Back Glass and Rear Windshield Replacement

Why Back Glass Shatters

Tempered Glass Breaks All at Once

Unlike the laminated windshield, rear glass on most vehicles is tempered: a single sheet treated so it breaks into small, blunt pieces instead of sharp shards. That makes it safer for passengers, but it also means there is nothing to repair. Most of the time back glass cannot be safely repaired, and replacement is the safe and effective fix.

Break-Ins, Storms and Slammed Hatches

Back glass damage can come from road debris, temperature changes, accidents and even pressure changes in the cabin, such as a hatch or door shut hard with the windows up. Break-ins and falling branches in a storm are common too. Whatever the cause, our technicians make a clean removal and a precise replacement to restore your safety and your view out the back.

What Our Back Glass Replacement Includes

Clearing the Broken Glass

Tempered glass ends up in the seats, the trim, the cargo floor and the hatch seal. The technician clears the remaining glass from the frame and the car before the new glass goes in, so the opening is clean and the new seal sits right.

Defroster and Antenna Connections

Most rear glass carries the heating lines for the defroster, and on many cars the radio antenna too. Our technicians take care to reconnect and test the rear defroster and any other electrical components during installation, so everything works as it did before.

Sedans, Hatchbacks and SUVs

A sedan’s rear windshield is bonded into the body much like the front windshield. On hatchbacks and SUVs the glass sits in the liftgate, often with a wiper, a brake light or a camera nearby. We check the part against your VIN before we book so the glass matches the heating, antenna and mounting points your car has.

How Long It Takes and Aftercare

One to Two Hours in Most Cases

In most cases back glass replacement takes about one to two hours, depending on the make and model. Once the adhesive cures, your car is ready to drive the same day.

Wait 24 Hours Before Using the Rear Defroster

Avoid washing the vehicle or using the rear defroster for 24 hours so the adhesive can cure properly. We walk you through the simple aftercare steps before we leave.

Insurance for Back Glass

Back glass replacement is typically covered under the comprehensive part of your auto policy, minus any deductible your policy sets. Impex Auto Glass works with all major insurance providers to keep the process simple. If the glass was broken in a break-in, your insurer may ask for a police report; our insurance claims guide covers what to have ready.

Shop or Mobile Back Glass Replacement

Bring the car to our Greensboro auto glass shop, or book mobile service and a local technician comes to you, in Charlotte and every other town we serve. With the rear open, keeping the car under cover until we arrive helps keep rain out. Other windows broken as well? See auto glass replacement or side window replacement.