Install Auto Glass
A broken or cracked window on your car can lead to very dangerous driving conditions, so it is important to replace broken windows as soon as possible. Regardless of whether or not you have previously performed a car window replacement, these steps for how to install auto glass can help you get back on the road quickly.
Steps
- Obtain new glass. You can get replacement auto glass from online retailers, from auto parts stores, or from a junkyard. Be certain that the glass you purchase is intended for your year, make, and model of car.
- Remove any items that are screwed into the door panel.
- These items may include armrests, door handles, manual window cranks and anything else screwed into your door.
- In some cases, screws may be covered by a cap that matches the door. You can usually peel out these caps using a flathead screwdriver.
- Remove the door panel.
- You can purchase a specialized tool to pry up the door panel at an auto parts store, but a flathead screwdriver works just as well. Insert the tool between the panel and the door and pry until you have loosened the tabs that connect the bottom of the panel to the bottom of the door.
- Lift the panel up and away from the door after you have pried the bottom of the panel loose.
- If you have power windows, note how the power window motor is connected to the window track before disconnecting any wires.
- Remove the old window. In general, the old window should lift right out. Be very careful if the window is broken or cracked and be sure to remove all pieces if the window is broken.
- Install the plastic guide into the hole, if necessary. On some cars, you must insert a plastic piece into a small hole on the rear edge of the replacement window. This guide just snaps into place and helps keep the window in the track. You can insert this guide before or after inserting the window into the track.
- Slide the glass into the track. The new window should just slide into the track in the door.
- Reconnect the electric connections or hand crank and test the operation of the window, ensuring that the replacement car window moves up and down smoothly.
- Replace the door panel. Hang the top of the panel on the top of the door. Using a screwdriver, pop the tabs on the bottom of the panel into place at the bottom of the door.
- Reconnect any items that you disconnected from the door panel before removing it.
Warnings
- Replacement auto glass is very fragile. Even a slight pressure on the edges of the glass can cause it to crack, so be very careful working with the glass before it is inserted into the door.
Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver (flathead or Phillips, depending on car make)
- Flathead screwdriver or door panel removal tool
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