Car Window Replacement
"Car window" can mean several different types of glass on a vehicle — here's how to tell which one you need.
A broken car window is usually one of a few specific types of glass: the front or rear door glass, the small fixed quarter glass near the rear pillars, or the rear windshield (back glass). Each has different replacement considerations, covered on their own pages linked below.
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.
What to do right after a window breaks
If a side or rear window shatters, it's a good idea to clear loose glass from the seats and floor before driving, and to cover the opening (a large trash bag and tape can work temporarily) to protect the interior from weather and to reduce the security risk of an open window. Avoid driving with a shattered window if visibility or safety is affected.
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.