High-tech acoustic auto glass offers a quieter ride Considering the average driver spends more than five hours per week behind the wheel, the driving experience should be as pleasant as possible. Few things, however, can ruin a drive faster than excessive traffic and road noise. One way to be certain you are getting the right windshield is to get a brand-for-brand replacement. Customer surveys indicate that drivers equate a quiet ride with vehicle quality. So automakers work hard to design vehicles from the ground up to keep noise out. They use the latest high-tech, sound-deadening materials and engineer everything from suspension bushings to body shells with a single goal: to minimize noise and improve customer satisfaction. The latest weapon in the battle against noise is acoustic vehicle glass.Arecent breakthrough in glass technology is making a significant dent in the amount of noise that reaches occupants. The acoustic windshield uses a sheet of specially developed acoustic vinyl sandwiched between two layers of glass. It reduces noise levels by as much as 6 dB at certain frequencies and 2 to 3 dB overall, meaning conversation is clearer and more intelligible. Not only do acoustic windshields reduce noise, they can contribute to better fuel economy. The noise reduction properties of the laminate technology offset the need for thicker, heavier glass. Aleader in the market with acoustic windshields is FordMotor Company's SoundScreen windshield from Carlite. It's now available on several models, including the 2007 models of the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator and LincolnMKX, plus the 2008 Ford Escape,MercuryMariner andMazda Tribute. Ford's use of this unique glass technology is expanding through the vehicle lineup. If an acoustic windshield needs to be replaced, look carefully for the manufacturer's trade name, the word "acoustic" or the letter "A" in the lower portion of the windshield. These designations will ensure you are getting manufacturer's quality acoustic glass. Trade names vary; an example is Ford using the trade name "SoundScreen" on its acoustic glass. One way to be certain you are getting the right windshield is to get a brand-for-brand replacement. For example, when looking for replacement acoustic glass in a Ford vehicle, look for the Carlite brand. This will protect your right to a quiet and enjoyable ride with an exact brand-for-brand match for your acoustic windshield. For more information on replacement windshields, visit www.carlite.com.