--- title: "How do you cover a broken car window until it is replaced?" url: "https://maviautoglass.com/blog/how-do-you-cover-a-broken-car-window-until-it-is-replaced/" description: "How to cover a broken car window with plastic and tape, what changes by window and what California law says about a covered back window" content_signal: ai-train=yes, search=yes, ai-input=yes --- # How do you cover a broken car window until it is replaced? How to cover a broken car window with plastic and tape, what changes by window and what California law says about a covered back window To cover a broken car window until it is replaced, clean the loose glass out of the frame, dry the frame, then stretch clear, heavy plastic sheeting over the opening with a few inches of overlap on every side and seal all four edges with strong tape, adding a second layer around the perimeter. A tight, fully taped cover keeps out wind and rain for a short time. It does not stop a thief, so remove anything of value and plan the replacement soon. A broken windshield is different: it should be replaced, not covered. The right way to cover the opening depends on which window broke, and a covered back window raises a question about your mirrors under California law. This guide is written by Mavi Auto Glass, a locally owned mobile auto glass company based in Roseville that replaces door glass, back glass and quarter glass at homes and workplaces across Sacramento, Roseville, Rocklin, Elk Grove and the rest of Greater Sacramento. It covers materials, the steps, what changes by window and how long a temporary cover can be trusted. ## What is the best material to cover a broken car window? Clear, heavy plastic sheeting is the most practical choice, because it keeps out water and still lets you see through it. Collision wrap, a thick self-adhesive film sold at auto parts stores, holds even better. A heavy trash bag works only as a last resort for a parked car. - **Collision wrap:** sticks to itself and the car, seals well and stays put better when driving - **Clear plastic sheeting:** a painter’s drop cloth or contractor sheeting, stronger than kitchen wrap - **Heavy trash bag:** fine overnight on a parked car, but it blocks the view, so avoid it on a window you need to see through - **Tape:** painter’s tape as a base on paint, with strong packing tape on top, so the adhesive does not damage the finish - **Avoid cardboard:** it soaks up rain and falls apart ## How do you put plastic over a broken car window? Start with a clean, dry frame and finish with a double line of tape. Here is how to do it in 6 steps. - **Clear the frame:** with thick gloves and safety glasses, remove pieces still stuck around the opening and vacuum the inside. - **Clean and dry the surface:** wipe the frame and the paint around it and let it dry, because tape does not hold on dust or moisture. - **Cut the plastic:** leave a few inches of overlap beyond the opening on every side. - **Tape the top edge first:** then pull the sheet down until it is smooth and tight. - **Seal the sides and the bottom:** overlap each strip of tape so water runs over the edges instead of under them. - **Add a second layer:** run another line of tape around the whole perimeter and press every inch down. Check the cover after the first drive and after any rain, and press down lifted edges right away. Keep the car out of automatic car washes until the glass is replaced. ## Does the cover change depending on which window broke? Yes. The size of the opening, whether you need to see through it and whether the glass has electrical parts all change the approach. Broken windowHow to cover itWhat to watchFront door glassClear plastic or collision wrap, never an opaque bagYou need to see your side mirror through itRear door glassClear plastic or collision wrapLeave some slack so the door can open and closeQuarter or vent glassA small piece of plastic or collision wrapThe opening is small but still lets in rainBack glassA large clear sheet pulled tight across the whole openingYour rear view through the inside mirrorWindshieldDo not cover itDo not drive if the damage impairs your view ## Can you drive in California with the back window covered? Only with care, and with both side mirrors working. California Vehicle Code section 26709 requires every motor vehicle to have at least two mirrors, including one on the left side, and requires mirrors on both the left and right sides when a vehicle is constructed or loaded so that the driver’s view to the rear is obstructed ([Vehicle Code 26709](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=26709)). A plastic sheet over the back opening limits what you see in the inside mirror, so rely on both side mirrors and drive short distances only. Vehicle Code section 26710 also makes it unlawful to drive when the windshield or rear window is in a condition that impairs the driver’s vision to the front or rear. That is one more reason to treat a covered back window as a short fix and schedule a [back glass replacement](/service/back-glass-replacement/). ## How long will a temporary window cover last? Treat it as a fix for a few days, not weeks. Sun, heat, rain and highway wind all loosen tape, and a sheet that starts to flap tears quickly. The cover is also not security. A taped sheet hides the opening but can be cut in seconds, so take everything of value out of the car, including bags, cables and garage remotes, and leave the car in a garage or a bright, busy area until the new glass is in. Mavi Auto Glass replaces [door glass](/service/door-glass-replacement/) and [quarter and vent glass](/service/quarter-and-vent-glass-replacement/) at your home or workplace in most cases, so the car does not need a long drive on plastic. ## Once the window is covered Keep the photos of the damage and, after a break-in, the police report number. Note which window broke, the year, make, model and VIN of the vehicle and, for a pickup, the cab type, then ask for a replacement estimate. Check the cover every morning until the appointment and reseal any edge that has lifted.