Rear door glass broke

Hi,

 yesterday wile I was driving, suddenly I heard a bursting sound from behind. when i stooped and checked, it was my rear door glass, it was fully cracked and glass pieces were falling down. I was wondering what made it to burst, i checked if anything hit the glass, but there was nothing as such.

I read online that it happens due to AC pressure. 
has anyone faced this kind of issue. And what exactly could be the cause for this.

Its been hit ! something has to hit it to bust it ! I suggest you wear a bullet proof vest for a bit

Hi Avi,

As Stu pointed out, the only reason the glass can crack is due to some object hitting it.
I've had my front glass chipped and later develop into a crack due to a stone that flew from the truck in front of me.

Glass cracking due to AC pressure is not an occurrence in today's times as there are many vents through which the pressure can escape out. Automotive glass quality has also gone up since earlier days.

To make sure we are talking of the same type of sound, keep a steel plate pressed flat on your bed/mattress.
Now hit the center of the plate with a heavy spoon edge.
Is this the sound you heard?

Surya

Hi,

  Thanks for your replies.

       Even I suspected same.. something might have hit the glass, but I was wondering what could hit the glass as i was driving on highway, both sides of road had dry empty land and no any object/vehicle around my car. 

we were 4 ppl in car, it was cold weather and drizzling. we had closed all the windows and as i remember I had used defroster for i while before the glass got burst..

It was not the sound that you said, it was kind of simple burst POP sound.. i dont know how to explain that..



here are few links which also talk about this.
http://www.8thcivic.com/forums/dealership-experience/236468-shattered-back-window-due-defroster.html

http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/automotive-answers/4806-zen-estilo-rear-glass-broken-due-heat-pressure.html

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/archive/index.php?t-1731572.html

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/cars/msg031653252210.html

Hi Avi,

I did read those links you shared. What I find is that these instances have occurred in areas/climate which are too hot.
Considering you are from Bangalore, where it is quite cool/raining now, I do not suspect heat buildup.
Also, your side defroster is pointing only at front door glass. So, the rear door glass will not be that much affected with the temperature difference.

How old is your vehicle?
Is your service advisor capable enough to inspect the cause for the damage?

One thing is for sure. Even if the glass is of a defective quality, the service center or manufacturer will not own it up.
Best best in that case is to get it replaced under insurance. And while doing so, get the window mechanism checked for any bends that can create stress.