Smashed Car Window? What to Do Next
Walking back to your car and finding a side window in pieces is a horrible feeling. There is glass on the seats, glass in the footwell and usually a cold draught where the window used to be. It is one of the quickest car glass jobs to put right, though, and you do not need to take the car anywhere to get it done. Our car door glass replacement page explains how we fit the new window.
Why Side Windows Shatter Into Small Pieces
Most side windows are made from toughened glass. Unlike a windscreen, which is laminated and cracks but holds together, toughened glass is designed to break into lots of small, blunt cubes. That is why a side window cannot be repaired. Once it breaks, it needs replacing.
What to Do First
- Check what has been taken. If it was a break in, report it to the police on 101 or online. Leave anything that has been disturbed where it is until you have taken photos.
- Take a few photos of the window, the door and any damage inside the car.
- Protect your hands. Wear gloves before you touch anything, as the small pieces get everywhere and some edges are still sharp.
- Clear the worst of the glass from the seat you will need to use, but do not worry about getting every piece out. We vacuum the car when we fit the new glass.
How to Cover the Window Until It Is Replaced
A heavy duty bin bag or a sheet of clear plastic taped over the opening will keep out rain and stop the car looking like an easy target. Tape it to the door frame and the glass edges rather than to the paintwork, and use low tack tape if you have it so it comes off cleanly. Park somewhere sheltered if you can.
Can You Still Drive It?
It depends which window has gone. If it is one you need to see through, such as the front side windows beside your mirrors, it is safer not to drive until it is replaced, especially with plastic taped over it. A small rear window is less of a worry, but loose glass in the car is still a hazard. Because we come to you, you do not need to drive anywhere.
What Happens When We Replace It
- We hoover the broken glass out of the seats, carpets and door pockets.
- We take off the door trim and clear out the pieces that have fallen inside the door, so nothing rattles later.
- We fit a new door window made for your model, clear or tinted to match the rest of the car.
- We check it winds up and down smoothly and seals properly, then refit the trim.
The whole job takes about an hour, and the car can be driven straight away. When we have the glass in stock, we can often come the same day.
Need It Sorted Today?
We are a local, family owned business based in N22, covering North, East and West London plus nearby Essex and Hertfordshire. Call us on 07426 801611, or send a photo to us on WhatsApp, and we will give you a clear price.
