Can Car Glass Shatter Automatically?
2 Answers
The front and rear windshields of a car can shatter due to issues with the glass material itself. Aftermarket glass is more prone to shattering, and even original equipment manufacturer (OEM) glass can sometimes crack. Therefore, if cracks appear, immediately returning to a 4S dealership for inspection can determine whether the issue stems from poor OEM quality or external factors. Below are some maintenance methods for car window glass: 1. Proper Use of Windshield Washer Fluid: There are various types of windshield washer fluids available on the market, mainly categorized into three types: summer-use fluid, winter antifreeze fluid, and special antifreeze fluid. Summer-use fluid is primarily for removing insect residues from the windshield, while winter antifreeze fluid ensures that car components are not damaged when temperatures drop below -20°C. 2. Car Window Tinting: A thin layer of heat-insulating film can make a significant difference, not only blocking the harsh sunlight but also providing heat insulation and UV protection. Car heat-insulating films are divided into front and rear windshield films and side window films. Dark tinting is most unsuitable for the front windshield. Additionally, when selecting a heat-insulating film, the higher the UV protection index, the better, as it protects dashboard components from premature aging caused by prolonged sun exposure. 3. Purchasing Glass Insurance for Your Car: Glass breakage insurance is a commercial insurance where the insurer compensates for losses incurred due to the breakage of the car's glass during use. Glass breakage refers specifically to damage occurring only to the windshield and window glass of the insured vehicle.
My friend experienced a sudden crack in the car window while driving last year, and we all found it very strange. The car was parked perfectly fine under the sun, but when we returned, the rear window was completely shattered. Later, at the 4S shop, we learned that many cars use tempered glass which inherently has this characteristic. It's said that during production, some impurities can get mixed in, causing the glass to spontaneously crack under drastic temperature changes, especially when sun-exposed windows are suddenly hit with cold water in summer. However, the probability of this happening is actually very low, reportedly less than 0.3%. Daily precautions like parking away from direct sunlight and avoiding washing hot glass with cold water can prevent it. If a crack does occur, don’t panic—the glass fragments are blunt-edged. Quickly tape the crack to prevent it from spreading and drive immediately to a repair shop for a replacement. Car manufacturers have considered safety aspects quite thoroughly.
