Acoustic Windshield

[Platinum2]

Well, according to Ford Parts, all trim levels use the same part number for the windshield. So, I think there is a "Lariat-placebo effect."

Sponsored

 

[Nw_adventure]

Well, according to Ford Parts, all trim levels use the same part number for the windshield. So, I think there is a "Lariat-placebo effect."

Lariat / Lux includes Acoustic windshield - It's clearly stated -

 

[caring1]

There are three windshields listed within parts and interestingly they all say laminated and none say acoustic. The most expensive one ads heated windshield wiper pack. Best way would be to get someone that has an XL, XLT, Lariat to check the label on the corner and see what it says.

 

[slashy42]

There are three windshields listed within parts and interestingly they all say laminated and none say acoustic. The most expensive one ads heated windshield wiper pack. Best way would be to get someone that has an XL, XLT, Lariat to check the label on the corner and see what it says.

Yes, but look at the part numbers.

 

[abcinv]

I might suggest that IF there is a difference is windshields then buy an acoustic now for just in case down the road. There's only so many spares that are OEM then they're whatever is aftermarket...

I've been down the road of wanting an OEM windshield and they just don't exist a few years down the road.

But as suggested with only one part number who knows what's really being installed.

 

[Darnon]

Yes, but look at the part numbers.

Ford's part website is kind of dumb in that it doesn't show you the full part number. I've also been burned before where I added a part for one vehicle, switched to different vehicle to look at some other part, and when I ordered the one in cart it was for the second vehicle.

 

[MLowe05]

All windshield glass is laminated. That is a safety feature.

The Lariat has acoustic laminated glass. It has to do with the layer between the panes of glass. Acoustic glass might have a special resin used or might have empty air as well.

I wouldn't be concerned over the part number, that is not uncommon. Should be pretty straightforward to get an acoustic one if your regular one gets broken. Will cost you some, but not a huge difference:

 

[abjbrtd]

I might suggest that IF there is a difference is windshields then buy an acoustic now for just in case down the road. There's only so many spares that are OEM then they're whatever is aftermarket...

I've been down the road of wanting an OEM windshield and they just don't exist a few years down the road.

But as suggested with only one part number who knows what's really being installed.

All windshield glass is laminated. That is a safety feature.

The Lariat has acoustic laminated glass. It has to do with the layer between the panes of glass. Acoustic glass might have a special resin used or might have empty air as well.

I wouldn't be concerned over the part number, that is not uncommon. Should be pretty straightforward to get an acoustic one if your regular one gets broken. Will cost you some, but not a huge difference:

Anybody willing to bet their next pay check on ANY parts catalog is going to have a hard time paying Bill's

 

[TruckVille]

Whew, pretty hot in here...
Just wanted to say that on other cars I've had, like my Mustang with an acoustic windshield, the difference was really noticeable compared to my neighbor's Mustang that doesn't have it. They're both 2019s. Maybe those part numbers are the same, or maybe not. The car with the acoustic windshield is much quieter. Also, if you tap on the one car's windshield and the tap on the other car, the sound deadening is dramatic. Mine has a label on the lower corner of the driver's side of windshield that says "SoundScreen". Here's a link to the company that makes them - SoundScreen Acoustic Glass (carlex.com)

 

[DryHeat]

The part of my post that said "There are a few other resources online that point to the anti-shatter features and reduction in ambient noise."

I'm interested in this idea. I didn't get the acoustic windshield, but would like to reduce interior/road noise. Can you point me to some of those online resources? Thanks...

 

[stoptothink]

We have two Kia Sedona minivans in our household. Same engine, same generation. One is an LX with no acoustic windshield, the second is a top of the line SX with an acoustic windshield (and possibly other sound reducing on the firewall). The difference in road, engine and wind noise between those two trims is noticeable. I would guess ~10dB. Not earth shattering, but definitely noticeable.

I will tell you this, though. I had to replace the acoustic windshield recently when a windshield flew off the wrecker in front of me and took out mine at highway speed. The acoustic windshield was $750 more (parts only). I didn't pay anything out of pocket. But the body shop who did the replacement mentioned the difference to me. Also the labor is higher, but that has more to do with the camera system for the smart driving/advanced cruise features.

10dB difference would be approximately 10x as loud, something tells me that isn't the delta in road noise between the two vehicles. Everything I can find says acoustic glass may make a 2-3dB overall difference.

 

[DryHeat]

There are three windshields listed within parts and interestingly they all say laminated and none say acoustic.

This is genuinely weird. When I do a search on parts.ford.com I see four windshields.

Two say "Acoustic Laminated Windscreen," one with "Heated Windshield Wiper Park" and one without.
Two say "Laminated Windscreen," one with "Heated Windshield Wiper Park" and one without.

I had to specify a dealer to complete the search. Maybe it depends on dealer/location. That doesn't make sense, but what I'm reading and seeing doesn't make sense either.

 

[fbov]

10dB difference would be approximately 10x as loud,... Everything I can find says acoustic glass may make a 2-3dB overall difference.

Notes on sound levels.

10dB difference is 10x the amplifier power, but it is perceived as twice as loud.
3dB is half/twice the amplifier power, and is still clearly perceived. We can hear a 0.1dB change.

 

[Wnbasac]

Just the news I wanted to hear! The thought of it being quieter is the main reason I upped to the Lariat. Glad it will pay off.

Windshield replacement is free in Florida... just need to make sure they replace it with the Lariat windshield and not an XL/XLT one if it should it ever happen to crack.. Luckily after 10 years living here, I've only ever had a windshield crack on me once after the car was sitting out all day baking in a theme park parking lot..

O

Do tell - Ceramic is legal and reduces cabin noise ?

not in Cali

 

[Naranjita]

I am certainly not trained in dB acoustical analysis. I am just offering an educated guess of the differences. Whether it was 3dB, 6dB, approximately 10dB, I cannot say with any certainty. But it is quite noticeable. And allows for occupants to speak more softly, it allows the rear seat passengers to be heard better and it sure allows the Harmon+Kardon sound system not to have to be played at high volume to cover up the outside noise.

But I do still play it loud, because how on earth can this middle aged man fully enjoy the latest K-POP songs from ATEEZ?

Sponsored