Many motorists take their rear window for granted until it is damaged and requires repair or replacement. Auto glass is highly strong and durable to protect drivers from the elements, wind, and debris, but it isn't indestructible. Here are a few of the typical causes of glass damage and what they may mean for your vehicle.

A Guide to Causes of Rear Window Damage

1. Collisions

A car collision involving severe impact is the most prevalent reason for rear windows to break. The level of damage can also reveal a lot about the state of the rest of your car to a repair shop. When auto glass shatters on impact, for example, it could indicate that the vehicle's frame is bent.

2. Defective Installation

The windshield must be installed in such a way that it fits snugly and securely or it will shift while you're driving, producing air and water leaks. The quality of glass can also affect how vulnerable a windshield is to impacts. Ensure that your windshield is installed by a certified technician who is familiar with windshield repair and replacement.

3. Hail

Hail can reach the size of a golf ball or larger, but even smaller pieces can be highly damaging, generating cracks and chips. Larger hailstones are as effective as rocks when it comes to breaking glass, so park your vehicle inside a garage or beneath a shelter if there are signs of severe weather approaching. If hail begins while you are on the road, pull over beneath an overpass or gas station overhang to protect your glass and bodywork.

4. Temperature Shifts

Glass contracts when it gets cold and expands when it grows warm. Gradual changes in air pressure and temperature have little effect on your windshield, but sudden, drastic changes can make existing damage worse. When the temperature or weather pressure changes fast, stress fractures or chips in the glass can suddenly develop into a spiderweb-like pattern, requiring repair or possibly replacement.

If your rear window is damaged, turn to Consumer Glass in St. Louis, MO, for quick repairs. Since 1987, this locally owned and run shop has helped area residents with glass repairs on a variety of vehicles. Their licensed technicians have an average of 20 years of expertise, and they provide same-day mobile repairs with a warranty. Visit their website or call (636) 397-6800 to learn more.