If one of your vehicle’s windows gets broken, do you know what to do? Most people would just take it to a vehicle glass shop such as CAR WINDSCREEN LONDON, but some may try to do it themselves which is not safe and not recommended.
If you are handy with tools and mechanical things, you may be able to figure it out and replace it with no trouble at all.
Here are some tips on how to replace your window:
Find Out Why it Broke
This may seem irrelevant, but if your window broke because of some kind of door damage in a car accident, there may be structural damage on the vehicle that will affect the new window you put in as well. You should probably get a professional to look at it, such as our technicians at CAR WINDSCREEN LONDON, before you do any repairs. You do not want to have to fix it twice. The reason for the breakage is also important to your insurance company if you decide to file a claim on it. Normally, your insurance will pay to replace the window if you have comprehensive or full coverage and the damage is caused by an accident or vandalism. But, if you are fixing it yourself, you should not be turning it into your insurance anyway.
Clean It Up
The glass is treated so it shatters into hundreds of tiny pieces that get all over the inside and outside of the vehicle. Use a shop vac and clean everywhere, even if you do not think the glass could reach that area. For example, you could even have glass in the center console or dashboard.
Get the Right Parts
Do your research before buying a window because they are not alike. Just because two cars of the same make but different years look alike does not mean the window will be interchangeable. You have to check the specific fitting numbers and get the exact right size.
Check It Out
Get the book for your vehicle and read what it says about changing the window glass. There may be other parts you need to buy that you do not know about, such as special clips or hooks to hold the window in place. If you have power windows like most cars do now, unhook the battery cables. You will also need to disconnect the power and unhook the switches before you start. All of this is inside the door panel. On some vehicles, it is simple to take off the door panel. However, some vehicles almost need a specialist to remove. Unhook speakers and remove them, and be sure that once you remove it that you can put it back on. Mark the pieces you take off and take pictures so you know what goes where when you are ready to put it all back together.
Remove the Glass
Remove the plastic moisture shield carefully because you will need to put it back on when you are finished. Unhinge the bolts or connectors that hold the glass in place. Lift the glass (whatever is left of it) up and out of the doorframe.
Put In New Glass
Putting in the new glass can be time-consuming and difficult. You have to get it exactly right or it will not work correctly. Put the short side in first at an angle and then slide the other side in. You may have to do this a few times. Attach the glass back to the window motor and bolt the track back into place. Try the window a few times before replacing the door panel. Hook up the speakers and switches and then replace the door panel.
Call CAR WINDSCREEN LONDON
If you have any problems you can give us a call at 0800 756 6868 or 0754 037 6056 anytime 24/7 and we will come to you anywhere in the London area and give you a free estimate.
