HOW TO COVER A BROKEN SIDE WINDOW

It is common for car windows to break due to weather conditions or the car being broken into, but it’s uncommon for people to have enough financial stability in the moment to fix it right away. Another issue is that most mechanics that can fix a window have a long waiting list of clients. During this waiting period, it could rain or become super humid outside, allowing moisture to enter the car and possibly damage the interior material. This list of steps can help you avoid damage by either using clear packing tape or a garbage bag to temporarily cover the window.

Glass Removal
It is important that all glass is removed from the car and window to avoid injury as well as make sure that the area is clean enough to cover. Glass is hard to remove from areas as it can break into very tiny pieces. Once all large shards are removed, it is important to sweep for smaller shards with a damp towels. This allows them to stick and grab easily. If there are still shards in the window frame, they can cut the plastic cover, allowing moisture to get in.

Clean Window Frame
It’s very hard to put tape on a dirty or dusty surface, as the tape collects the dust and won’t stick to the surface itself. It’s important to wipe away any access debris so that the tape will stick around the window frame completely.

Tape the Window Closed
Once the window frame is clean and all evidence of a prior glass window has been removed from the scene, you can start taping the window shut with clear packing tape. This tape will allow some transparency to help with still having the ability to check your blind spots while driving.
The technique used is layering the tape. Start by taping a long strip to the bottom of the window frame, making sure every part of the tape sticks down. When you start the second strand of tape, overlap the first one halfway so that there are so empty holes. Use this technique all the way up the window. It is important to take a vertical route over the window as well, using the same overlapping method, to make sure each piece of the horizontal tape stays together, as well as ensuring the window is shut completely.
Another method people use to cover their window temporarily is a garbage bag, though this method isn’t as safe because you cant utilize that window to check for blind spots while operating your vehicle. The way people use this technique is quite similar to the other ones. Make sure all glass is removed because you don’t want a puncture in the plastic, or for anyone to get hurt. Clean the frame to make sure your tape will stick, then pull the bag tightly over the window frame and tape down each side. Make sure it is extra tight, and there’s never too many layers.