Researching the most interesting things about windshields proved to be a... task. So, I compiled a list of ACTUALLY INTERESTING findings that have been boggling my mind for some time now.
1. There's a windshield phenomenon happening as we speak...
This "windshield phenomenon" is a term given to the observation that fewer insects are accumulating on windshields of automobiles. The global decline in insect populations has been associated with changes being made by human activity.
2. The 1954 Seattle windshield pitting epidemic
In 1954, Bellingham, Seattle, and the surrounding area experienced one of the silliest examples of mass delusion. The month of April brought reports of mysterious windshield pitting — holes that were not noticed before. The proposed causes ranged from vandals and pranks, to sand flea eggs, to nuclear bomb testing. It turned out people were simply noticing normal wear on their windshields for the first time.
3. The Barnacle — "the boot's" annoying little brother
This 20-pound, keypad-armed slab of plastic is redefining how cities keep vehicles immobilized. Whether you're avoiding long-overdue parking tickets, parked illegally, or have unpaid taxes, the Barnacle won't come off until those issues are resolved. Try to drive off with your new semi-permanent windshield visor and the Barnacle's tracking system will sound a high-pitched alarm.
4. Cracked airplane windshields are "common"...
Oliver McGee, a political analyst with a background in engineering, wrote about the phenomenon in a 2014 article:
In fact, cracked or shattered cockpit windshield occurrences, during commercial aircraft flights at normal cruise altitudes ranging 20-38 thousand feet, happen more often than one might think. Every week or two there's a cracked or shattered cockpit windshield incident happening on one of the nearly 90 thousand flights airborne each day (or nearly 33 million flights annually) around the world.
5. Money on your windshield might be bait to steal your car
Suspicions surrounding purposely distracting objects on your windshield or under your wipers suggest that someone may be watching while you get in your car in an attempt to steal your vehicle. The goal is for you to notice the object — reports include money, zip ties, shirts, and ominous notes — as soon as you're seated and your keys are in the ignition.
Skepticism online usually debunks these mysterious happenings, but it's still smart to report anything suspicious.
6. Cute things like to hang out on windshields, too
Animals are known to attack... your windshield, that is! Windshield replacement experts have seen it all when called upon to replace the damage. Penny Stacy writes about flying wild turkeys, turtles, and falcons in her article on animals vs. windshields.
7. The luckiest shattered windshields get turned into art
Comprised of hundreds of pieces of shattered auto glass, Ivan Lee Mora has conceptualized a way to laminate and layer these seemingly mundane objects into works of magnificent art, currently displayed at City Aquarium in NYC.
8. Recycled windshields were turned into a greenhouse
An eclectic French country garden features an incredible windshield greenhouse built by Sebastian Ramirez. He repurposed recycled glass pieces to create a protective structure that serves as a small greenhouse. Talk about creative recycling!
9. Dirty windshield art went from "wash me" to fine art
Scott Wade has been creating art on dirty car windshields for over 20 years — recreating masterpieces like "The Great Wave off Kanagawa" in the dust. As he puts it:
"A lot of times people are like 'Why are these cars all dirty?' if it is before I've actually created artwork on them. I usually don't answer them because it's more fun to watch their reaction when they actually see what I am doing."
10. How hard would you have to throw a gummy bear to shatter a windshield?
According to some creative math on Reddit, the answer is roughly 1,291,572 mph. The calculation: a person weighing 120 kg running at Usain Bolt's speed (12.51 m/s) generates enough force that, when divided by a gummy bear's mass of 0.0026 kg, you'd need the gummy bear traveling at 577,384 m/s — or about 1.3 million miles per hour. Your windshield is safe from candy projectiles... for now.
Rain or shine, turkeys or gummy bears, you'll be pleased to know Hatch has your back! Get in touch with us anytime to take care of whatever your situation might be — after reading this piece, you're probably ready to protect your windshield at all costs!