What material are the side windows of most cars made from?

The side windows of most cars are made from tempered glass due to its combination of strength and safety features. Tempered glass undergoes a process of extreme heating and cooling, making it significantly stronger than standard glass. This increased strength is essential in automotive applications, as it can withstand impacts better and is less likely to shatter into sharp, dangerous shards during an accident. Instead, when tempered glass does break, it typically fractures into small, blunt pieces, reducing the risk of injury to passengers.

Additionally, tempered glass has a more durable surface, which can resist scratches and withstand varying weather conditions better than other materials. While laminated glass, often found in windshields, provides sound insulation and UV protection, it is not used for side windows due to its heavier and less flexible nature compared to tempered glass. Regular glass, being less robust, does not meet the safety standards required for automotive use. Lastly, while plastic can be used in certain applications like lightweight vehicles or in specific types of windows, it is not the common standard for side windows in most cars.