How to Fix Broken Car Window Temporarily

A broken car window is frustrating and poses several risks—from theft to weather damage. While professional broken car window repair is the best long-term solution, sometimes you need a temporary fix to keep your car safe until you can get it to an auto glass shop.

This guide will walk you through simple steps to secure your broken car window temporarily and help you understand when it’s time to call in a professional for a permanent fix.

Assess the Damage

Before you start a broken car window repair, examine the extent of the damage to understand what you’re working with:

• Shattered vs. cracked: Determine whether the window is shattered completely or just cracked. This will affect how you approach the repair.
• Check for additional issues: Look for damage to the window frame, interior, or electrical components.
• Drive ability: If the glass is scattered, make sure the car can be driven without risking injury or further damage.

Gather Necessary Materials

Before you start your temporary repair, gather these common materials:

• Clear plastic garbage bags or thick plastic sheeting
• Packing tape or duct tape
• Scissors
• Safety gloves
• Microfiber cloth or sponge
• Vacuum cleaner (optional)

Clean Up the Broken Glass

You must remove the broken glass carefully to avoid personal injury and further damage to the car.

• Wear protective gear like a thick pair of gloves while handling broken glass pieces.
• Pick the large shards of glass with your gloved hands and collect them in a thick plastic bag.
• Follow this by vacuuming the smaller pieces of glass from the car’s interior.
• Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe around the window to remove any smaller fragments.

Temporary Fix Options for Different Window Conditions

Here is how you need to fix different broken window conditions:

Passenger and Driver Windows

1. Start sticking the packaging tape from one end of the window to the other vertically.
2. Stick the plastic strips such that they overlap with each other. Follow it up with horizontal strips.
3. Repeat the process on the outside.

Rear Windows

Windshields are slightly bigger than other windows. Do you want to know how to fix a broken windshield?

If the windshield is damaged, it is better to go in for a replacement than a repair or temporary fix.

1. You can repair the rear windows with plastic sheeting.
2. Unroll the plastic covering to the appropriate length and cut the required size from the roll. Then, apply it and secure it at the edges with clear packing tape.

You can also use plastic trash bags or crash wrap for a broken car window repair.

When to Replace the Temporary Fix?

These temporary solutions are simple and quick. No special tools are needed for a broken car window repair.

However, make sure you replace temporary fixes with permanent repairs in these situations.

>Comprised Structural Integrity

If the window damage extends beyond that and results in a cracked or damaged window frame, a permanent fix is advocated.

Inadequate Insulation and Sound Proofing

If you feel that the temporary fix does not help with adequate insulation and results in increased energy costs, you need a permanent window repair.

Water Leaks and Moisture

If you experience frequent water leaks or moisture seepage despite the temporary fix, it is time for a permanent auto glass repair.

Constant exposure to moisture can cause mold and fungal growth in the car.

Aesthetics

Temporary repairs with plastic tape or bags can look unattractive. If you want to improve the car’s overall appearance, permanent auto glass repair is important.

Legal and Security Concerns

Broken windows with temporary fixes pose a security concern. Driving around with a broken window for a long time can also result in fines.

Schedule a professional window repair as soon as possible. Quick fixes are temporary and can never compensate for permanent window repair.

Conclusion

Finding your car window broken can be upsetting. Though DIY solutions can work for minimal damage, it is always better to seek professional window repair to ensure safety and prevent any driving inconveniences. Temporary fixes work until you are at an auto glass shop for a permanent broken car window repair.

If you are looking for broken car window repair services in Arizona, Colorado, and South Carolina, partner with NuVision. One of the fastest-growing auto glass companies, NuVision has over 100,000 trusted customers. The company places the utmost importance on customer satisfaction and offers a lifetime warranty for its auto glass solutions.

Contact us for a free quote for premium-quality windshield replacement and window repair services today!