It can be an overwhelming experience to find your back windshield shattered. Whether it was caused by falling debris, vandalism, an accident, or the glass just shattered on its own, it’s crucial to act quickly. You need to take the necessary steps for your safety and to minimize any further damage. So, what do you do when your back windshield shatters?
If your back windshield shattered while driving, first pull over to a safe location to prevent any additional damage. Assess the situation and check for any injuries. Seek medical attention if needed, and don’t drive with any shattered auto glass. Tape the opening, and tow your car to a nearby auto glass repair shop.
In which situations can you drive with a shattered back window? What if your back windshield shattered at night or when you were away? Don’t panic. This post covers everything you need to know, including how to handle different scenarios and tips for preventing this from happening again.
Can I Drive with a Shattered Back Window?
In general, it’s unsafe to drive with a shattered back windshield. You’d be risking your safety and the safety of other road users, not to mention causing further damage. However, depending on the severity and location of the shattered back windshield, there may be some exceptions.
Suppose your back windshield is completely shattered or obstructs your view while driving; do not attempt to drive. It can cause accidents, so law enforcement will most likely pull you over.
You can drive cautiously if the damage is limited to a small area and doesn’t impede your vision. We only recommend this option if you’re driving to a nearby auto glass repair shop and there’s no other means of transportation available.
It’s also justifiable if the back window shattered while escaping a hostile situation. In such cases, it’s critical to prioritize your safety, so get to a safe location as soon as possible. Once safe, call for help and have the car towed.
Remember that it’s always best to err on the side of caution in these situations. If you’re unsure about whether it’s safe to drive with a shattered back windshield, don’t do it. Paying for a tow costs money, but driving under dangerous conditions can cost your health and safety as well as that of others.
Shattered Broken Car Window at Night
Driving at night is even more dangerous with a shattered back windshield. The darkness reduces visibility, making it challenging to navigate, even without any obstructions. Not to mention, the broken glass could reflect light from other vehicles, temporarily blinding you while driving.
If you’re ever in such a scenario, don’t panic. First, pull over to a safe location and assess the situation. If you have spare clothes or blankets in your car, use them to cover the back window and reduce any glare from oncoming headlights.
If you have some clear tape or plastic bags, use them to cover the shattered area to prevent debris from entering your car. It will also help control the air pressure inside the vehicle while driving, making it less noisy and uncomfortable.
It’s also super helpful to readjust your side mirrors to avoid the broken glass’s glaring refraction and reflection. If you have any passengers, calm them down and reassure them you’re in control of the situation.
Remember, staying calm and focused is crucial to safely handling this unexpected event. If you feel uneasy or are unsure about driving, don’t hesitate to park and call for help. Your safety and the safety of others on the road should always be your top priority.
What to Expect During Repair of Busted Car Windows
After experiencing a shattered back windshield, you’re going to need to get it repaired or replaced. Regardless of the extent of the damage, only a professional should handle the repair process.
Find out if auto insurance covers glass repair and replacement in Kentucky. Then, look for an auto glass repair shop with a long history of excellence and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. When looking for a shop, you may want to look into: Do Car Dealerships Replace Windshields in Kentucky? Expect to provide details like your vehicle’s:
- Make and model.
- Year of manufacture.
- VIN.
This information will help the technician determine the correct type of glass for your car.
Next, you’ll have to choose between repairing or replacing the window. The choice isn’t always yours to make, as the professional will assess the damage and advise accordingly. Small chips and cracks are generally repairable, but if the crack is large or the windshield has multiple locations of damage, it’s going to require a complete replacement.
During the repair process, technicians use specialized tools to remove any debris inside your car. They then clean the area and apply a resin, filling in the cracks and chips. They go on to cure the resin using UV light, leaving a durable repair that restores the structural integrity of your window.
If replacement is necessary, the technician will remove all remaining glass from your car and install a new window using adhesive. For proper adhesive curing, follow any post-repair instructions provided by the technician.
After the repair or replacement is complete, thoroughly inspect everything. If you notice any issues, bring them up with the technician immediately.
Be patient during the repair process, as it may take some time, depending on the extent of damage. Refrain from rushing the technician because you could end up with a subpar repair or replacement job.
Additionally, ask for any warranties or guarantees offered by the repair shop. If you’re covered under one, be sure to save your paperwork somewhere accessible and safe so you can bring it with you if you need to use it at some point in the future.
Preventive Measures for Future Incidents
While accidents can happen at any time, you can reduce the likelihood of damaged windows by taking preventive measures like:
- Avoid following other vehicles too closely, especially on gravel roads or construction zones where debris may be present.
- Replace worn wiper blades regularly to prevent scratches on your windshield that could lead to cracks.
- Use caution when opening and closing car doors, as slamming them can cause stress on the windows.
- Avoid extreme temperature changes, like using hot water on a frozen windshield, as this can cause cracks. For more on this, read: Can Heat Crack a Windshield?
- Park your car away from trees or areas where falling branches may damage your windows.
- Frequent auto glass inspections will help you identify chips and cracks so you can address them promptly.
Remember, prevention is always better than cure.
Final Remarks on What to Do When Your Back Windshield Shatters
As a final note, dealing with shattered windows can be stressful and unexpected. But you can handle the situation calmly and efficiently by following the tips we’ve just offered.
Remember to remain safe and cautious throughout the entire process, from assessing the damage to getting it repaired or replaced. We recommend you seek help from a professional if needed, as they have the expertise and tools to handle the situation properly.
Lastly, consider implementing preventive measures to avoid future incidents and learn when to replace windshields.
