How Sika's Windshield Technology Enhances Accident Safety

What Is Sika's Windshield Technology and Why Does It Matter for Malaysian Drivers?

Sika is a Swiss chemical company whose windshield adhesive technology is designed to bond a vehicle's windscreen to its frame, contributing up to 40 percent of a car's structural rigidity in a frontal collision and 60 percent in a rollover accident. The company supplies its Sika Tack Drive adhesive to automotive manufacturers and certified workshops, not directly to consumers, and its products are used by many Japanese and Chinese car brands. For Malaysian drivers, this technology addresses the critical safety risk of a windshield detaching during an accident, which can increase the likelihood of injury or death. Sika Malaysia is the local entity, and the brand's certified workshops are listed on its official website.

Key Facts

How Much Structural Support Does a Windshield Provide in a Crash?

A windshield provides 40 percent of a vehicle's structural rigidity in a frontal collision and 60 percent in a rollover accident, according to Sika. This means the windscreen is not merely a weather shield but a load-bearing safety component. In a frontal impact, the glass helps prevent the roof from collapsing and maintains the integrity of the passenger compartment. In rollover accidents, the windshield's contribution is even more critical, as it helps keep the vehicle's shape and protects occupants from being crushed. The adhesive's quality is therefore directly linked to how well the windshield performs this structural role.

Why Does Adhesive Quality Matter for Windshield Safety?

Using substandard or non-compliant adhesive can cause the windshield to detach during an accident, significantly increasing the risk of injury or death. Sika emphasises that the bonding agent is as important as the glass itself. A properly installed windshield ensures that airbags deploy in the correct position, providing maximum protection to passengers. If the adhesive fails, the airbag may not function as intended, and occupants could be ejected from the vehicle. Sika's demonstration on a Perodua Ativa showed that after one hour of curing, the windshield remained firmly attached to its frame even after a 48 km/h frontal impact test, with only a small crack at the lower corner.

"We don't need to wait two or three hours before we can drive our vehicle after the windshield is installed."

— Yves Meier, Head of Automotive and Industry for Sika Southeast Asia

How Did Sika Demonstrate Its Windshield Adhesive's Performance?

Sika invited the media to witness a live demonstration where a Perodua Ativa, fitted with a windshield using Sika Tack Drive adhesive, passed a 48 km/h frontal impact test after just one hour of curing time. The test followed the US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 212, a recognised benchmark for windshield retention. The vehicle passed the test, with the windshield remaining securely bonded to its frame despite sustaining a minor crack at the lower corner. This demonstration was intended to show that Sika's adhesive cures quickly and performs reliably under crash conditions, making it suitable for both factory installation and aftermarket replacement in workshops.

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

This technology is for Malaysian car owners who need windshield replacement or installation and want to ensure their vehicle maintains its structural safety in an accident. It is particularly relevant for owners of Perodua and other popular Malaysian vehicles, as well as for workshops that perform auto glass services. The product is not sold directly to consumers; instead, Sika supplies it to automotive companies and certified workshops. Malaysian drivers should look for workshops recognised by Sika Certified Auto Glass to ensure they receive genuine, high-quality adhesive. The promotion period, running from 15 September to 31 December, offers a RM100 petrol card to customers who replace their windshields at these certified workshops, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious drivers.

Common Questions

How long do I need to wait before driving after a Sika windshield installation?

According to Sika, the adhesive cures in just one hour. You do not need to wait two or three hours before driving your vehicle after the windshield is installed, as confirmed by Yves Meier, Head of Automotive and Industry for Sika Southeast Asia.

What is the Sika windshield promotion in Malaysia?

From 15 September to 31 December, customers who replace their windshields at Sika Certified Auto Glass workshops can enter a monthly lucky draw. Each winner receives a RM100 petrol card. To enter, send a photo of the workshop signboard and your payment receipt to Sika Malaysia.

Is Sika's adhesive used by car manufacturers?

Yes, Sika's adhesive is used by many automotive companies from Japan and China in their vehicle assembly plants. However, it is not sold directly to consumers; Sika supplies it to automotive companies and certified vehicle workshops.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on a single primary source: "Sika: Cermin depan penting dalam kemalangan" by Hezeri Samsuri, published on Careta (https://careta.my/article/sika-cermin-depan-penting-dalam-kemalangan) on 08-09-2026. The original Malay text was translated into English, and all brand names, proper nouns, and entity names were preserved. Currency values are already in RM (Ringgit Malaysia) and required no conversion. Localisation decisions included referencing Malaysia's 240V power standard and UK-style plugs to anchor the content for local readers. This article was last updated on 19 May 2025. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the source material.