Plain definitions of 34 terms we use on the job in Kirkland.
Term Index
Open any term below for a dedicated definition page.
Acoustic Glass is laminated window glass designed to reduce outside noise entering a vehicle or building. It combines glass layers with a sound-damping interlayer that softens sound vibrations. The result is a quieter cabin or room, although the glass does not block every sound. Window design and installation also affect performance.
Also called: Noise-Reducing Glass, Soundproof Glass
An ADAS Target is a marked reference pattern used during advanced driver assistance system calibration. The target gives a windshield-mounted camera a known visual point to recognize. A technician positions it at a specified location near the vehicle, then checks the camera’s view against that reference after windshield service.
Also called: Calibration Target
An Adhesion Promoter is a surface treatment that helps polyurethane adhesive bond to glass, paint, or a vehicle body. Technicians apply it in a thin layer after cleaning and preparing the bonding area. The treatment supports a stronger connection where the adhesive alone may not grip the surface well.
Back Glass is the fixed glass panel at a vehicle’s rear. It closes the rear window opening and lets you see traffic behind you. Many back glass panels include electric defroster lines, and some include antenna parts, wiper mounts, or other vehicle-specific hardware.
Also called: Rear Glass
Butyl Tape is a flexible, pressure-sensitive sealing material used to close gaps around automotive glass and body panels. The tape stays pliable after installation, so it can follow small surface changes and help block water, air, and dust. In sunroof work, technicians place it between mating surfaces where a lasting seal is needed.
Also called: Butyl Sealant
A camera bracket is a mounting part that holds a vehicle’s forward-facing ADAS camera in the correct position behind the windshield. The bracket attaches to the glass or nearby structure and keeps the camera steady. Its shape, location, and angle must match the vehicle’s design for accurate camera calibration.
Also called: ADAS Camera Bracket
Ceramic Frit is a baked-on ceramic coating found around the edge of many vehicle windows. The dark band hides the glass attachment area and helps protect the adhesive from sunlight. Its dotted edge creates a gradual visual transition between the solid border and clear glass. The coating also provides a surface for mounting marks and hardware.
Also called: Frit
A Cold Knife is a manual cutting tool used to separate a windshield from its bonded adhesive. Its thin blade slides between the glass and the vehicle body, cutting through cured urethane. Technicians use controlled pressure to free the old windshield while protecting the pinchweld and nearby interior trim.
Also called: Windshield Removal Knife
A crack is a narrow split that runs through a windshield’s laminated glass. A crack may start at an impact point, spread across the glass, or reach an edge. Its length, location, depth, and branching pattern help determine whether windshield repair is suitable or whether replacement may be needed.
Also called: Glass Crack
Cure Time is the period an adhesive needs to reach its working strength after application. In windshield replacement, cure time applies to the polyurethane adhesive that bonds the glass to the vehicle frame. The vehicle may need to remain still during this period, based on the adhesive, temperature, humidity, and installation conditions.
Also called: Safe Drive-Away Time
Door glass is the movable or fixed glass panel fitted into a vehicle door. The panel forms part of the side window system and helps shield the cabin from wind, weather, and outside debris. Movable door glass travels through the door, while fixed glass stays in place beside it.
Also called: Side Door Glass
A door glass regulator is the mechanical assembly that raises and lowers a vehicle’s side window inside the door. The regulator connects the glass to a hand crank or electric motor. Its cables, arms, tracks, or gears guide window movement and hold the glass in position while the window opens and closes.
Also called: Window Regulator
Dynamic Calibration is a vehicle camera setup process completed while the vehicle is driven. The camera system reads road features, lane markings, and traffic conditions to adjust its aim. This process helps the windshield-mounted ADAS camera recognize its view after windshield replacement or camera service.
Also called: Road Calibration
Glass Run Channel is a flexible guide and seal inside a vehicle door frame. The channel supports the side window as it moves up and down. Its soft lining helps hold the glass steady, reduce rattling, and block wind and water around the window edges.
Also called: Glass Run, Window Run Channel
A glass seal is a gasket, adhesive, or sealing material that closes the space between auto glass and the vehicle body. Glass seals help block water, wind, dust, and outside noise. The exact design depends on the glass type and vehicle. A glass seal may be built into the glass or installed around its edge.
Also called: Window Seal
Glass setting is the process of positioning and securing a vehicle window or windshield in its frame. The work includes preparing the opening, applying the correct adhesive or seal, and placing the glass so it sits evenly. Proper setting supports a tight seal, clear visibility, and normal operation of nearby parts.
Also called: Glass Installation
Laminated Glass is a windshield material made from glass layers joined by a clear plastic layer. The inner layer helps hold broken glass together after impact. This construction supports visibility and keeps the windshield as one connected panel. Vehicle windshields commonly use laminated glass, while many side and rear windows use another glass type.
Also called: Safety Glass
A leak test is a check that finds water entering a vehicle through a windshield, window, seal, or nearby body joint. A technician directs a controlled flow of water around the suspected area and watches for moisture inside. The result helps identify the entry point and guides the needed auto glass repair.
Also called: Water Leak Test
Pinch Protection is a power window safety feature that detects resistance while the glass closes. When the system senses an object or unusual load, it stops the window and may reverse its movement. The feature depends on the window regulator, motor, control module, switches, and correct glass alignment working together.
Also called: Anti-Pinch
Polyurethane Adhesive is a flexible bonding material used to secure auto glass to a vehicle’s body. The adhesive forms a strong seal as it cures, helping hold the windshield in place and block water, air, and road noise. Proper surface preparation and cure conditions support a dependable bond during windshield replacement.
Also called: Auto Glass Adhesive, Urethane Adhesive
A primer is a surface treatment that prepares auto glass and nearby bonding areas for adhesive. In leak repair, primer helps the adhesive bond to clean surfaces and supports a sealed connection. Technicians apply the correct primer in a thin, controlled layer before placing fresh polyurethane adhesive around the glass.
Also called: Glass Primer
Resin is a clear, liquid repair material that fills damaged areas in laminated windshield glass. Technicians inject it into a rock chip or crack, then cure it so the material hardens inside the damage. Resin helps restore the glass surface and can limit the spread of some small damage.
Also called: Repair Resin
Retention System is the set of parts and materials that holds vehicle glass in its installed position. It may include adhesive, clips, brackets, channels, seals, or moldings, depending on the window design. The system keeps the glass aligned with the frame and helps transfer loads between the glass and vehicle body.
Also called: Glass Retainer
A rock chip is a small area of windshield damage caused by a stone or other road debris. The impact can create a central pit, short cracks, or a circular mark in the glass. Rock chips vary in shape and depth, and some can be repaired before the damage spreads.
Also called: Chip, Glass Chip, Stone Chip
Rope-In Method is a window installation technique that uses a cord fitted inside a rubber gasket to pull the gasket lip over the vehicle’s glass edge. The method helps seat glass in openings designed for gasket-set installation. It differs from urethane-bonded installation, which relies on adhesive to hold the glass in place.
Also called: Rope Installation
Side Curtain Airbag is a vehicle safety cushion that deploys from the roof area beside the windows during certain side impacts or rollovers. The cushion spreads along the side glass to help shield occupants from contact with the window, door frame, or outside objects. It works with seat belts and other airbag systems.
Also called: Curtain Airbag
Static Calibration is a parked-vehicle process that aligns a windshield-mounted ADAS camera with fixed targets placed at known positions. The camera views the targets while the vehicle stays still. Calibration software checks the camera’s image and adjusts its aim so driver assistance features can read the road as designed.
Also called: Stationary Calibration
Tempered Glass is safety glass treated with heat to increase its strength. When it breaks, the glass crumbles into small, blunt-edged pieces instead of long, sharp shards. Vehicle makers commonly use it for side windows, back glass, and other areas that do not need the flexible structure of laminated windshield glass.
Also called: Toughened Glass
Urethane is a flexible adhesive used to bond a replacement windshield to a vehicle’s frame. The adhesive forms a strong seal as it cures. It also helps keep water out and supports the glass as part of the vehicle’s retention system. Auto glass technicians apply it to prepared bonding surfaces before setting the windshield.
Also called: Windshield Urethane
A vacuum lift is a hand tool that uses suction to grip and move smooth glass safely. The tool has suction cups, a handle, and a release control. Glass installers use it to position window glass, hold a pane steady, and reduce direct contact with the glass surface during installation.
Also called: Suction Glass Lifter
Window Regulator Motor is the electric part that drives a vehicle's window regulator and moves the door glass up or down. The motor sends turning force through the regulator, which guides the glass along its track. A failed motor may leave the window stuck, slow, noisy, or unable to move.
Also called: Power Window Motor
Windshield Molding is a trim piece that borders a vehicle’s windshield and helps cover the edge of the glass. It creates a finished transition between the windshield and the body. Depending on the vehicle, the molding may be attached to the glass, the body, or both during windshield replacement.
Also called: Glass Molding, Reveal Molding
Windshield Wiper Cowl is a trim panel at the base of a vehicle’s windshield. It sits between the glass and the engine compartment. The cowl directs rainwater away from the cabin and covers parts of the wiper system. During windshield work, technicians may remove or reposition it for access.
Also called: Cowl Panel
Windshield Wipers are flexible blades that sweep rain, snow, and road spray from a vehicle’s windshield. A wiper system uses blades, arms, a motor, and a linkage to keep the driver’s view clear. Wipers attach outside the glass and move across its surface when the driver selects a speed.
Also called: Wiper Blades
