What Is an Infrared Windshield For?

An infrared windshield reflects infrared light waves in sunlight.

An infrared windshield reflects the infrared light waves and so reduces heat build-up from direct sunlight inside the car. This has advantages in terms of cutting down on the need for air conditioning and thus using less gas.

Infrared Heat

Heat in sunlight is caused by far infrared waves. In reflecting these waves, an infrared windshield screens out the heat in sunlight whilst allowing the visible spectrum through, so you can still see through it.

Fuel Efficiency

As the driving cabin is not heated by direct sunlight (some estimates put the temperature difference compared to conventional windshields at as much as 10 degrees Fahrenheit), the air-conditioning system will not be used so often and so will consume less fuel. PPG industries estimates that their infrared windshields make cars 2 to 4 percent more fuel efficient.

Cost

Although infrared windshields cost more than regular ones, the fuel efficiency benefit means that they will pay for themselves over time. Using the PPG industries' estimate of savings of around $66 a year, a $250 Infrared windshield will pay for itself in a little over four years.

References

• BMW: Green Stripe Climate Comfort Windscreen
• Ask Teleglass: Infra-red Reflective Auto Glass?
• Heat Transfer Service Network: Sungate Windshield Reduces A/C Usage -- Fuel Efficiency Up 4%
• NASA: The Infrared