Why do car windows shatter in hot weather when not left down?

Question

(This happened to my car and my mom's, so I know it is true, but I'm foggy as to the exact details and sciences behind the phenomenon)

Answer 1

are you sure someone didn't just break your windows?  glass does NOT shatter when exposed to heat, no matter how extreme - it would melt but not at any sort of temperature we'd experience under ambient conditions.  I've never heard of this happening to anyone, ever.  I doubt it's even possible.

Answer 2

I've never had this happen to me or anyone I know, and we lived through some extremely hot summers. Are you sure it's not just someone breaking your windows, or something else at fault? I don't possibly see how hot weather could shatter your car's windows.

Answer 3

If the window was made of tempered glass (which seems likely) then heat should not shatter it.  Oven windows are made of the same stuff, and I doubt it hit 300 degrees F outside.