Lahore (Pakistan News Online) Many people have been driving cars for years without knowing the purpose of some of its features. One such feature is the quarter windows or vent glass.
In reality, this is a very important feature, even though its benefit might not be immediately obvious, as these windows are fixed in place and cannot be moved.
What is a Quarter Glass?
Quarter glass is much smaller than the regular passenger window and is usually located next to the side-view mirror or above the back wheel. This small window became popular in the 1950s when it was not fixed in place but could be moved.
At that time, since air conditioning systems were not available, the primary purpose of the quarter glass was to improve ventilation in the car to keep passengers cool.
However, with the advent of air conditioning, the design of these windows changed, and they became fixed in place.
Why Are Quarter Windows Still Used?
In modern cars, quarter windows can still be found next to the front or back side windows, and some cars even have them in both places. Initially used for ventilation, they are no longer needed for cooling the car.
So why are they still used?
The answer is that quarter glass helps drivers maintain better visibility of their surroundings. In the rear of the car, quarter glass helps drivers see areas that would otherwise be blind spots. In the front, it allows for a clearer view of the side-view mirrors.
In summary, while the quarter glass may no longer be needed for its original purpose of ventilation, it continues to play a crucial role in enhancing driver visibility and safety.