articles (and my own physical experience) confirm that vulnerability to UV is more acute with side windows. [I am glad that we had side roller blinds in the back for the children on long journeys.] One of the best things about my old Saab is that it has a double visor so that one leaf can be rotated to cover the NSF window.
Un4tural Thanks. Interesting that there was a glass 'option'. I will investigate further.
All - What an amazing group A2OC represents. Thanks.
 
J

jogon

Member
whatevershebringswesing said:
Thank you all!! Great article RAB. Summary:
• Common for windscreens to help significantly in reducing UV due to being a laminate with a vinyl layer.
• Some windscreens are even more effective by having a layer which polarises the light.
• It is practically possible to retrofit a film that has the same benefit (but may not be permissible if opaque).
• It is less common for side windows to be laminated (normally tempered only) therefore assume less protection.
• Even normal side windows filter some UVB (burn/tan) but not UVA (skin ageing/raised risk skin cancer).

In relation to the A2 in particular I will try to find out if the side glass is laminated (in which case the performance matches the windscreen). If it isn't then a retrofit film is a possibility provided that doesn't impede opening the window.
atb
Click to expand...

It is only the front windscreen that is laminated glass on the A2
 
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