Cracked Window - Malicious or no?

[cdo221]

My rear left window is cracked really badly - it's not busted through but it'll need to be replaced (pics attached).

Does this look like a break in attempt, vandalism, or just bad luck? Did a bird just fly into my window/rock/ something??

[Citified]

That sucks...

[Xdragonxb0i]

Look like it got hit by a projectile. Maybe a slingshot rock?

[Lonewolf]

Thieves often try and break out the corners of the rear side windows to gain entry to a car's cabin...good possibility it was a break-in attempt.

Did you find the anything in the cabin that could have made the hole?

*Do you have tint on that window? It looks like you do...

[Low&Slow]

Yeah, I second @Lonewolf. How would there be a rock flying towards the side of your car while you drive forward? unless you live in a bad area! I live in Stockton Ca, and this doesn't happen to people i know that own nice cars..

[wheelhaus]

I did have a rock fly through my open driver's window while driving... I think the Jeep in the lane to my left launched it from under it's tire. I actually heard it ricochet several times before coming to rest in the back seat. It was about 1/2" round. It was freaking loud when it hit the interior plastic (or back window), scared the crap out of me... No damage, though...

I agree this does look suspiciously like an intentional impact. Lonewolf's assessment makes sense, the edge of the glass may be easier to break since the point of impact isn't supported 360°.

[cdo221]

Originally Posted by Lonewolf

Thieves often try and break out the corners of the rear side windows to gain entry to a car's cabin...good possibility it was a break-in attempt.

Did you find the anything in the cabin that could have made the hole?

*Do you have tint on that window? It looks like you do...

I looked for a projectile, rock or something, maybe a BB bullet but I found nothing. The thing is, right behind that point of impact is the B pillar - basically where the driver side seat belt goes into. I didn't dig into the glass to try to find anything - didn't want to cut myself or compromise the window anymore. I ended up just taping up the window for now because there's supposed to be rain tomorrow.

Where my finger is pointing is the closest I can get to the impact point from inside the cabin (unless I go from the front):


And yea, my windows are tinted (45% all around). There is nothing of value in my car though - the only thing is a Yoshi doll and an umbrella (a high quality umbrella from Costco I suppose).

If anybody wants more info, I was parked in an outdoor, employees only, parking lot at the hospital I work at. However, anybody can just walk/drive into the parking lot - they just ticket any cars without a parking permit. There are supposed to be security cameras and I hope to get some footage tomorrow. My hopes aren't all that high though ... budget is tight and I suspect the 'premises under video surveillance" signs might just be for show only.

[Lonewolf]

It looks like the tint may have saved you.

I can't really see the impact point near your finger...

Looks like the thief tried to bash-in two different spots at the sides and either got spooked or frustrated because it was taking too much time/effort...

[cdo221]

Ah, do you mean the tint was holding the glass together (rather than shattering)? I think I see what you mean now.

I actually got my windows tinted JUST this week (on Saturday 5/11) - great timing if this is the case haha

[campy]

If you know the damage occurred in the parking lot, then definitely get the surveillance footage. That's what it's there for.

Could it be a bullet hole?

[Lonewolf]

Originally Posted by cdo221

Ah, do you mean the tint was holding the glass together (rather than shattering)? I think I see what you mean now.

I actually got my windows tinted JUST this week (on Saturday 5/11) - great timing if this is the case haha

Yeah, it looks like the aftermarket tint is what kept it together long enough for the douche to leave your car alone...let the person who manages the parking lot know about the incident and get that footage if possible....

[mrlewistan]

Originally Posted by Lonewolf

It looks like the tint may have saved you.

I can't really see the impact point near your finger...

Looks like the thief tried to bash-in two different spots at the sides and either got spooked or frustrated because it was taking too much time/effort...

he meant the support pillar on the inside of the cabin starts from where his finger is to the door (and where the damage is) and wondering why it was hit there if it was a break in attempt.

The more stories like this i come across the more nervous i get each time i take her out

[Gir]

I have seen one of these windows (on a different car) shatter on it's own. It was extreme heat to heavy cold rain very rapidly, and I've only seen it once, but it can happen.

[Clembo]

I would think a possible thief would just smash out one of the side windows - much easier to access the car and probably easier to smash. Of course I'm not sure because I'm not experienced in that line of work!