4 Risk Factors for Spontaneous Auto Glass Shattering

Broken auto glass is always a headache, but dealing with broken glass that spontaneously shatters is even more frustrating. Did something hit your vehicle? Do other windows within your car have the potential to shatter? 

While spontaneously shattering glass isn’t a common phenomenon, it does happen. Let’s discuss everything you need to know about what causes the glass to break and what to do if it happens. As a vehicle owner, you should learn about the risks and what to expect to protect yourself on the road. 

How Do I Know My Auto Glass Spontaneously Shattered? 

Spontaneous auto glass breakage is as it sounds- the sudden shattering of glass, sometimes in an explosion-like way, that comes without an apparent cause. You hop into your vehicle, shut the door, and boom! Did your window really shatter? 

The good news is that this type of breakage only occurs in the rear window of vehicles. Why? The rear auto glass is made of tempered glass. Since this type of glass is created through a series of chemical or temperature treatments, it’s designed to be more impact resistant than other types of glass. Still, making this glass tough puts it under severe compression and stress. Therefore, leaving it susceptible to spontaneous shattering. 

The amount of stress and compression the average rear window is under always means your rear auto glass can shatter with the slightest damage. So, what risk factors do you need to watch for to protect your vehicle? 

What Are the Risk Factors for Spontaneous Glass Breakage? 

The best way to prevent this damage is to be proactive with all auto glass repairs and replacements. Even the slightest damage should be tended to quickly. You should also watch for these potential risk factors:

• Damage to the Edge of Your Glass– Chips, cracks, and other imperfections in the edge of your glass create considerable stress on your window. When left untreated, outdoor temperatures, wind, and road vibrations can put your auto glass under more pressure and trigger spontaneous breakage. 

• Exposure to Extreme Temperatures– Extreme heat or cold causes your glass to expand and contract. Frequent exposure to thermal stress can weaken your window and cause spontaneous shattering. 

• Window Frame Damage– When your window frame is damaged or warped, your glass can shatter because it is no longer cushioned or protected. Heat, pressure, and driving vibrations can lead to more damage that contributes to spontaneous breakage. 

• Poor Manufacturing– In some cases, small pieces of nickel sulfide can get trapped within your tempered glass, compromising the strength and integrity of your window. Although strict manufacturing standards typically prevent this hazard, it can happen. Of course, you won’t be able to detect this risk factor alone, but it should be noted for repair or replacement coverage. 

What Should I Do if My Auto Glass Shatters? 

If you experience a spontaneous glass-shattering event, you must act fast. Pull over to a safe location if the damage occurs while driving. Document the incident thoroughly by calling the police, taking pictures, and recording video. Gather your insurance information and schedule an appointment with a reputable auto glass repair shop. Avoid driving your vehicle until repairs can be performed because damaged glass can be a significant driving hazard. As a trusted Vancouver ICBC windshield replacement company, we can help process your insurance claim. 

Contact Avenue Auto Glass for a Free Estimate on Your Glass Replacement

If your window shattered out of nowhere or you need auto glass repairs or replacement, we’re here to help! As the most trusted comprehensive auto glass repair and replacement shop in Vancouver, we offer affordable and dependable service for all vehicle makes and models. Call us today to get a free estimate.