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Home - Our Blogs - What Are the Types of Car Glass (Tempered – Laminated), and What’s the Difference Between Them?
tempered glass

24 Nov 2025

Car glass is one of the most important elements of safety and aesthetics in any vehicle. It doesn’t just protect the driver and passengers from wind and dust — it also plays a vital role in maintaining the vehicle’s structural integrity during accidents.

With different types such as tempered glass and laminated glass, many people find it hard to decide which one suits their car best.

In this article from Al Emad Auto, we’ll explain the difference between these types of car glass, the advantages of each, and how to choose the ideal type through our trusted car glass installation service.

First: What Is Tempered Car Glass?

Tempered Glass is a type of glass heated to very high temperatures and then rapidly cooled, giving it a strength four to five times greater than regular glass.

Features:

  • Resistant to impact and scratches.
  • When broken, it shatters into small, blunt pieces that reduce the risk of injury.
  • Lightweight and commonly used for side and rear windows.
  • Can withstand high temperature changes.

Drawbacks:

  • Cannot be repaired once broken; it must be completely replaced.
  • Does not provide sound insulation as effectively as laminated glass.

In case of breakage, you can request Al Emad Auto’s glass replacement service to replace your tempered glass quickly and safely.

 

Second: What Is Laminated Car Glass?

Laminated Glass consists of two layers of glass with a transparent plastic interlayer that holds the pieces together when shattered.

Features:

  • Does not scatter when broken, preventing external objects from entering the cabin.
  • Provides excellent sound and heat insulation.
  • Harder to penetrate, offering better protection against theft or accidents.
  • Can be partially repaired for minor cracks without a full replacement.

Drawbacks:

  • Heavier than tempered glass.
  • More expensive due to its complex manufacturing process.

The Al Emad Auto car glass repair team can precisely repair minor cracks in laminated glass.

Third: Comparison Between Tempered and Laminated Glass

Aspect

Tempered Glass

Laminated Glass

Structure

Single layer, heat-strengthened

Two layers with plastic interlayer

Durability

Strong against impacts

Strong against complete breakage

Safety in accidents

Shatters into small pieces

Remains intact due to adhesive layer

Sound insulation

Relatively weak

Excellent

Repairability

Cannot be repaired

Can be partially repaired

Cost

Lower

Higher

Common use

Side and rear windows

Front windshield

Al Emad Auto experts select the right type based on the glass location and the function of each part during any car glass installation.

Fourth: Which Type Is Better for Your Car?

There are different types of glass according to the place and use:

  • Front windshield: The laminated glass is always preferable due to the high safety level and the insulation of sound/heat.
  • Side and rear windows: Tempered glass should be used due to the impact resistance and low weight.

To have a compromise between just being safe and simply being beautiful, it is advisable to have laminated glass on the front side and tempered glass on the sides and the back.

The car glass installers at Al Emad Auto also offer free consultation.

Fifth: The Importance of Choosing High-Quality Glass

Not all glasses are created equal when it comes to selecting an appropriate glass, this is where safety and performance are taken into consideration.

The quality of glass can be poor which can limit visibility or break easily endangering your life.

Things to be considered during the selection of car glass:

  • Products match factory specifications.
  • UV resistance.
  • Level of transparency and unbiased visibility.
  • Installation by a professional service center.

Installation center at Al Emad Auto guarantees the best performance and safety of the car glass, yet it is real.

Sixth: When Should You Replace the Car Glass?

It may be difficult to determine when the replacement of glasses is required, but the following are the main indicators:

Large or several cracks developed.

  • Poor sound insulating or air sealing.
  • Unable to see clearly or visual distortion.
  • Shattered windows all the way to the ground.

When you find any of these indications, then do not wait to find the situation to get worse and instead schedule a car glass repair with Al Emad Auto.

Seventh: Tips to Maintain Car Glass

  • Do not spend much time in the sunlight.
  • Do not pour hot water on cold glass.
  • Cleaners contain no abrasive substances.
  • And going to the annual car check up, you need to check your car glass.
  • Wipe it with original wipers in order to avoid scratches.

Eighth: Approximate Cost of Car Glass in Dubai

Type

Average Estimated Price

Tempered Glass (Side or Rear)

AED 400 – 900

Laminated Glass (Front)

AED 800 – 1800

Full replacement with original glass

AED 1500 – 3000

You can get an accurate quotation for your car glass installation service depending on your car’s model and specifications.

Ninth: How Is Glass Installed at Al Emad Auto Center?

  1. Carefully remove the old glass without damaging the frame.
  2. Clean the entire outer frame.
  3. Apply specialized, heat-resistant adhesive.
  4. Install the new glass precisely using electronic alignment tools.
  5. Test sealing and insulation before delivering the car to the customer.

All glass installation services come with a warranty on materials and workmanship for your peace of mind.

Conclusion

With a tempered or laminated car glass, the only thing that counts is its quality and professional installations to guarantee its safety and performance.

  • Laminated glass: This is the most suitable within the aspect of safety and insulation.
  • Tempered glass: This is the best type of glass that is strong and can be used as a lightweight.

Have your car glass installed or repaired at Al Emad Auto and be able to see the road more clearly and be in total safety.

 

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs).

1. What is the variation between laminated and tempered glass?

Side windows are made of tempered glass since it is not heavy and is also impact-resistant and the windshield is made of laminated glass since it is safer to use when broken.

2. Is it possible to repair laminated glass?

Yes, even small cracks can be fixed provided that they do not extend to over 15 cm or the edge.

3. Is tempered glass safe?

Yes, when fractured, it falls into bits of small blunt things that decrease the risk of injury.

4. How many days does it take to replace the windshield?

Typically two to three hours at an installation center of car glasses.

5. Is it possible that there is a distinction between original and commercial glass?

Yes, original glass is better insulated and it meets safety standards in the world.

6. Are warranty services such as installation covered?

Yes, Al Emad Auto provides a complete warranty on the car glass repairing and installing services.