Should You Upgrade to Polycarbonate Windows?

If you’re building a car for track days, hill climbs, or competition use, polycarbonate windows are one of the smartest changes you can make. They’re not just lighter than glass—they’re stronger, safer, and far more suited to the demands of motorsport.

Early cars used simple plate glass in their windscreens and side windows. It was brittle, basic, and shattered dangerously in a crash. Laminated safety glass improved things, becoming the legal requirement for road use, and remains the standard in production vehicles today.

But in motorsport, where performance and weight are everything, polycarbonate has emerged as the clear alternative. It’s strong enough to shrug off flying debris. It’s flexible enough to shape and trim on the fly. And it saves weight where it matters most—up high, and at the edges.

What Is Polycarbonate, and Why Does It Matter?

Polycarbonate is a transparent plastic used in tough environments—riot shields, machine guards, industrial vehicles. In cars, it offers an unmatched mix of strength and workability.

Compared to acrylic or Perspex, polycarbonate is significantly more impact-resistant. It’s easier to cut and drill, holds up under stress and heat, and weighs a fraction of what glass does. It’s this combination that makes it so popular with race teams and performance builders.

The moment you swap it in, you feel the difference. The car responds quicker. Cornering feels tighter. You’ve not just lost weight—you’ve added confidence.

Why It Works for Track Cars

It’s not just the weight saving that makes polycarbonate useful. You can also remove bulky mechanisms like window regulators, motors, rubber seals, and switchgear—trimming even more off your build. Many series require these parts to be removed or replaced for safety, and polycarbonate keeps you within the rules.

We also design our door windows with quick-release pins. This allows for fast removal between sessions and gives you the option to seal up the cabin for storage or transport. While not fully waterproof, they’ll keep out the worst of the weather—especially compared to open door frames.

And if you’re after something functional and stylish, we’ve got options for sliding vents and NACA ducts. That means better airflow during races and a more aggressive, race-ready look for your build.

DIY vs Professional Fitment

Yes, it’s possible to buy polycarbonate sheets and make your own windows—but it’s rarely the easiest route.

  • Creating a perfect-fitting template from the original glass isn’t straightforward
  • Cutting polycarbonate without scratching or melting the edges takes time and skill

Add in the cost of large sheets and potential for waste, and it often ends up costing more than buying a ready-made kit. Our windows are cut to size, designed to fit, and tested in real racing environments.

Why Race Plastics?

With decades of experience, we offer more than just polycarbonate windows—we offer reliability. Each product is precision-cut in our UK factory, finished to spec, and built to stand up to race-day conditions.

We supply both standard 4mm polycarbonate and 5mm FIA-compliant windows, with clear, bronze, and grey tints available. Optional features like sliding vents give you airflow control and a proper motorsport finish.

For racers, enthusiasts, and teams across the world, Race Plastics delivers strong, lightweight, high-performance windows that do the job—every time.

Windows built for racing

Let customers speak for us

from 6 reviews
Great product

Nicely finished, very well packed, arrived on time and great value. Thanks!

Steve Adams
BMW E30 2dr 3 Series Coupe Polycarbonate Windows
Great weight saving windows

Windows are easy to fit and look good

Ewan McKay
Lancia Fulvia Polycarbonate Windows
Mini Polycarbonate windows and slider kit

Would highly recommend Race plastics. I have used them now on 3 occasions, their products and their customer service are the best I have used, Thank you R.P....

Gerry Windett
Mini Classic MK3 Polycarbonate Windows
Polycarbobate Lada

Perfekt fitting, fast delivery.
Thank You.

Jürgen Schmidt
Lada Riva Polycarbonate Windows

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  • Looking for windows?

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