Understanding the Different Types of Side and Back Windows

If your vehicle’s glass is broken, it's important to replace it promptly to avoid further issues. Whether you need side glass replacement, rear glass replacement, or door glass replacement, our team is ready to help.
It’s extremely helpful to know the right words to use to describe the window that has been broken. At Windshield Surgeons, we handle all types of side & back windows, including:
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Back Glass (Rear Window)

This is the glass at the rear of your vehicle. Often equipped with defrosting features, the rear window is crucial for visibility and safety.

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Slider

This is a different variant of back glass specifically found on trucks. The rear window will open either entirely, or a partially, downward or side to side.

  • Power Slider: These are on more modern trucks and are able to be opened with a switch like side windows are. Power sliders are convenient but can be significantly more expensive.
  • Manual Slider: These are back windows that open but you have to slide the glass manually. This is common on older trucks but are still found on some newer vehicles as well. 

Quarter Glass

This is usually a rectangular piece of glass located behind the doors on larger vehicles like vans and SUVs.

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Door Glass

The primary glass in the doors of your vehicle. This is typically the largest and most commonly replaced glass in the side window category.

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Vent Glass

A small triangular piece of glass on, or near, the front or rear doors on certain vehicles. Since vent glass doesn’t break as often and can be harder to source, it is sometimes more expensive than other window types even though it’s much smaller.

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Sunroof

This can also be called a Moonroof. This is any glass on the roof of your vehicle. 

Did You Know? Sometimes, Smaller Doesn’t Mean Cheaper

One misconception many people have is that smaller windows like vent glass will automatically be the cheapest to replace. However, due to their replacement being more rare, there can be difficulty in sourcing them. 

The key take-away is that smaller windows can actually sometimes cost more than larger windows like a door glass or even sometimes the rear window.

If you find yourself considering breaking a window to access your vehicle, first we really recommend considering calling a lock service instead—or at the very least, give us a call to find out which window is the least expensive to replace on your specific vehicle. It could save you money, a side window replacement, and prevent significant delays. Our team can tell you which glass is readily available and provide an estimate on the replacement cost. Request a Quote or text/call us at 1-800-909-9923 before making a decision.

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Advanced Glass Technology

What You Should Know

In recent years, more vehicles are being equipped with laminated glass for side windows, as opposed to the traditional tempered glass. This shift is due to new legal requirements in the U.S. aimed at improving passenger safety by keeping passengers from falling out of the vehicle in accidents. 

While laminated side glass windows offer benefits like reduced shattering, better protection during accidents, and easier maintenance, it does have some drawbacks.

Laminated vs Tempered Side Glass Windows:

  • Laminated glass doesn’t break apart into tiny pieces when damaged, which means less cleanup and a sturdier barrier. This helps keep passengers safer by preventing ejection during accidents.
  • Tempered glass, on the other hand, breaks into small, blunt pieces, making it easier to escape from the vehicle in emergencies. For example, if your car lands in water, the back window made of tempered glass is often a better escape route.

Read more tips about how to escape through the glass of your vehicle here.

No matter what type of glass your vehicle uses, our team at Windshield Surgeons has the knowledge, significant inventory, and equipment to perform the replacement quickly and correctly.

Get Your Quote Now
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Don't Delay

Why Replacement Speed Matters with Broken Side or Back Windows

When your side glass or back glass is shattered, it’s important to get it replaced as quickly as possible. Leaving your vehicle with a broken window can expose it to the elements, may lead to theft, or cause additional damage to the interior. 

At Windshield Surgeons, we focus on providing fast, reliable service so that your car is back to its original state in no time. With a large inventory of tempered and laminated glass, we’re able to replace windows quickly, often the same day.

Our technicians are skilled in working with both OEM and aftermarket glass, ensuring a perfect fit for your vehicle, whether you need a car front window replacement, side window replacement, or back window replacement.

Close-up view of the rear side windows and door of a white SUV, showing black trim and a rear taillight, photographed indoors

We Work With Your Insurance

If your car window has been vandalized or damaged by other means, we can help make the process as smooth as possible. 

If you have coverage, we will work with your insurance company and will guide you through the claims process. Since the price of window replacement can vary depending on the glass and availability, our team will ensure you understand the options for your vehicle.

To get started, Text or Call us at 1-800-909-9923.

A Stress-Free Window Replacement Experience

We know how stressful it is to deal with broken auto glass. That’s why we’ve streamlined our process to make it as easy as possible for you. When you choose Windshield Surgeons Auto Glass, you can expect:

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Fast Assessment

If you want to start off with a visit to our store, we can help quickly assess the damage and explain your options for side glass replacement or rear window replacement. We’d be happy to help over the phone or even by text message too!

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Efficient Replacement

With our extensive inventory, we strive to replace most windows without delay. Regardless of what window you need, we get you back on the road quickly.

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Cleanup the Mess

We understand how messy broken glass can be. Our technicians will clean up as much of the glass as possible. We do our best to leave your vehicle better than we found it – usually much better.

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Safety First

Once the new glass is installed, we perform a safety & functionality check to ensure your vehicle is ready to go.

Common Causes of Side and Back Window Damage

While accidents and vandalism are the most common causes of broken windows, other factors can lead to needing a side or rear glass replacement:

No matter the cause, Windshield Surgeons Auto Glass is here to help. 

  • Vandalism

    Unfortunately, many drivers experience having their car window vandalized, in fact it is the leading cause of side window replacements. 

  • Flying Debris

    Rocks, gravel, and even birds can crack or shatter windows if directed at the right angle, especially when driving at high speeds.

  • Extreme Temperature Change

    Sudden temperature changes can cause glass to expand and contract, leading to cracks or breakage. Do NOT ever pour hot water on a window to defrost it! Even if you saw it on social media…

Important Disclaimer

Mechanics & Motors

Please note that broken glass can sometimes get into the mechanics of your vehicle, such as latches, window regulators, or rear wiper motors. This can lead to malfunctions before, during, or after our service. While we do our best to clean up any visible glass, we cannot be held responsible for mechanical issues caused by glass shards affecting components.

Contact Us for a Free Quote Today

Whether you need side window replacement or back window replacement, Windshield Surgeons Auto Glass is your trusted partner for fast and professional service. 

Request a Quote or call us at 1-800-909-9923 today to get your vehicle windows replaced quickly and stress-free.