Using a reputable and experienced auto glass pro will ensure your vehicle is back on the road as quickly and safely as possible. In this article we’ll review:
If you feel your car window was smashed as a result of theft, contact the police and take precautions to secure any remaining personal items.
Once you have secured the contents of your vehicle and are in a safe location:
Take some time to thoroughly assess the damage. Document the scene without touching anything. Take pictures of the broken window from a few different angles. Be sure to photograph any other damage to the interior or exterior of your vehicle as well.
Take note of missing property, including car components, insurance and registration papers, and any other items you had in the vehicle.
File a police report. Call your local police or go to the police station and file an incident report.
Protect your personal information. If your wallet or purse was stolen, contact your bank and credit card company to report the lost cards, and place a hold on your account. If your ID and keys to your home are missing, replace your locks.
File an insurance claim. Speak with your agent to determine your coverage.
Once you have filed your reports, protect your car’s interior from the elements. Consider storing your car in a safe place (ideally a locked garage) until the car window is professionally replaced.
How to Repair a Broken Car Window
To tackle your broken car window, you have two options. You can lean on a professional to fix your broken car window on site or attempt to address a temporary fix yourself until you get to a car window repair place. For the DIY route, ensure you have the necessary supplies before getting started. As always, keep a safety-first mentality and avoid injuries by wearing protective gear.
How to Secure Your Car Window Until It Can Be Repaired
Wear heavy gloves before attempting to clear away any glass still attached to the window edges. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove glass from the interior of your car. Remember to inspect your seats for glass particles before kneeling or sitting to get to hard-to-reach places. Check under the seats, carpets, and weather mats for any shards.
Wipe down the exterior of the window frame with a damp cloth and let it dry to remove dust or grime before you patch the area with tape.
You can create a temporary window cover with tape. Cover any exposed paint with masking tape, then tightly stretch the tape from top to bottom over the door in strips.
Cut each length of tape with a scissor and overlap the strips as you move across the exterior of the window. Lastly, repeat the process from the inside of the car.
Note: Although you can drive temporarily with a patched window, for safety and security reasons, get it repaired by an auto glass specialist as soon as possible. Sometimes, broken windows will render your vehicle unsafe to drive – contact a mobile auto glass repair team to come to your location to avoid taking any unnecessary risks.
Don’t put off getting your broken car window fixed. With decades of experience and specialized equipment, Glass Doctor® knows how to get the job done right the first time. What’s more, Glass Doctor is backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise®, to ensure the job gets done right.
What to expect when getting your car window fixed:
Damage assessment: The first step is to assess the extent of the damage. A trained glass specialist will determine whether the window is repairable or needs total replacement.
Repair vs. replacement: If the damage is minor (smaller than 1 inch for a chip or 6 inches for a crack), we may be able to repair it without replacing the entire window. However, if the damage is larger than these dimensions or extends to the edges of the window, replacement may be necessary.
Cost estimate: We will provide a cost estimate based on the extent of the damage.
Insurance claim: If you have comprehensive auto insurance, check if repair or replacement is covered. Many insurance policies cover glass damage, and we can assist with the claims process.
Repair scheduling: Once you agree to our repair or replacement method and understand the cost, you'll schedule a time for the service. In some cases, mobile services may be available to address the window at your location.
Broken glass removal: If the car window needs to be replaced, the broken glass will be carefully removed. Special attention is given to ensure we remove as many glass shards as possible from inside the vehicle.
Window repair: For small chips, glass specialists inject a clear resin into the damaged area. After filling the chip, they’ll use a curing light to harden the resin, ensuring a strong bond with the surrounding glass. The curing process typically takes around 30 minutes to an hour under optimal conditions. Cracks sometimes involve additional steps, like drilling small holes at the ends of the fracture to prevent it from spreading further.
New window installation: For replacement, the new window will be installed using adhesives and other methods. We will ensure a proper fit and seal to prevent leaks and other issues.
Quality check: A quality check will be performed after the installation or repair is complete. This may include inspecting the window for proper alignment, checking for leaks, and ensuring that the power windows mechanism is functioning correctly.
Cleanup: Any debris or materials used during the repair or replacement process will be cleaned up. This includes vacuuming any remaining glass particles from the vehicle.
While we can’t guarantee a price for your window replacement(s) without first examining your needs in person, we can guarantee this: once our glass specialists provide you with a final estimate, that’s the price that you’ll pay. No hidden fees or surprise charges – period.
Our glass specialists will conduct an initial assessment and provide you with a transparent quote before we get to work.
Preventing Broken Car Windows and Break-Ins
While you can’t control what others choose to do, there are steps you can take to make your vehicle less attractive to individuals with malicious intent.
Avoid leaving valuables in sight: Cities post those ‘If you love it, don’t leave it’ signs for good reason. Don't leave valuables such as electronics, bags, or similar items inside your vehicle. Take them with you or, if you must leave them, hide them well out of sight.
Install an alarm system: Consider installing an aftermarket alarm system if your vehicle doesn't already have one. These can deter thieves and alert you and others if a break-in is attempted.
Use secure parking facilities: Park your vehicle in safe spaces such as garages or lots with attendants. These locations are less appealing to thieves due to the increased security measures.
Tint your windows:Auto window tinting can help obscure the interior of your vehicle, preventing thieves from assessing potential targets. It can act as an additional line of defense if you leave valuables in plain sight.
Find a Glass Doctor Near You to Repair Your Broken Car Window
From a smashed passenger window to a cracked windshield or other troubles like a foggy headlight, your local Glass Doctor is here to fix all your auto glass panes.
Schedule a glass repair or replacement today.
