How to Replace a Broken Car Window

Broken car windows are unsightly, and depending on which window is broken, they can be dangerous, as well. A garbage bag taped over the hole can be a temporary fix, but you should replace the glass as soon as possible to ensure no one gets cut, nothing flies out of your car and no one tries to get into your vehicle when you're not around. Luckily, broken car windows are a fairly simple do-it-yourself project.

Instructions

1

Buy a new window specific to your vehicle. You can easily purchase a new window at the dealership. Alternatively, you can find a great bargain by visiting your local auto salvage yard.

2

Detach the inside panel on your car door. You will need to look and feel around the panel to find all the screws, and then use the screwdriver to undo them and pull the panel away from the door.

3

Remove all door handles and armrests. These are also screwed into place, and you must remove them in order to get the panel all the way off the door.

4

Peel back the plastic or waterproof sheath that was under the panel. If you do not see a plastic sheath, your car simply may not have one.

5

Clean out the existing window track and all other window components such as the weatherstripping in the door. Wipe down your new window. If the existing track and weatherstripping are still good, you can use them for the new window. This includes motorized windows.

6

Locate the small hole on the bottom of your new window, which will be at the rear of the window. There is a small clip located on the window track that slips into this hole and attaches the window to the door.

7

Slide the new window glass into the door from the top, set it in the track and attach the clip to the hole. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, it may be difficult to slide the window down due to the shape of the brackets. The key is to maneuver the window patiently, removing any obstacles like additional clips or brackets that may be blocking the glass as you slide it.

8

Ensure your glass is supported in the track by any other brackets or clips. It should now roll up smoothly without getting caught or moving around in the track too much.

9

Replace the plastic sheath, door panel, handles and armrests. Ensure the window rolls smoothly, and tighten all the screws down.