Alfa Romeo windscreen replacement

What Alfa Romeo windscreen features mean

Tap a feature to see what it is, how to spot it on your car, and how it affects glass replacement. We confirm the exact match for your vehicle when you book.

• Green44

  1983–2026

  Green tint reduces glare and improves visual comfort by filtering certain light wavelengths.

  What it means

  Green tint is a light-filtering coating applied to the glass during manufacture. It absorbs and reduces transmission of certain wavelengths of light, primarily to cut glare from sunlight and reflections. The tint is subtle — often barely visible to the naked eye — but measurably improves visual comfort during prolonged driving, particularly in bright conditions. It's a factory specification chosen by the vehicle manufacturer to balance daylight comfort with interior visibility and aesthetic consistency across all glass in the vehicle.

  How to tell

  The easiest way to check is to roll your side window halfway down and hold a piece of white paper behind it. Look carefully for a tint cast — green tint will appear as a subtle green hue compared to clear glass. Your windscreen will have the same tint as your side windows. You can also ask your vehicle's dealership or service centre — they'll have the original specification on file.

  Replacement impact

  Green-tinted replacement glass must match the original tint specification to maintain visual consistency across all windows and preserve the vehicle's interior aesthetics. Aftermarket OE-equivalent (OEE) green-tinted glass is widely available, though some vehicles may require original equipment (OEM) dealership glass if the tint specification is proprietary. Tint does not affect calibration, cure time, or installation procedure — it's a cosmetic and functional specification only.

• Rain Sensor18

  1999–2026No calibration after replacement

  Your wipers automatically activate when rain falls on the windscreen.

  What it means

  A rain sensor is a device mounted on or behind the windscreen that detects moisture and triggers the wiper system automatically. The sensor uses infrared light to measure water droplets on the glass surface and signals the vehicle's electrical system to engage the wipers without driver input. This feature improves safety in sudden downpours and reduces driver workload in variable weather conditions.

  How to tell

  Check your windscreen for a small sensor unit, usually mounted near the top centre behind the glass or at the base of the mirror. Look for a small dark component or lens. If your vehicle has automatic wipers that activate without you toggling the stalk, you have a rain sensor. Ask your dealer or service centre to confirm; they can check your vehicle records or wiper module settings.

  Replacement impact

  Rain sensors are non-structural elements and do not require recalibration after windscreen replacement. The sensor bracket or mounting may need careful removal and reinstallation to ensure it sits correctly behind the new glass. If the sensor itself is damaged during removal, a replacement unit may be needed. Your fitter will confirm the condition and refit or replace the sensor as part of the standard replacement procedure.

• Solar Control16

  1993–2018

  Solar control glass absorbs infrared rays to reduce heat and improve cabin comfort.

  What it means

  Solar control is a coating applied to the windscreen that absorbs the sun's infrared radiation rather than allowing it to pass through into the cabin. This reduces solar heat gain, helping to keep the interior cooler and more comfortable, particularly in warm weather or direct sunlight. The coating is transparent to visible light, so it doesn't darken the windscreen or affect visibility. It's a passive thermal management feature that works continuously whenever the sun is shining on the glass.

  How to tell

  Check your vehicle's specification sheet or contact your dealership service centre to confirm whether solar control glass is fitted. Some manufacturers list it as 'solar control windscreen', 'heat-reflective glass', or 'thermal management glass'. It's a factory-fitted feature and won't be visibly obvious from outside the car — the coating is integral to the glass itself.

  Replacement impact

  Solar control glass is a factory-fitted specification. When replacing the windscreen, a solar control variant must be sourced to match the original. This is a standard glass type with no special fitting implications or calibration requirements. Cure and drive-away times follow normal windscreen bonding procedures. Confirm with your fitter that the replacement glass includes solar control to maintain the original thermal performance.

• Acoustic (Noise reduction)13

  2008–2026

  Acoustic glass reduces cabin noise for a quieter, more comfortable ride.

  What it means

  Acoustic windscreen glass is laminated with a special acoustic interlayer that absorbs and dampens sound vibrations. It reduces exterior noise—from traffic, wind, and road surface—before it enters the passenger compartment. This makes the cabin noticeably quieter and creates a more peaceful driving experience. It's a comfort feature, not a safety one; standard laminated windscreens already meet impact safety requirements.

  How to tell

  Check your windscreen for an ear symbol, the word 'Acoustic', a capital 'A', or the term 'SoundScreen' printed in one of the four corners. These markings indicate acoustic-grade glass. You can also ask your vehicle's dealership or service centre whether your model came fitted with acoustic glass—it's often a factory option on comfort or premium trims.

  Replacement impact

  Acoustic glass is always laminated and bonds to the frame like any standard windscreen, so replacement follows the normal bonded-glass procedure. No specialist calibration is required. The replacement technician will fit it using standard adhesive and sealant. Cure time and drive-away restrictions are identical to standard laminated windscreens. Acoustic glass is widely available as an aftermarket OE-equivalent option.

• Vin Notch12

  2009–2026

  A printed VIN reference box along the bottom edge of your windscreen helps identify your vehicle's chassis number at a glance.

  What it means

  A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) notch is a small printed or etched box positioned along the lower edge of the windscreen that displays your vehicle's chassis number. This reference marking is a manufacturing and administrative feature, allowing quick visual identification of the vehicle without needing to consult documents. It's particularly useful for service records, insurance claims, and vehicle registration purposes. The notch itself doesn't affect the structural integrity or safety performance of the glass.

  How to tell

  Look along the bottom edge of your windscreen — typically in one of the lower corners — for a small rectangular box containing printed digits or characters. If you're uncertain, check your vehicle's service handbook or ask your dealership or service centre to confirm whether your model includes this feature.

  Replacement impact

  When your windscreen is replaced, the new glass will retain the VIN notch printed or etched by the manufacturer. This is a standard feature on replacement windscreens for compatible vehicles and requires no additional work or adjustment. The notch does not affect glass fitting, cure time, or any post-replacement calibration procedures.

• Camera9

  2015–2026Calibration varies by vehicle

  A camera mounted near the rear-view mirror monitors the road ahead for lane-keep and traffic-sign features.

  What it means

  A forward-facing camera positioned in the windscreen header area (typically mounted on or near the rear-view mirror bracket) captures video of the road ahead. This camera feeds data to driver-assistance systems such as lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, autonomous emergency braking, and traffic-sign recognition. The camera is a core component of modern ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and requires precise alignment after windscreen replacement to ensure these safety features function correctly.

  How to tell

  Look for a small dark triangular or lens-shaped component mounted in the black plastic trim area above the windscreen, typically centred near the rear-view mirror or slightly to one side. Your vehicle's handbook or infotainment menu may reference 'Lane Assist', 'Traffic Sign Recognition', or 'Autonomous Emergency Braking'. Ask your dealer or service centre directly if your car is equipped with a forward-facing camera system.

  Replacement impact

  Windscreen replacement on camera-equipped vehicles requires calibration of the camera system after the new glass is fitted. The exact calibration procedure—whether static (using a target board in a controlled environment) or dynamic (road-based)—varies by vehicle make, model, and year. We confirm the precise calibration requirement when we look up your specific vehicle. Calibration ensures lane-keep, sign recognition, and emergency-braking systems function safely. This may extend the fitting schedule and may necessitate workshop-based fitting rather than mobile attendance.

• Heated Windscreen7

  1987–2026

  Heated windscreens use embedded wires to quickly clear ice and condensation in cold weather.

  What it means

  A heated windscreen is integrated with a fine mesh of electrical wires embedded within the glass itself. When activated, these wires generate heat to warm the windscreen surface, helping to rapidly clear frost, ice, and condensation during cold or damp conditions. This feature improves visibility and safety in winter driving and reduces reliance on engine heat and demister air, which can be slower on very cold mornings.

  How to tell

  Check your vehicle's handbook or contact your dealership service centre — they can confirm whether your model includes this feature. Look for a dashboard symbol (usually a windscreen icon with heat waves) when you activate the function, or check your infotainment settings for a heating or climate option linked to the windscreen. Some vehicles have a dedicated button on the stalk or console.

  Replacement impact

  Heated windscreens require replacement glass to be of the correct heated specification — standard unheated glass cannot be fitted. The replacement glass must be sourced to match your vehicle's exact heated-wire configuration. Installation is straightforward, though the technician will confirm the heating element is functioning correctly after fitting. No calibration is required for this feature.

• Blue Sun Strip6

  1990–2020

  A blue-tinted gradient band across the top of your windscreen that reduces glare without affecting your view of the road.

  What it means

  A blue sun strip is a tinted gradient band built into the upper edge of your windscreen's laminate layer. It reduces glare from sunlight reflecting off the road and bonnet without darkening your main field of vision. The tint is created during manufacture as part of the glass laminate itself — it cannot be added or removed later. Sun strips are a windscreen-only feature; rear and side windows cannot carry this effect because they use tempered rather than laminated glass.

  How to tell

  Look at the top of your windscreen from inside the car — you'll see a distinct blue-tinted band running horizontally across the upper portion. Check your vehicle's specification sheet or ask your dealership service centre whether your windscreen is listed as a 'blue sun strip' or 'tinted sun strip' variant. Your invoice or parts manual will confirm it.

  Replacement impact

  When replacing a windscreen with a blue sun strip, the replacement must be the sun-strip variant — a standard plain windscreen will not replicate the tinted band. Your replacement glass is sourced as an exact match to your original specification. There are no additional calibration or cure implications beyond a standard windscreen replacement. Fitting and drive-away times remain unchanged.

• Heated Wiper Rest Area6

  1987–2018

  Heating elements embedded in the glass melt ice from your wipers and the bottom of your windscreen.

  What it means

  A heated wiper rest area uses electric heating elements embedded into the windscreen in the area where your wipers park when not in use. These elements warm the glass to prevent ice and frost from bonding to the wiper blades and the lower windscreen edge during cold weather. This reduces the effort needed to clear ice in the morning and helps protect your wipers from damage caused by frozen adhesion to the glass.

  How to tell

  Check your windscreen's lower edge where the wipers rest — you may see faint heating lines or elements visible in the glass. Your handbook or service history will confirm the feature. You can also ask your dealer or service centre whether your vehicle is equipped with a heated wiper rest area.

  Replacement impact

  When replacing a windscreen with a heated wiper rest area, the replacement glass must include the heating elements. Aftermarket and OE glazing suppliers offer this feature, but availability varies by vehicle. The heating system does not require calibration after replacement, though the technician will ensure the heating element connections are properly restored during installation.

• Heat Absorbing PVB5

  2005–2027

  Heat-absorbing PVB interlayer reduces solar gain and cabin temperature on warm days—but must match your original spec.

  What it means

  Heat-absorbing PVB is a specially formulated interlayer sandwiched between the glass plies in your windscreen. It absorbs a portion of the sun's infrared radiation before it enters the cabin, reducing solar heat gain on warm days. This keeps the interior cooler and reduces air-conditioning workload. The feature is built into the glass during manufacture and cannot be added or removed after production. If your vehicle left the factory with this interlayer, any replacement windscreen must carry the same PVB specification to maintain the original thermal performance.

  How to tell

  Check your vehicle's specification sheet or handbook—heat-absorbing PVB is listed under windscreen or glass specification. You can also ask your dealership service centre or provide us with your vehicle registration; we'll confirm whether your car came with this feature as standard or as an option.

  Replacement impact

  Replacement windscreens with heat-absorbing PVB must be sourced to the exact OE specification—aftermarket alternatives with standard PVB will not deliver the same solar-control performance. We ensure the correct spec is ordered before the fit. No calibration is required. Installation and cure procedures are identical to standard windscreen replacement; the interlayer is integral to the glass and requires no additional treatment.

• Bracket For Safety Features4

  2015–2027Calibration varies by vehicle

  The moulded trim that surrounds your camera and sensor cluster at the top of the windscreen, typically transferred or supplied with replacement glass.

  What it means

  A bracket for safety features is the moulded plastic or composite shroud that sits at the top of the windscreen, framing and protecting the camera and sensor cluster mounted behind the rear-view mirror. This trim cover houses forward-facing driver-assistance cameras and sensors — equipment that monitors the road ahead for lane-keeping, collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and similar safety functions. The bracket itself is part of the vehicle's structural frame, but the trim cover you see is what protects and aesthetically integrates the technology into the windscreen area.

  How to tell

  Look at the top centre of your windscreen, just above or around the rear-view mirror. If you see a dark moulded shroud or trim panel — often rectangular or tapered — with a visible lens or sensor window, your vehicle has a bracket for safety features. Your service history or handbook will list any ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) technologies fitted. Ask your dealer or service centre if your vehicle has forward-facing cameras or sensors; if it does, you have a bracket for safety features.

  Replacement impact

  On windscreen replacement, the trim cover is typically transferred from your old glass to the new one, or supplied pre-integrated with the replacement depending on the variant. This means minimal disruption to your safety system during the swap. However, if the bracket requires recalibration after glass replacement — which depends on your specific vehicle and camera type — the job may require static calibration (using a target board) or dynamic calibration (a road drive). We confirm the exact calibration procedure when we look up your vehicle.

• Green Sun Strip3

  1987–2006

  A green-tinted band at the windscreen's top edge that reduces glare from sunlight above.

  What it means

  A green sun strip is a graduated tint band integrated into the windscreen's laminate at the upper edge. It filters intense sunlight and glare from above — particularly useful on motorways and in bright conditions — whilst maintaining clarity through the main viewing area below. The tint is permanent, fused into the laminate layer during manufacture, and cannot be applied or removed afterwards. Sun strips are a windscreen-only feature because they must be built into the laminate during production; side and rear glass cannot carry them as they are typically toughened rather than laminated.

  How to tell

  Look at the top edge of your windscreen from the inside. A sun strip appears as a distinct green-tinted gradient band that fades from darker at the very top to clear below. It is visible whether the car is parked or moving. You can also check your vehicle's specification sheet or ask your dealership or current service centre to confirm whether your windscreen includes a sun strip.

  Replacement impact

  The replacement windscreen must be the green sun strip variant to match your original. This is not a post-fit addition; it must be ordered as part of the glass itself. Availability is usually straightforward for current and recent models from major manufacturers, though older or less common variants may require a longer lead time. The sun strip does not affect calibration requirements or cure time — it is simply a laminate feature and does not complicate the fitting process.

• Grey Sun Strip3

  1997–2011

  A grey-tinted band across the top of your windscreen that reduces glare from sunlight and reflections above.

  What it means

  A grey sun strip is a tinted gradient band built into the top edge of the windscreen during manufacture. It sits within the laminated glass layers and gradually fades from opaque grey at the very top to clear further down. The strip is designed to reduce glare and reflections from sunlight, street lights, and oncoming headlights, improving comfort and visibility for the driver without obstructing the view of traffic signals or overhead hazards. Sun strips are a factory-applied feature unique to windscreens—they cannot be added to side or rear glass because those are typically toughened rather than laminated.

  How to tell

  Look at the top of your windscreen from inside the vehicle. You will see a grey-tinted band that fades to clear glass. The tint is gradual and integral to the glass itself, not a removable film or coating. Your vehicle's service records or handbook may also list it as a standard feature. If unsure, ask your dealer or service centre whether your specific model includes a sun strip.

  Replacement impact

  When replacing a windscreen with a sun strip, the replacement glass must be sourced in the exact matching variant—including the sun-strip tint and fade profile. Aftermarket and OE glass are both available for most vehicles, but the variant must be correct to match your original. There is no calibration required for the sun strip itself. If your windscreen also carries camera or sensor features, those will be calibrated separately according to your vehicle's needs.

• Mono Camera3

  2015–2027Calibration varies by vehicle

  A single camera mounted near the rear-view mirror that helps with lane-keeping and collision avoidance.

  What it means

  A mono camera is a single-lens camera positioned behind the windscreen, typically in the upper centre area near the rear-view mirror. It captures the road ahead and uses computer vision to detect lane markings, vehicles, and road hazards. The camera feeds data to driver-assistance systems such as lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning. It forms the visual foundation of these safety features, allowing the vehicle to monitor road position and surrounding traffic automatically.

  How to tell

  Look in the black trim area above the windscreen, centred behind the rear-view mirror — you will see a small triangular lens assembly or dark lens cover. Check your vehicle handbook or ask your dealer's service department to confirm your model has lane-assistance or collision-warning features; vehicles with these systems almost always have a mono camera. Dashboard warning symbols related to lane or collision systems also indicate the presence of this camera.

  Replacement impact

  When the windscreen is replaced, the camera bracket and lens assembly must be removed and carefully repositioned on the new glass. The camera may require calibration after fitting to ensure accurate road detection and lane recognition. Calibration needs vary by vehicle — we confirm the exact procedure when we look up your specific vehicle. The job may take longer than a standard windscreen replacement, and workshop facilities may be required if calibration demands a controlled environment.

• Blue1

  1993–1997

  Blue-tinted windscreens reduce glare and heat while maintaining a subtle, modern appearance.

  What it means

  A blue tint is a light coloration applied to the windscreen glass, usually during manufacture. It reduces solar heat transmission and glare from sunlight, particularly on bright days or when driving into the sun. The tint is integral to the glass itself — not a separate film — and is chosen by the vehicle manufacturer to balance comfort, visibility, and aesthetic consistency with the vehicle's side windows and rear window. Most vehicles come with a green or blue tint as standard; the choice depends on the manufacturer's design and regional climate considerations.

  How to tell

  Check your side windows by rolling one halfway down and holding a white piece of paper behind the glass. If you see a blue tint reflected in the glass, your windscreen will have the same tint. You can also ask your vehicle's dealership or service centre to confirm the windscreen tint specification. The tint is visible when comparing the windscreen to clear glass, though it may be subtle and harder to spot on overcast days.

  Replacement impact

  Blue-tinted replacement windscreens must match the original tint to maintain visual consistency with your side and rear windows. Most replacement glass is available in the correct tint through OE (original equipment) suppliers. There is no calibration requirement related to tint. The tint does not affect fitting time, cure time, or drive-away schedules. Ensure the replacement windscreen is specified with the blue tint to avoid a mismatched appearance.

• Bronze1

  1983–1989

  Bronze tint reduces glare and heat whilst maintaining a warm aesthetic that complements most vehicle interiors.

  What it means

  Bronze tint is a coloured coating applied to the windscreen during manufacture to reduce solar heat transmission and glare from sunlight. It's one of several standard tint options (alongside green, grey, and blue) offered by most vehicle makers. The tint doesn't impair visibility but gives the glass a warm, brownish appearance when viewed from outside. Most modern vehicles have some form of windscreen tint as standard—it's rarely a clear, untinted windscreen.

  How to tell

  Roll down a side window halfway and hold a white piece of paper behind the glass from outside. If you see a bronze or warm-brown tint in the side window, your windscreen carries the same tint. Alternatively, ask your vehicle's dealer or service centre for the original windscreen specification—they can confirm the tint colour code. Most documentation refers to it as 'bronze' or occasionally 'warm bronze'.

  Replacement impact

  When replacing a windscreen with bronze tint, the replacement glass must match the original tint specification exactly. Fitting an untinted or differently tinted windscreen will create a noticeable colour mismatch with the side windows and alter the vehicle's interior light and thermal characteristics. We confirm the exact tint code from your vehicle's records and source an OE-equivalent or OEM glass to preserve the original appearance and performance.

• Static Camera Calibration Process1

  2015–2027Static calibration required

  Static calibration uses printed targets indoors to align your forward-facing camera after windscreen replacement.

  What it means

  Static camera calibration is a procedure in which a forward-facing camera system is realigned using printed target boards positioned at manufacturer-specified distances and heights in front of the vehicle. The vehicle remains stationary indoors throughout. A diagnostic tool reads the camera's view of these targets and adjusts the camera's alignment to factory specification. This ensures the camera can accurately detect road features, lane markings, pedestrians, and other objects — critical for driver-assistance systems like lane-keeping, collision warning, and adaptive cruise control to function safely and reliably.

  How to tell

  Check your vehicle's handbook or ask your dealer's service centre whether your car has a forward-facing camera system that requires calibration after windscreen replacement. Look for driver-assistance features like lane-keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking, or adaptive cruise control on the dashboard menu.

  Replacement impact

  When a windscreen with an integrated or bracket-mounted camera is replaced, the camera's alignment can shift. Static calibration realigns the camera using indoor target boards, which must be performed in a workshop environment where printed targets can be positioned and secured at precise distances. This procedure is conducted after the windscreen is fitted and bonded. The workshop booking accommodates the additional time required for calibration, and we apply the no-split policy — both replacement and calibration happen at the same location on the same visit.

• TV Antenna1

  2006–2010

  A TV-reception aerial printed into the rear window, typically for in-car entertainment systems.

  What it means

  A TV antenna is an aerial pattern laminated into the rear windscreen or rear side window to receive broadcast television signals. It's a separate system from the vehicle's radio or mobile antenna and is typically found in vehicles equipped with rear-seat entertainment systems. The antenna is printed directly onto or into the glass during manufacture, so when the glass is replaced, the antenna pattern must be reproduced on the replacement to maintain reception quality.

  How to tell

  Check your vehicle's specification sheet or handbook for rear-seat entertainment or TV tuner capability. If your car has a rear-seat entertainment system with a TV tuner, the rear window will have a TV antenna. You can also ask your dealer or service centre to confirm whether your vehicle has this feature.

  Replacement impact

  When the rear window is replaced, the replacement glass must include the matching TV antenna print to preserve reception. OEM (original equipment manufacturer) glass is typically required to ensure the antenna pattern is identical. The antenna is passive and requires no calibration or specialist procedures after fitting. Cure time for bonded rear glass is required; the fitter will confirm the drive-away time on the day.