One of the many benefits of owning a UTV is that your side-by-side is customizable. UTVs are more customizable than personal cars. Riding your UTV around the trails provides you with hours of fun, and the best part is that you can ride your vehicle in style. Windshields are one of the essential UTV components, as they protect you from the sun, keep out nature’s elements such as rain and debris, and they can help you stay warm during the cold months. UTV windshields come in different styles, such as full windshields, half windshields, flip-up windshields, flip-down windshields, among other variations. 

Side-by-sides are meant to be customized according to your tastes and needs when you’re on the road. Do you know what your UTV windshields are made of? Sadly, several UTV owners may not even know the materials that their windshields are made from. This is alarming because the material that a windshield is made from is just as important as its style. Two of the most common types of windshield materials are tempered glass and Lexan. 

Lexan Windshields 

There’s no doubt that you’re familiar with Lexan, even if you don’t recognize them by name. Lexan is almost everywhere, and it’s also incorporated into your kitchenware and old DVDs. It’s important to note that Lexan is a brand name and not the name of the material. The material is called polycarbonate, and there’s a high chance that your UTV’s windshields are made of polycarbonate. Mar-resistant or scratch-resistant polycarbonate windshields boast an abrasion and UV resistant coated surface. A coated surface also helps prevent yellowing, breakage, and weathering. These windshields are highly flexible, lightweight, easy to handle, and easy to install. The best part about Lexan windshields is that they don’t break; however, they are prone to scratches. 

Tempered Glass Windshields

If your UTV’s windshields aren’t made of polycarbonate, then chances are they are made of tempered glass. While tempered glass is no longer as popular as it once was a decade ago, it is still a viable windshield option that has been tested out by riders through the years. Tempered glass doesn’t scratch, which might sound appealing to riders who care about upkeeping their side-by-side’s looks. Unfortunately, tempered glass does break, and this might be a deal-breaker for some riders. Although the chances of your windshield’s glass breaking when you’re on the road are slim, you can expect the risk of windshield damage to heighten if you’re riding through rough terrains. 

Moreover, tempered glass has a frame around it. This kind of glass needs to be framed, as it cannot be made in half windshields or tilt windshields. Framed windshields can be a safety hazard because the frame obstructs your view. 

The type of windshield you should invest in really boils down to your personal preference, but you should go with one that’s made of more modern materials—looking to replace your UTV’s windshield? Contact UTV Windshields & Accessories today to talk to our side-by-side experts about what windshield option works best for you.