Kia windscreen replacement

What Kia 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.

• Green170

  1995–2026

  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.

• Vin Notch128

  2004–2026

  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.

• Blue Sun Strip78

  1995–2026

  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.

• Rain Sensor71

  2002–2026No 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.

• Heated Windscreen61

  2001–2026

  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.

• Right Hand Drive Part59

  2002–2026

  A glass variant made specifically for right-hand-drive vehicles like UK cars, with brackets and sensors positioned for the driver's side.

  What it means

  Right-hand-drive glass is a windscreen (or other glass panel) manufactured to the correct specification for vehicles where the steering wheel and driver controls are on the right side of the car. The key difference isn't the glass itself but the position of brackets, sensor mounting pads, and sometimes a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) notch. These are placed on the dashboard side to align with right-hand-drive vehicle architecture. Using the correct variant ensures all safety systems, mounting points, and sensor arrays sit in the right place when the glass is fitted.

  How to tell

  Check your vehicle's specification sheet or service handbook — it will confirm 'RHD' (right-hand drive). Ask your dealership or service centre which windscreen variant they stock for your model. If you're unsure, provide us with your registration number when you book; we'll identify the correct part.

  Replacement impact

  UKCG stocks the UK-specific right-hand-drive variant, so all brackets, sensors, and mounting points align correctly during fitting. Using a left-hand-drive part on a right-hand-drive vehicle would result in misalignment of camera brackets, rain sensors, or other dashboard-mounted components. We confirm you receive the correct RHD variant before dispatch.

• Heated Wiper Rest Area50

  2001–2026

  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.

• Solar Control49

  2002–2026

  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.

• Defogging Detector35

  2011–2026

  A defogging detector automatically clears condensation from your windscreen, improving visibility in damp conditions.

  What it means

  A defogging detector is a sensor that monitors moisture levels on the windscreen and triggers the demister system automatically when condensation builds up. It improves driver visibility and safety in damp or cold weather by preventing manual intervention. The sensor typically sits near the rear-view mirror, positioned to sense moisture accumulation on the glass surface.

  How to tell

  Check your vehicle's handbook or ask your dealer's service centre whether your model includes an automatic defogging or moisture-sensing demister. Look near the rear-view mirror for a small sensor unit. Some vehicles display an indicator light or message on the dashboard when the system is active.

  Replacement impact

  The defogging detector does not affect windscreen replacement or require recalibration after fitting. The sensor itself remains in place and continues to function once the new windscreen is installed. No additional calibration, cure time, or specialist procedures are needed.

• Static Camera Calibration Process33

  2011–2026Static 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. If your vehicle manual mentions 'camera calibration' or 'static target calibration', static calibration is likely part of your windscreen replacement service.

  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.

• Camera32

  2011–2026Calibration 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.

  Calibration mix across our Kia variants

  • 2Static
  • 1Dual
  • 1Dynamic

  We confirm the exact procedure for your specific vehicle when you book.

• Bracket For Safety Features31

  2011–2026Calibration 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.

  Calibration mix across our Kia variants

  • 2Dynamic
  • 1Static
  • 1Dual

  We confirm the exact procedure for your specific vehicle when you book.

• Mono Camera30

  2011–2026Calibration 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.

  Calibration mix across our Kia variants

  • 2Dynamic
  • 1Static
  • 1Dual

  We confirm the exact procedure for your specific vehicle when you book.

• Other Hardware26

  2012–2026

  Factory-fitted brackets and mounts bonded to the glass, pre-assembled and ready to fit without sub-assembly.

  What it means

  Other Hardware refers to factory-fitted brackets, mounts, connectors, or trim pieces bonded permanently to the windscreen or other glass during manufacturing. These are integral to the vehicle's design but do not activate or control a specific feature — they simply secure or position components like sensors, trim strips, or mounting points. Unlike feature-specific hardware, these items are passive structural elements. A replacement carrying Other Hardware arrives pre-bonded and ready to install without additional assembly or modification.

  How to tell

  Check your vehicle documentation or ask your dealership service centre whether your windscreen or glass panel carries factory-bonded brackets or mounts. Visual inspection may reveal trim strips, sensor housings, or antenna mounts bonded to the edges or interior surface of the glass. Your original invoice or parts list will specify if Other Hardware is present.

  Replacement impact

  Replacement glass carrying Other Hardware must be sourced as a complete assembly — the brackets and mounts come pre-bonded from the supplier and cannot be transferred from the old glass. Installation is straightforward: the fitter removes the old glass and fits the replacement with its hardware already in place. No additional sub-assembly, bonding, or recalibration of the hardware itself is required. Fitting time is unaffected.

• Acoustic (Noise reduction)15

  2010–2026

  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.

• Alternative Calibration Procedure13

  2016–2026Bespoke calibration

  Some vehicles need a different calibration approach after windscreen replacement depending on their specific system.

  What it means

  Alternative calibration procedure refers to a non-standard method used to recalibrate camera or sensor systems after windscreen replacement on certain vehicles. Rather than a single universal approach, some cars require a tailored calibration method that differs from the most common procedure. This ensures safety-critical systems like lane-keeping assist, collision warning, and adaptive cruise control function correctly after new glass is fitted. The exact procedure depends on the vehicle's make, model, year, and the specific technology installed.

  How to tell

  Check your vehicle's handbook or contact your dealer or service centre to confirm whether your car uses a standard or alternative calibration procedure. You can also ask us when you book — we look up your vehicle's exact requirements and confirm the calibration approach needed.

  Replacement impact

  An alternative calibration procedure may require additional specialist equipment or a specific workshop setup that differs from standard calibration. Depending on the procedure, the job may take longer than a typical windscreen replacement, and we confirm the exact timescale and location (mobile or workshop) once we've identified your vehicle's requirements. In some cases, workshop attendance is necessary to access the required calibration tools or controlled environment.

• Silkscreen Modification9

  2012–2026

  A modified black-printed area around the rear-view mirror to suit your vehicle's camera or sensor layout.

  What it means

  Silkscreen modification refers to a variation in the black-printed area (called the 'frit') that surrounds the rear-view mirror on your windscreen. This printed zone is shaped to accommodate your vehicle's specific camera, sensor, or ADAS equipment layout. Different vehicles — even within the same model range — may have different camera positions or sensor configurations, requiring a bespoke print pattern. A silkscreen-modified windscreen is a distinct part with its own part number and cannot be used interchangeably with the standard print variant.

  How to tell

  Check your windscreen documentation or the original part number — dealership service records will confirm whether your windscreen carries a modified silkscreen. You can also ask your dealer's parts department to confirm the exact print variant for your vehicle's year and specification. The modification itself is visible as the black-printed border around the mirror area, but identifying whether it's 'modified' requires checking the part number rather than visual inspection alone.

  Replacement impact

  When your windscreen requires replacement, we must source the correct silkscreen variant for your specific vehicle to ensure proper camera and sensor clearance. Using an incorrect print variant could obstruct camera fields of view or interfere with sensor operation, compromising ADAS functionality and safety. We confirm the exact part number during the booking process to guarantee the correct glass is supplied and fitted. No additional calibration is triggered by the silkscreen modification itself; any calibration needed relates to the camera or sensor system, not the print.

• Clear5

  2001–2026Calibration varies by vehicle

  Clear windscreen glass has no tint; most cars have a slight tint as standard.

  What it means

  A clear windscreen contains no added tint layer. Most modern windscreens incorporate a subtle tint (typically blue, green, grey or bronze) as standard to reduce glare, provide UV protection, and improve cabin comfort. A genuinely clear windscreen is the absence of this tint. Clear glass is less common than tinted variants and is sometimes specified for aesthetic or operational reasons, though the tint difference is usually imperceptible to the naked eye.

  How to tell

  Lower your side window halfway and hold a white piece of paper behind it. If you see a noticeable colour cast (blue, green, grey or bronze) in the side glass, your windscreen has the same tint. If the side glass appears colourless, your windscreen is likely clear. You can also ask your vehicle's dealership or service centre to confirm the windscreen specification in your service records.

  Replacement impact

  Clear windscreen replacement uses the same installation process as any other windscreen. No special calibration or extended cure time applies. Sourcing is straightforward — clear glass is widely available as an aftermarket replacement. Installation time and drive-away restrictions follow standard windscreen replacement timings. If your vehicle has ADAS features (forward-facing camera or radar), calibration may be required after replacement depending on your specific vehicle; we confirm this when we look up your car details.

• Fitting Hardware5

  2014–2026

  Pre-fitted clips and brackets that secure the glass to your vehicle, supplied ready to bond as a complete unit.

  What it means

  Fitting hardware comprises the clips, brackets, mouldings and adhesive retention components that hold the glass securely in place on your vehicle's frame. When your replacement glass is supplied with fitting hardware pre-attached, it arrives as a ready-to-install assembly rather than as bare glass requiring separate hardware attachment during the fit. This streamlines the replacement process and ensures correct positioning and fitment.

  How to tell

  Check your vehicle's service history or contact your dealership service department with your registration number. They can confirm whether your glass comes with pre-fitted hardware as standard. Visually, pre-fitted hardware appears as clips or brackets already bonded or attached to the glass edges before it reaches the fitting technician.

  Replacement impact

  Glass supplied with pre-fitted hardware typically requires no additional labour to attach clips or brackets during the fit, reducing technician time at the vehicle. The hardware must be in good condition and correctly positioned for the glass to seal and function properly. If hardware is damaged during removal of the old glass, replacement or repair of that hardware may be needed before the new glass can be fitted securely.

• Heated Rear Windscreen2

  2012–2018

  Heated rear windscreen with integrated wires clears mist and ice when you switch on the demister.

  What it means

  A heated rear windscreen contains fine heating wires embedded within the glass. When you activate the rear demister, an electrical current passes through these wires, warming the glass and melting ice or condensation. This feature is particularly useful in cold or damp weather, improving rear visibility quickly. The heating grid is integral to the glass and connected to your vehicle's electrical circuit via connectors at the base of the windscreen.

  How to tell

  Look at the rear windscreen from inside the vehicle — you will see a fine grid of horizontal lines across the glass, typically bronze or copper in colour. On the dashboard or steering wheel stalk, there will be a dedicated rear-demist button, usually marked with a windscreen symbol and heating lines. If in doubt, ask your vehicle's service centre or consult your handbook.

  Replacement impact

  Replacement rear windscreens with heated grids are widely available as original-equipment aftermarket or dealership parts. The new glass must include the factory heating grid and electrical connectors intact. The technician will reconnect the heating circuit to your vehicle's rear-demist switch. Heated rear windscreens are bonded glass, so adhesive cure time applies; drive-away time will be confirmed by the fitter on the day.

• HUD - Head Up Display2

  2021–2026No calibration after replacement

  A Head-Up Display projects your speed, navigation cues and key alerts onto the windscreen so you can read them without looking down.

  What it means

  A Head-Up Display (HUD) projects driving information — speed, navigation cues, ADAS alerts — onto the windscreen in your line of sight, so you can read it without taking your eyes off the road. The projector is mounted in the dashboard and shines the image upwards onto a special HUD-compatible windscreen that uses a wedge-shaped laminate to prevent a ghost image. The image typically appears to float a few feet ahead of the car. Common on premium and sports models, increasingly standard on mid-range cars from the 2020s onwards.

  How to tell

  Check your vehicle's specification sheet or handbook under 'display features' or 'HUD'. Look for a small projector unit mounted on the dashboard, typically below the steering wheel or in the instrument cluster area. When you start the vehicle, a bright image should appear on the lower windscreen area. Your dealer's service centre can confirm whether your specific model and trim level includes a HUD.

  Replacement impact

  Your replacement windscreen needs to be HUD-compatible — built with the correct wedge laminate so the projected image stays sharp and double-free. Once the HUD-compatible glass is fitted, the projector itself typically doesn't need recalibration: image position is user-adjustable via your dashboard controls. We confirm your vehicle uses the HUD-compatible windscreen variant when ordering, so the replacement matches the original.

• Laminated2

  2004–2009

  Laminated windscreens hold together when they crack, staying bonded to an inner layer rather than shattering into dangerous shards.

  What it means

  Laminated glass consists of two glass panes bonded to a tough plastic interlayer, usually polyvinyl butyral (PVB). When struck, the glass cracks but the interlayer holds the pieces in place, preventing the sharp shards that would scatter from tempered glass. This design prioritises occupant safety — the windscreen remains structurally sound even after impact, reducing the risk of ejection and keeping wind and weather out of the cabin. Laminated glass also provides sound dampening and blocks most ultraviolet light. All modern windscreens are laminated as standard.

  How to tell

  Look at your windscreen edge-on — you'll see a thin darker line (the interlayer) sandwiched between the two glass panes. Tap the glass gently with your knuckle: laminated glass produces a duller, more solid sound compared to the sharper ring of tempered side or rear windows. Your service manual or dealer can confirm, but all production windscreens are laminated.

  Replacement impact

  Laminated glass is bonded to the frame with structural adhesive, so cure time applies after replacement. Your windscreen is safety-critical — it contributes up to 30% of vehicle structural integrity and supports airbag deployment. The adhesive bond must fully cure before the vehicle is driven normally; your fitter will confirm the specific drive-away time before releasing the car. This is true whether or not your windscreen has camera or sensor features.

• Blue1

  2012–2015

  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.

• Dual Calibration Procedure1

  2015–2020Static + Dynamic calibration

  Some vehicles require both indoor target calibration and an on-road learning drive after windscreen replacement.

  What it means

  Dual calibration is a two-stage ADAS procedure where the vehicle's camera system is first aligned using static targets indoors, then refined through an on-road learning drive. This combined approach ensures the camera can accurately track lane markings, detect obstacles, and support driver-assistance features across varying real-world light and road conditions. Certain manufacturers specify this procedure to meet their safety and performance standards for camera-equipped vehicles.

  How to tell

  Check your vehicle's specification sheet or ask your dealership service centre whether your model requires dual calibration after windscreen replacement. Some vehicles with advanced driver-assistance features will have this noted in the manufacturer's technical documentation. If you're unsure, provide your registration at booking and we'll confirm the exact procedure needed for your vehicle.

  Replacement impact

  When dual calibration is required, the job must be completed at a workshop rather than at your home — static calibration with target boards needs a controlled indoor environment. The replacement and calibration are scheduled together at one location to ensure the safety-critical camera system is fully recalibrated. The fitter will complete the static alignment indoors, then perform the on-road learning phase as part of the same visit. Drive-away time remains unchanged because calibration runs in parallel with adhesive cure.

• Dynamic Camera Calibration Process1

  2016–2026Calibration varies by vehicle

  Dynamic calibration uses road driving to recalibrate your camera after windscreen replacement.

  What it means

  Dynamic camera calibration is a procedure in which a technician drives the vehicle on marked roads at set speeds after the windscreen has been fitted and the adhesive has cured. During this drive, the forward-facing camera relearns its reference points — lane markings, road signs, road edges and surrounding traffic patterns — so it can resume accurate operation of camera-dependent safety and driver-assistance systems. This recalibration is necessary because any windscreen replacement, even with precision fitting, can introduce small shifts in the camera's optical alignment relative to the road.

  How to tell

  Check your vehicle's handbook or contact your dealer to confirm whether your car has a forward-facing camera system. If it does, ask the dealer whether your specific model requires dynamic (road-drive) or static (target-board) calibration after windscreen replacement. You can also ask your fitter — they will establish this when they look up your vehicle's specification.

  Replacement impact

  After your windscreen is fitted and the bonding has cured, a technician will drive the vehicle on marked roads at controlled speeds to allow the camera to relearn its environment. This extends the overall job duration beyond the glass-fitting time alone. Depending on your vehicle, calibration may be performed during the same visit or scheduled separately. We confirm the exact procedure and location (mobile or workshop) when we look up your specific vehicle.

• Encapsulation1

  2005–2007

  Factory-bonded rubber or polymer trim means your replacement glass arrives ready to fit as one complete unit.

  What it means

  Encapsulation is a rubber or polymer gasket moulded directly onto the glass edges during manufacturing. The trim is bonded to the glass at the factory — either by injection moulding, PU robot extrusion, or adhesive bonding. When you need a replacement, the entire panel arrives with its trim already attached, so the glass and gasket are replaced together as a single unit rather than as separate components.

  How to tell

  Check your current windscreen or rear window edges. If you see a continuous rubber or polymer seal running around the perimeter that appears moulded or permanently bonded to the glass itself — rather than a separate trim clipped or screwed to the frame — your glass is encapsulated. Ask your dealer or service centre to confirm; they can also check your vehicle specification sheet.

  Replacement impact

  Encapsulated glass simplifies replacement because there's no separate trim to remove, refit, or source. The bonded gasket is replaced as part of the glass unit, which reduces installation complexity and potential leak points. Cure time and drive-away procedures remain unchanged. No additional sourcing delays — encapsulated replacements are stocked as complete assemblies by most suppliers.

• OEM Original Equipment Manufacturer1

  2014–2025

  OEM glass is manufactured by your vehicle's original maker and meets exact factory specifications.

  What it means

  OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) glass is produced by the same manufacturer that supplied your vehicle when it was built. It matches your car's original windscreen or window precisely — same optical properties, tinting, coatings, and integration with any embedded features like cameras or sensors. OEM glass is the highest specification available and carries full manufacturer traceability.

  How to tell

  Check your vehicle's service records or ask your dealership service centre whether your current glass is OEM or aftermarket. The dealership parts department can also confirm OEM availability for your specific make, model, and year. Some vehicles have OEM glass marked with manufacturer codes on the edge, though these aren't always visible after installation.

  Replacement impact

  OEM glass typically costs more than aftermarket alternatives but guarantees perfect fitment and optical performance. Lead times may be longer because OEM stock is ordered directly from the vehicle manufacturer rather than held in local distributor inventory. If your vehicle has embedded features (cameras, sensors, coatings), OEM glass ensures compatibility. Calibration requirements remain unchanged — any ADAS or sensor calibration needed depends on your specific vehicle, not on whether glass is OEM or aftermarket.