Cracked Driver's side window

[NatG]

So the car is a 2011 Ford Edge Limited, Bordeaux Red, black leather. I've been lucky when it comes to windows in cars: I've had chips in windshields, but I have never had any damage to the door windows.

 

I come out of a meeting for my job, and there it is: cracked window. There's no sign of impact on the door, and the glass feels smooth. So as far as I know, there's no impact to the window itself.

 

The crack starts from under the door sill and goes halfway up the window. The crack has become marginally worse since discovery. It's been hot here in NJ, and I can only guess that it's the pressure from the car's interior heating up. I normally do not, but I have the windows cracked to allow the pressure to dissipate.

 

So my questions to the form are as follows:

 

1) Any idea what the cause might be? Is it possible that the pressure from the heat in the car cracked it?

 

2) Do I have to worry about the window shattering while driving (or in general)?

 

3) What should I do until I can get it repaired? (I have already put blue masking tape on the window over the crack).

 

4) Any estimate on cost to repair from a shop?

 

Thanks guys!

Edited July 18, 2014 by NatG

[akirby]

I don't think I've ever seen a tempered glass window crack like that. It certainly didn't happen from an impact that would have shattered it.

 

It looks like it cracked from the bottom probably where it attaches to the door track. Yes, it can shatter. I would at least put some tape on it to try and hold it together.

 

Replacement should be easy. My guess is $300 but that depends on the cost of the glass - could be more. Car insurance sometimes pays for glass breakage with a nominal deductible (or no deductible). It wouldn't hurt to ask them.

[omar302]

I believe a 2011 Limited should have the laminated side windows for the driver & passenger.

 

As for heat, we have A LOT more heat & never face cracked windows.

[WWWPerfA_ZN0W]

Duct tape would probably work better than masking tape, but may be too thick. I am thinking the window are not working correctly (motor/regulator), so it is slamming into position when fully open or closed.

[NatG]

I appreciate the feedback, guys.

 

@WWWPerfA_ZN0W: That was my though at one point. It would make the most sense given the circumstances.

 

@omar302: I had a friend who claimed that the a window in his Accord blew out because of the heat in the car generating pressure against the glass. I thought it was rediculous, just for the reason you outlined (it's much warmer in other parts of the world). But I do think the heat is making the crack worse, as the crack spread another inch when the car was just sitting.

 

@akirby: Yeah, $300 was what I was expecting. My deductable is less: it is something to consider to have my provider cover it.

[WWWPerfA_ZN0W]

I know it's too late for this occasion, but some people raise their insurance rates on glass coverage to minimize the deductible. If your windshield cracks for instance, a minimum cost of $300 is expected for OEM-like quality, probably much more for actual OEM glass.

[akirby]

I appreciate the feedback, guys.

 

@WWWPerfA_ZN0W: That was my though at one point. It would make the most sense given the circumstances.

 

@omar302: I had a friend who claimed that the a window in his Accord blew out because of the heat in the car generating pressure against the glass. I thought it was rediculous, just for the reason you outlined (it's much warmer in other parts of the world). But I do think the heat is making the crack worse, as the crack spread another inch when the car was just sitting.

 

@akirby: Yeah, $300 was what I was expecting. My deductable is less: it is something to consider to have my provider cover it.

 

I didn't realize they were using safety glass on the side windows. That would be a bitch to try and break in an emergency, but that would explain the crack.

 

Sometimes the insurance company waives or reduces the deductible for glass replacement since not fixing it could lead to more expensive claims. You should at least ask.

[omar302]

 

I didn't realize they were using safety glass on the side windows. That would be a bitch to try and break in an emergency, but that would explain the crack.

 

Sometimes the insurance company waives or reduces the deductible for glass replacement since not fixing it could lead to more expensive claims. You should at least ask.

The side windows on Limited & MKX (not sure of other Edge trims) have laminated windows on the front side doors for the sound isolation. I think the brand is SoundScreen and should be printed on it.

 

As for heat causing pressure build up, cars already have pressure relief flaps.

[akirby]

Sorry I meant laminated glass not safety glass.

 

There was a lawsuit on an explorer rollover where several occupants who were unbelted flew out the window and were killed. One of the lawsuit's complaints is that Ford did not use laminated glass on the doors which would have kept them in the vehicle. Totally ludicrous since they were also drunk and left the road before the rollover, but they actually won at least a partial settlement.

 

I'm sure this was just done for sound control and not because of that but it is interesting.

[NatG]

Had the Edge garaged for a bit. Just getting around to getting the window guy. $265 plus tax for the repair (including part).

[akirby]

Not bad.