Exploding glass sunroofs

MR_Y · Jan 17, 2019

Hi,

I noticed that exploding glass sunroofs are more common than one would assume.
A quick Google search reveals the following:
- some cases are due to small cracks that develop and spread unseen
- some cases are due to defects with the glass itself that results in exploding due to extreme heat build up or sudden bumps from the road surface that reverberates to the roof.
- A few guys say some cases are due to pressure build up within the car. I am quite doubtful on this one.
- Most cases seem to be related to full scale panoramic glass roofs.

Whatever the reason, exploding glass sunroofs are a danger to the occupants of the car.

What are your thoughts on fitting anti smash-and-grab to a glass sunroof as a risk mitigation measure?

abmi0000 · Jan 17, 2019

I always apply tint to my sunroofs but this isn't due to the safety requirement from it possibly shattering. I apply to keep the harsh sunburn out as the factory tint doesn't allow enough enjoyment time. Without, it is a problem between 10.30am and 1.30pm in most cases.

So by default, I get protection from the possible shatter and glass bits spraying everywhere.

Many people apply a clear to their windscreens too for added protection in the event of a smash, so that glass doesn't end up in your face/eyes.

yush1 · Jan 17, 2019

I have heard car windows shattering due to heat and pressure build up. Best try and find shade.

Nick · Jan 17, 2019

Pressure cant build up inside the car, its vented. If your car wasnt vented your door would not close, also you ears would not need to equalize when you go down to the coast or up to the highveld.

Its purely expansion of the glass against a solid immovable structure.

abmi0000 · Jan 17, 2019

Nick said:
Its purely expansion of the glass against a solid immovable structure.

Technically, the rubber seal for waterproofing, ought to provide enough flex for expansion, unless the metal frame which houses the glass, is too rigid to give some way.

Nick · Jan 17, 2019

Technically yes, but i have seen a few cars ( IX35's and sonata's) suffer the same fate.

Remember there is no give in glass, the smallest amount of pressure at any contact point can make it pop. so if one tiny point in the molding is compromised and it pushes against the metal, POP!
I was actually witness to an ix35 sunroof pop while the windows were open.

ChefDJ · Jan 17, 2019

It could be another case of "the Europeans don't exactly make these things for our climate" and so that relates to the heat argument.

This is shattering news :fencelook:

NtandoN · Jan 17, 2019

I've witnessed this on a polo with panoramic sunroof. It was a mild, rainy day not hot at all.

yush1 · Jan 17, 2019

ChefDJ said:
It could be another case of "the Europeans don't exactly make these things for our climate" and so that relates to the heat argument.

This is shattering news :fencelook:

Maybe it wont happen if you have the hot climate version. :roflol:

MR_Y · Jan 20, 2019

Update

PG Glass advised that it may be dangerous to apply the safety film to the sunroof, since they cannot guarantee that water (which they use in the application process) will not interfere with the electronics within the sunroof system. They are hesitant to even try this.

Thoughts?

Nikhil · Jan 20, 2019

MR_Y said:
Update

PG Glass advised that it may be dangerous to apply the safety film to the sunroof, since they cannot guarantee that water (which they use in the application process) will not interfere with the electronics within the sunroof system. They are hesitant to even try this.

Thoughts?

What happens to the sunroof electronics when it rains or the car is washed?

BryanOC6 · Jan 20, 2019

This happened to me, while I was driving . A stone got flung from a lawn mower and smashed my front left side window , which has smash and grab on. When said stone hit the window sunroof popped . Crazy freak accident.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

MR_Y · Jan 20, 2019

Nikhil said:
MR_Y said:

Update

PG Glass advised that it may be dangerous to apply the safety film to the sunroof, since they cannot guarantee that water (which they use in the application process) will not interfere with the electronics within the sunroof system. They are hesitant to even try this.

Thoughts?

Click to expand...

What happens to the sunroof electronics when it rains or the car is washed?

They say they need to apply the safety film on the inside of the sunroof glass. This means that the part of the sunroof that is not exposed to the outside will get wet. Their fear is that the water will some how seep into the mechanism on the inside of the roof.

Anyway, that is my understanding.

PG Glass Midrand was the one I contacted.

Waseem 333i · Jan 21, 2019

Geez do they plan on using a fire hose to wet the window to apply the tint?

MR_Y · Jan 21, 2019

Waseem 333i said:
Geez do they plan on using a fire hose to wet the window to apply the tint?

Update.

I went to PG Glass Sandton today.

PG Glass Sandton also, at first, said that they do not do sunroofs and that it was difficult to do this work.
When I asked their technician to please have a look (the Midrand PG Glass guys did not check the sunroof), he fiddled a bit with the controls and said that it is possible. The sales guy then booked the car in for early tomorrow (before their "normal" work starts).

Then I realised something...

This is a very small piece of work with minimal profit for PG Glass - it would take 1 hour and cost R650. This could have been the reason why PG Midrand denounced the fitment upfront. The job is too small to be profitable.

MR_Y · Jan 22, 2019

Update.

Fitting was done today in less than 30 min (booked in at 7am).
They applied 15% tint (i.e. only allows 15% light through, blocks out 85%) of 4mm thickness. Cost R650 all-in.

MiteshN · Jan 22, 2019

MR_Y said:
Update.

Fitting was done today in less than 30 min (booked in at 7am).
They applied 15% tint (i.e. only allows 15% light through, blocks out 85%) of 4mm thickness. Cost R650 all-in.

Is that on top of the factory tint for a sunroof? How dark does that ultimately make it?

MR_Y · Jan 22, 2019

MiteshN said:
Is that on top of the factory tint for a sunroof? How dark does that ultimately make it?

The 15% is the Lumar tint spec. So, it is on top of the factory tint - I don't know what the standard OEM tint is. The safety film is fitted under the glass. It now looks like privacy darkened glass.

You can opt for lighter tints in the Lumar range.

Rotinaj · Jan 22, 2019

Panoramic ones do have a higher habbit of letting go. Since they are bonded to the cars frame in places and the flex the body takes can weaken them or even give them one all mightly kick and shatter them. Not uncommon.

Remember a time when you could not have a C63 on 19's and panoroof or a GTi on 19's and no pano roof.

MR_Y · Jan 22, 2019

This is an interesting video

Exploding glass sunroofs

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