Tech Tip- Acoustic Windshields Pose No New Problems

As most of you know acoustic windshields are designed to reduce the amount of noise that is heard inside the cabin of modern vehicles without adding mileage robbing weight to the glass. Acoustic windshields are more expensive than traditional laminated windshields which can be used as a selling point for windshield repair technicians.

As acoustic windshields becoming increasingly popular I am also receiving an increasing number of calls from windshield repair technicians wanting to know if they are repairable, and if so, if there are any special precautions that they need to be aware of.

Regardless of brand name, acoustic windshields are currently no different than any other windshield with one exception; The PVB. In an acoustic windshield the polyvinyl butyral (PVB) inner layer is acoustically enhanced for more efficient sound reduction. This does not affect the ability of a technician to repair the windshield and does not affect the quality of a successfully completed windshield repair.

Yes, acoustic windshields are repairable, and no, there are no special precautions that windshield repair technicians need to be aware of.
Although acoustic windshields pose no new problems for windshield repair technicians, I recommend checking the identification markings on a windshield, often called the “Bug”. In most cases, the Bug will identify the glass manufacturer, the American Standard “AS” number, the DOT number, the M number and as shown below, a name or logo identifying the glass as acoustical-grade. You may see the word Acoustic, or simply an “A” for acoustic, and sometimes manufacturers get creative, so you have to use your imagination. This photo shows an ear at the bottom of the Bug to identify this windshield as acoustical-grade. The vehicle manufacturer, an E Code (required to identify the country in European Union), solar control identification, and heated identification are also typically found in the Bug.

The Bug can be found on the bottom center or bottom passenger side of the windshield.

Note: Glass replacement technicians should not rely on the Bug to identify acoustic windshields as not all manufacturers specify that information in the Bug. However, this is not a concern for windshield repair technicians.