Broken Car Window Repair: How to Cover the Frame and More

A broken car window likely means someone attempted to break into your vehicle. It’s a nerve-wracking situation to walk into, as thieves may have stolen valuable items and documents from inside your vehicle.

Covering the broken window allows you to safely drive to the nearest auto repair shop to get the problem repaired. Here’s how to do it:

How to Cover a Broken Car Window

Before repairing a smashed car window, ensure you’ve documented the scene and filed a police report. Moving the evidence may make the process of filing a report trickier.

You’ll need the following tools and supplies:

• Hammer
• Scissors
• Tape measure
• Packing tape
• Masking tape
• Gloves
• Microfiber cloth
• Towel
• Vacuum cleaner
• Garbage bag

Once you have all the necessary items, follow the steps below:

Clean the Glass

Wear your gloves and use a cloth to pick up all the remaining shards on the window frame. Use the hammer to smash the larger remnants into smaller pieces to make them easier to pick up and remove.

You should also vacuum inside the car cabin to remove finer shards. Be sure to check under the carpet and seats as well.

Clean the Window Frame

Use a damp towel to wipe down and clean the window frame to remove dust or grime to ensure that the tape will stick.

Let the frame and seal dry completely. Attaching the garbage bag to a damp frame will prevent the adhesive from sticking.

Prepare the Garbage Bag and Tape

You can start preparing the garbage bag while you’re waiting for the frame and seal to dry.

Measure the length and width of your car window, then cut the garbage bag to match the window size (add half an inch to one inch to make it easier to tape to the frame).

Secure the Garbage Bag With Tape

Open the door with the broken window and spread the garbage bag over the frame from inside the vehicle. Make sure the bag covers the entire frame before securing it with tape.

You can also use duct tape if the masking tape doesn’t stick. However, be wary when doing so because it may damage your vehicle’s paint.

Another option is to use masking tape to create a temporary window cover. This involves taping over the window frame from both outside and inside the car. Run rows of tape from top to bottom or side to side to stiffen up the bag.

Seal the Window

Repeat the steps listed above. This time, cover the outside of the window to prevent air and water from entering the cabin.

How to Cover a Broken Car Windshield/Rear Window

Use crash/collision wrap films to cover the damage if you’re dealing with a bigger window, such as the windshield or rear window.

These are self-adhesive plastic films used to cover broken or cracked windshields to temporarily protect the interior from the elements. Crash wraps also stick to clean and dry surfaces like metal, glass, and plastic.

Prepare the Windshield/Rear Window

Follow the same cleaning procedure discussed in the previous section. While crash/collision wrap films typically adhere to wet surfaces, it’s still a good idea to wait until the frames dry before proceeding with the wrap installation for better results.

Install the Crash Wrap

Measure the size of the windshield or rear window and add about an inch per side before cutting the film. Press the wrap on the frame and make sure it covers the entirety of the frame.

Any small openings or gaps between the wrap and the frame may result in debris getting into the cabin.

What to Do if Your Car Window Gets Smashed

A smashed car window most likely means someone broke into your car. In this case, it’s best to document the damage, check for missing items, and contact authorities before having the window replaced.

Document the Damage

Document the extent of the damage without touching anything. Take pictures and videos of the vehicle and the shattered window. Documenting the scene as you found it is necessary when you call the police to file an incident report.

Check for Missing Items

Check for laptops, wallets, and important documents that might be missing. Contact and freeze your bank accounts if your credit cards were swiped to prevent usage. Similarly, change your email and social media passwords if your phone is stolen.

Contact the Police

Gather your driver’s license, car insurance card, and vehicle registration because you’ll need them when talking to the authorities. File a police report, present the photos and videos to the police, and thoroughly explain what happened.

Talk to Your Insurance Company

File a claim with your insurance, especially if it covers auto glass replacement. Send the documented evidence to the insurance company.

Replace the Window

Whether or not your plan covers window replacement, the first thing you should do after filing everything is to replace the smashed window.

Can You Drive With a Broken Car Window?

You should keep in mind that driving with a compromised windshield is dangerous. If you can, have it repaired before setting out on the road. Using a crash wrap is a temporary solution; you should still get a proper windshield to protect you from the elements.

Your windshield and rear window don’t just stop debris from entering the cabin, but they also support the car roof and prevent it from collapsing in a rollover crash.

Where to Get New Car Windows

Keep in mind that a crash wrap is only a temporary solution. To keep yourself and your passengers safe, you’ll have to replace your window as soon as possible. Car windows offer impact protection during an accident. With a broken window, you’re at greater risk of getting injured. You’re also more vulnerable to theft and vandalism. Thankfully, you can protect yourself and your passengers by getting a replacement window from CarParts.com today.

From door glasses to rear windows, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for here at CarParts.com. We’re dedicated to giving you a hassle-free shopping experience, so we provide accurate and detailed fitment information for each part. This way, you can get a window that perfectly fits your vehicle. If you need any help, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly customer service staff. They offer round-the-clock support and are more than happy to assist you.

Don’t wait until a thief takes advantage of your broken window before replacing it. Check out our wide selection of door glasses, windshields, and rear windows at CarParts.com and get a replacement today!