Steps to Take After Your Back Windshield Shatters

Experiencing a shattered back windshield can be startling and upsetting. It can be caused by an accident, vandalism, temperature fluctuations, or falling debris. A broken rear window exposes your vehicle to theft and weather-related damage. 

Even if you find it is damaged for no reason, knowing what to do when your back windshield is shattered is crucial to ensuring your vehicle’s safety.

In this blog, you’ll discover the quick fixes you need to remember when faced with a shattered back windshield, the repair alternatives, the most common reasons, and preventive measures.

Immediate Steps to Take When Your Back Windshield Shatters 

While dealing with a broken rear windshield, you must not panic. Instead, act quickly in the following ways:

Pull over safely

If the glass gets shattered while driving, park your car in a secure location if possible. Else, try to get it towed to a safe place. Stay away from the broken glass since it could injure you.

Secure the area

Carefully remove any glass from the floor, seats, and carpets using gloves. If you feel the windshield was smashed due to theft, gather pictures from different angles, check your insurance and registration papers, and file a police report.

Assess the damage

Find how bad it is. Inspect whether the vehicle can be driven further; if there is a likelihood that glasses fall inside the car or if there is poor visibility, avoid driving.

Check for Injuries

Assess yourself and your co-passengers for cuts and bruises from glass pieces. Seek medical help if needed.

Temporary Fixes for a Broken Back Windshield  

Finding an expert professional at the required time may be difficult, especially if you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere. Hence, you need to arrange for the following temporary fixes:

1. Use a plastic cover: Use duct tape to firmly hold a plastic bag or sheet over the window after cutting it to size. This will provide some protection until the permanent fix.
2. Apply heavy-duty tape: Apply masking tape to any exposed paint, then securely stretch the tape in strips across the broken windshield from top to bottom.
3. Reduce vibrations: To stop additional cracking, steer clear of bumpy roads and drive very slowly, if possible.
4. Readjust your side mirrors: This can help to avoid the bright reflection and refraction of the broken glass.

After implementing these initial fixes, make sure to get your vehicle examined at an emergency auto glass repair station.

Repair vs. Replacement: What’s the Best Solution??  

Depending on the extent of the damage, the technician will explain whether a repair would be able to fix things up or if a replacement is needed. Usually, the following scenarios occur:

1. Repair: Small cracks (<6 inches) or isolated chips (<1 inch) can usually be fixed with resin injections. Additionally, drilling tiny holes at the cracked ends helps to stop it from spreading.
2. Replacement: In case of a completely shattered windshield with deep cracks, full replacement using adhesives is required. 

Note: If you own a comprehensive vehicle insurance policy, your windshield replacement will be covered without any deductions, as per Florida’s Statute 627.7288.

Common Causes of Back Windshield Shattering  

Despite being sturdy and durable, the back windshield is susceptible to damage. The most common causes of a shattered back windshield are listed below:

Temperature Extremities

Glass deteriorates due to thermal stress caused by abrupt shifts (for instance, Florida’s afternoon heat followed by rapid AC chilling). Similarly, turning on your car’s heater at full blast during winter may damage the glass.

Stones and Debris Damage

Flying gravel, stones, and road debris are leading causes of shattered windshields. Tree branches and other heavy objects carried by the wind can leave your back windshield shattered.

Accidental Damage

Collisions with other vehicles and dividers can lead to a shattered rear windshield. Moreover, bird strikes and flying golf or cricket balls can cause damage.

Manufacturing flaws

In some cases, gaps between the glass and the frame may develop if subpar installation tools are used by inexperienced personnel. These gaps can widen with increased vibrations, leading to larger cracks.

Whatever the reason for the damage, you must be aware of some preventive measures to stop further damage in the future.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Future Windshield Damage  

To prevent future instances of a shattered rear windshield, you must follow a proactive approach involving the following measures.

Drive Cautiously

Maintain a safe distance from other cars, particularly on gravel roads or in areas where there may be debris from construction.

Park Strategically

Use garages or other covered spaces to reduce heat stress and sun exposure. Also, you can keep your automobile parked under trees but not during windy and stormy seasons.

Examine Periodically

Check your car frequently for wear and tear, particularly following severe weather. Run regular auto glass inspections to identify chips and cracks early on and take appropriate action. To avoid scratches on your windshield that could cause cracks, replace your worn wiper blades periodically.

Avoid Slamming Doors

Ensure that your car doors are not slammed since this can strain the windows and eventually lead them to crack.

Conclusion  

Although a damaged windshield can be an upsetting experience, you must know what to do when your back windshield is shattered. A broken rear windshield necessitates immediate attention: put safety first, assess the damage, incorporate temporary fixes, and get advice from car window repair & replacement experts like NuVision Auto Glass.

Utilize your comprehensive insurance coverage (if already insured) to ease the financial burden at such times of emergency. 

Don’t allow a little chip to turn into a big problem. For seamless emergency auto glass repair & replacement services in Florida, contact Nuvision Auto Glass—your trusted partner. We provide same-day, hassle-free windshield replacement at your doorstep or any other location suitable for you. 

FAQs

Can I drive with a shattered back window in Florida?

You can drive, but the police may issue a ticket against your name due to visibility and safety concerns, as per Florida laws.

How much does it cost to replace a shattered back windshield?

It depends on the extent of damage. You’ll be notified by our technician after the inspection. Moreover, we offer up to $375 cash back on windshield replacements.

Why did my back windshield randomly shatter?

Common reasons include manufacturing flaws, concealed cracks, thermal stress, and extreme temperatures.

Is the back windshield covered by insurance?

Most comprehensive coverage policies in Florida cover glass replacement and repair with no deductible.