5 Common Causes of Back Glass Damage

 

A powerful battery and an efficient engine are not the only things that make up your car. The car glass is also one of the most significant components of your vehicle. Auto glass generally comprises of the windshield, back glass or rear windshield, and the side windows.

Most car owners don’t realize, but the back glass is equally crucial as it is a part of the system offering 360-degree visibility of your surroundings for safe driving. The back glass also protects the car’s interiors and passengers from outside elements. Unlike windshields, the back glass is made of tempered glass. When broken, tempered glass shatters into tiny, blunt pieces that do not cause fatal injuries.

Even though the back glass is quite robust, it is not immune to damages. Given below are the most common causes of back glass damage.

Cause#1 Sudden Temperature Fluctuations

Glass tends to expand when exposed to heat and contract when exposed to cold. If you leave your car under direct sunlight on a hot summer day for hours and then blast its air-conditioner, it can damage the car’s back glass. Similarly, during winters, refrain from turning on your cars heater at full blast when you enter the vehicle; otherwise, it can harm the glass.

The sudden change in temperature from one extreme to another can cause pressure on the back glass, which can be quite damaging. This is why you should carefully choose where you park your car. Parking your car in a garage or basement will enable you to protect its back glass for the most part. Another thing to remember is that if your vehicle has been sitting outside in the heat for quite some time, you should roll down the windows to let the hot air escape before switching on the AC.

Also, refrain from using hot water to defrost your back glass on a cold winter morning, as the drastic change in temperature will cause significant damage to the glass, making it more likely to crack; also, existing chips and cracks are  likely to get worse.

Cause#2 Bad Weather

Bad weather is not something that is in your control. It can happen anytime, and if your car is parked outside, there is a good chance that its back glass will be damaged. Tree branches and other heavy particles blown by winds can leave your back glass damaged. Moreover, hailstones can also cause damage.

Cause#3 Collisions and Accidents

Road accidents and collisions can occur anytime and anywhere, and most of them can leave your car’s back glass damaged. Bird strikes are also a common reason for the back glass to get damaged. Other collisions like flying golf balls or cricket balls or any other heavy object colliding with the back glass can leave it damaged. The best way to protect the back glass from this kind of damage is to drive carefully and vigilantly. You should pay proper attention to your surroundings at all times. Also, it is best to park your car in covered parking spaces only.

Cause #4 Stones and Debris

Road debris, stones, etc. might seem small, but they can cause much damage to your car’s back glass. It’s quite common for rocks and other debris to fly off the road and crash onto the back glass, often causing it to crack or even shatter completely. Sometimes passing cars can kick up stones, which can hit your back glass, leaving it damaged. If you park your vehicle close to a construction area, the construction debris can also accidentally fall on the back glass and leave it severely damaged.

Avoiding flying debris and stones mostly depends on luck, but what you can do is be aware of your surroundings. Take extra care when you are driving through gravel roads or areas of construction activity.

Read Also: Car Glass Damage: Common Causes,Types & Repair Tips

Cause #5 Incorrect Installation

Another common cause for the back glass to be damaged is if it is improperly installed in your car. Mostly, due to the use of poor-quality installation equipment or improper handling by untrained staff, gaps might appear between the glass and the frame. As you drive your car, the vibrations can cause gaps to intensify. This also increases the risk of the glass popping out and shattering.

If your car’s back glass has suffered impact due to any reason, seek expert help immediately. Choose reliable service providers such as AIS Windshield Experts which offers quality products, trained and certified professionals, and 360-degree car glass solutions.

Apart from the back glass, you can also get your windshield checked, repaired, or replaced from us. Our team of experts uses world-class equipment and follows international-safety standards while working on your car. With us, you’ll get a one-year written warranty on the materials used and our workmanship. To know more, check out our windshield repair and replacement services.

To avail of our services, you can drive to any of our 100+ conveniently located service centers or contact us at 1800 102 6364 to get your back glass fixed at your doorstep. Reach out to us today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How does a back windshield shatter?

A back windshield can shatter due to various reasons such as impact from accidents, vandalism, extreme temperature changes, or manufacturing defects. The force applied to the glass can cause it to crack and ultimately shatter into pieces.

Q2. Why did my back windshield shatter?

Back windshields can shatter due to a range of factors including impact from collisions, objects hitting the glass, rapid temperature changes, or existing weaknesses in the glass. A combination of these factors could have led to the shattering of your back windshield.

Q3. Can a back window shatter from heat?

Yes, extreme heat can potentially cause a back window to shatter. Sudden or intense temperature changes can create stress within the glass, leading to cracks and eventual shattering. However, this is less common than other causes like impacts.

Q4. What to do when your back windshield is shattered?

If your back windshield shatters, prioritize safety., Use temporary barriers like plastic sheets to prevent debris from entering your vehicle, and avoid driving until the glass is repaired or replaced. Contact Windshield Experts for proper replacement.