Car Window Replacement
Broken window from a break-in, accident, or no clear cause? Here's what to do right now, and how replacement works.
A broken car window is stressful, but most cases are straightforward to resolve. Here's what to do right away, followed by what to expect for replacement.
Just had a window break?
Clear loose glass from the seats and floor before driving, and cover the opening — a large trash bag and tape can work temporarily — to protect the interior from weather and reduce the security risk of an open window. Avoid driving if the damage affects your visibility.
Once the immediate situation is handled, request a quote. Door and quarter glass replacement typically doesn't involve adhesive cure time, so many broken-window jobs can be turned around quickly — ask your provider about timing for your specific vehicle.
Tempered vs. laminated glass
Side and rear windows on most vehicles are made of tempered glass, which is designed to shatter into small, relatively blunt pieces rather than large shards when broken — that's why a broken side window often looks like a pile of granular glass. Windshields, by contrast, are laminated glass with a plastic interlayer, which is why they typically crack rather than shatter.
Some rear windshields on certain vehicles are also laminated rather than tempered — a provider can confirm which type your vehicle uses.
Which page you probably want
Front or rear door window: see Door Glass Replacement.
Small fixed pane near the rear pillar: see Quarter Glass Replacement.
Rear windshield / back glass: see Rear Glass / Back Glass Replacement.
Not sure which one applies to your vehicle? Request a quote and describe what broke — that's enough to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a broken side window be repaired instead of replaced?
Generally no — unlike a windshield chip, a shattered tempered-glass side window can't be repaired and needs to be replaced.
What information do I need to get a quote?
Your vehicle's year, make, and model, and which window is affected (front door, rear door, quarter glass, or back glass) is usually enough to start. A description of what happened can help too.
Is it safe to drive with a broken window?
It depends on which window and how it affects your visibility and the vehicle's security. If in doubt, cover the opening and have it evaluated before driving further than necessary.
How quickly can a broken window be replaced?
Door and quarter glass replacement usually doesn't require adhesive cure time, so many appointments are quicker than a windshield job. Exact timing depends on part availability and your provider's schedule — ask when you request a quote.