Broken auto glass never occurs at a convenient time, leaving your vehicle exposed to rain, debris, and potential theft.
Substantial cracks or holes in your auto glass can also cause your vehicle to fail inspection and get a ticket in Pennsylvania.
The region’s rapid freeze-thaw cycles and notoriously bumpy roads can also expand any cracks you encounter and eliminate the possibility of repair.
If you can’t get immediate service, temporarily covering the broken glass can help protect your vehicle until a professional repair or replacement is scheduled. This guide walks through how to do that safely, what materials to use, and when temporary fixes become unsafe.
Can You Temporarily Cover Auto Glass?
Yes, you can temporarily cover broken auto glass, but the cover is only meant to protect the vehicle until you can schedule a repair or replacement.
Temporary covers do not restore the window’s strength and do not provide adequate long-term security or weather insulation. Think of it as a protective stopgap, not a solution.
The goal of a temporary cover is to:
- Keep rain, snow, and cold air out of the cabin
- Prevent glass shards from scattering inside
- Deter break-ins by closing visible openings
- Reduce the risk of interior water damage or mold
However, driving with temporary coverings comes with limitations. Plastic coverings can reduce visibility, especially when used on the windshield, and can be noisy or prone to wind drag.
Note: If the windshield is shattered or severely cracked in your line of sight, the vehicle is not safe to drive and should be parked until professionally serviced.
How to Temporarily Cover Auto Glass for Your Safety
While there are plenty of auto glass shops and mobile repair options throughout Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties, sometimes you may not be able to schedule a same-day repair and have no choice but to drive with the damaged auto glass. In this scenario, you can take several steps to cover the auto glass damage and stop any existing damage from spreading.
Identify the Type of Auto Glass Damage
Before covering anything, identify which window is damaged and how severe the damage is.
Windshields are made of laminate glass, which can often be repaired if the crack is less than six inches in length and not located on the edge of your windshield. If not dealt with promptly, windshield cracks can expand when:
- Overnight temperatures drop below freezing
- The defroster is used aggressively
- The vehicle hits potholes (common on Pennsylvania roads after winter)
Side windows and rear windows often shatter completely when broken and can’t be repaired. Unlike windshields, they are tempered glass, which breaks into small pieces for safety. If your side or rear window has shattered, you will need to carefully remove any loose glass before applying any temporary covering.
Gather Materials Before Starting
There are plenty of temporary covers for broken windows you can make using basic supplies that are easy to source locally:
- Clear plastic sheeting (heavy-duty works best)
- Thick trash bags (preferably contractor-grade)
- Painter’s tape, masking tape, or automotive tape
- A vacuum or handheld brush
- Gloves and eye protection
Avoid using duct tape directly on the paint as it can peel the clearcoat, especially in colder temperatures.
How to Temporarily Cover a Broken Side or Rear Window
If the window is shattered or missing, the goal will be to create a tight, weather-resistant seal that keeps out moisture and wind without damaging the car’s frame. Here’s how to begin:
- Remove Loose Glass Safely: Wear gloves and gently clear out loose shards from the window frame, seat cushions, and floor. Use a brush or handheld vacuum and avoid pressing against remaining glass.
- Clean and Dry the Window Frame: Any moisture trapped under plastic can lead to interior mildew. Wipe the frame dry before applying tape.
- Apply Plastic Covering: Cut plastic sheeting slightly larger than the window opening. Stretch it firmly across the frame and anchor it with tape along the edges. You want to keep it tight enough that it won’t flap while driving.
- Reinforce Against Wind: Add a second layer of plastic. This reduces noise and helps the cover survive highway airflow if you need to drive.
This temporary cover will not fully insulate the vehicle, so avoid using high heat or defrost settings; extreme interior temperature differences can cause condensation.
How to Temporarily Secure a Cracked Windshield
Windshields are designed to stay intact due to a laminated inner layer. If the windshield is still in place and the crack is small, you should focus on protection that prevents dirt and moisture from entering the crack.
- Avoid washing the Windshield or Using Defrosters on High: Water and rapid temperature changes make cracks spread faster.
- Clean the Area Around the Crack: Wipe gently with a dry cloth. Avoid applying pressure.
- Apply Clear Packing Tape Over the Crack: This protects the crack from dirt and rain, which makes professional repair more effective. Do not use duct tape or colored tape.
- Limit Driving Over Rough Roads: I-81 ramps, Route 309, and certain Wilkes-Barre arterial roads have deep potholes. Vibration will spread the crack quickly.
This method is only temporary. If the crack spreads into your line of sight, schedule replacement immediately.
We also caution against DIY windshield repair kits that fail to address underlying structural issues with your windshield.
What Not to Do When Covering Auto Glass
Some emergency repair tips found online can cause more harm than good.
For this reason, it’s important to avoid using these materials to cover your auto glass:
- Cardboard: absorbs water and collapses in rain
- Duct tape on paint: may remove clearcoat or paint when removed
- Garbage bags alone without plastic sheeting: they tear easily and flap loudly while driving
If moisture gets inside the vehicle during a rainstorm, dry the interior thoroughly. Under-seat moisture can lead to mold growth or damage electronic components like seat motors and airbag wiring.
When Temporary Fixes Are Not Safe
Temporary coverings are meant to get you through hours or maybe a day or two, not weeks.
Replace or professionally repair auto glass soon if:
- The windshield crack is longer than a credit card
- The crack is spreading or branching
- Your visibility is affected
- The window is completely missing
- The interior is exposed to weather
- The vehicle will be parked outdoors overnight
Early repair matters in the winter especially because temperature swings in NEPA and road conditions can compound the damage.
Temporary covers should primarily be used to get you to an auto glass shop as soon as possible. If you are stranded or your vehicle is unsafe to drive, be sure to contact a shop for a mobile repair service that comes to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I drive with temporary window covers?
Temporary covers should only be used for a few days at most. Use it as a short-term measure until repair or replacement can be scheduled.
Can my insurance cover auto glass replacement?
In many cases, yes. Pennsylvania insurance policies often include full or reduced-deductible glass coverage. It’s worth calling your provider or contacting a shop to see if they will work with your insurance.
Is it legal to drive with a cracked windshield in PA?
Yes, if it does not obstruct visibility. If the crack interferes with the driver’s view, you may fail inspection or be stopped by law enforcement.
Can I repair a chipped windshield instead of replacing it?
If the chip is smaller than a quarter and not in the driver’s line of sight, repair is usually possible. Larger or spreading cracks typically require replacement.
