A cracked side window is one of the most inconvenient car damages. Side windows, unlike windshields, generally shatter on impact. Due to storm damage, vandalism, and theft attempts, we frequently find side windows cracked. The glass on your car is vital for everyone’s safety. Therefore, repairs and replacements shouldn’t be put off, whether you require a side window replacement or a windshield replacement. Whenever you step into your car and discover a broken side window or shattered glass, here are a few tips that can help.
- Take Photos
If you are not at home, take photographs of the damage, including the location where it occurred. For the police and your insurance provider, photos are helpful if there has been a probable stolen attempt or act of damage. Check your car for any more damage, and note the time you discovered the damage, its location, and any other details that could be relevant to your situation.
- Contact Your Insurance and the Police
Report the occurrence to the authorities if you think it is a crime. It’s better to steer clear of driving your car with a cracked or shattered side window if possible. We advise avoiding overcrowded highways and roads if you must drive in the meantime. Look for a different path that passes through peaceful neighborhoods and streets with reasonable speed restrictions.
- Park Your Car in a Secure Location
Until you can have it fixed, park the car safely. It invites vehicle thieves to quickly break in if you leave your car unprotected on the side of the road or in a public area. If you don’t have a garage, try if a friend or relative will let you temporarily park your car in their garage, or look into renting a short-term storage facility. Even though it could be an additional cost, it’s worthwhile because dealing with a stolen automobile is considerably more of a hassle.
- Avoid Taking the Car to Work
Some automobile owners will try to use a tarp or plastic covering to hide the shattered side window, but this represents a severe safety risk. Driving with a cracked or shattered side window is extremely dangerous because you are more likely to sustain severe injuries in an accident.
Additionally, while driving, a tarp or other cover could fly off and land on the windshield of another vehicle, blocking their view of the road and raising the possibility of an accident.
Driving with a cracked or damaged side window is against the law and is punishable by a fine.
- Contact an Auto Glass Repair Company
With almost two decades of experience, Mobile Safe Auto Glass is Southern California’s go-to auto glass repair and replacement provider. We have experience with all types and models of domestic and foreign cars, trucks, and vans.
We are aware of how essential your car is to your everyday life. Our emergency repair services are available 24/7 in case your side window stops working or the glass is broken. Contact us for more information!