How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Broken Car Window?
If your car window suddenly breaks or becomes damaged, you’ll have to replace it as soon as possible. Not only do your windows keep the elements out of your vehicle, but they’re also important for the safety and comfort of your passengers. So, how much does a car passenger window replacement cost?
Replacing a standard car window (either the driver’s side or passenger-side window) typically costs between $250 and $325, on average. Some makes and models may cost a lot more to replace, like newer, luxury, or performance vehicles, which may cost $400-$500 or more. The glass type and matching existing window tint may also impact the price.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Car Window?
A passenger side window replacement cost and driver’s side window replacement costs are nearly the same. Car window replacement costs anywhere between $150 and $450, though the average window replacement will be somewhere closer to $275.
The actual cost will depend on many factors, including the vehicle’s make and model, its age, the window’s size, and shape, whether it’s a front or rear window, the type of glass, and more.
Car Window Replacement Cost
| Low-End Cost Estimate | $150 – $225 |
| High-End Cost Estimate | $375 – $500 |
| Average Cost Estimate | $250 – $325 |
The price to replace your car window will vary depending on the glass type. Automotive glass can be either laminated or tempered and there are cost differences between the two.
Laminated glass has two layers that are bonded together using a special chemical compound (polyvinyl butyral). This type of glass is shatter-proof, making it ideal for use in automotive settings.
Laminated glass is designed and manufactured to withstand high impact and strain, so it’s typically used in the vehicle’s front and rear windshields. If you happen to have a vehicle window made of laminated glass, it will likely cost much more to replace.
Tempered glass, on the other hand, is still very strong but is not shatter-proof like laminated glass. Tempered glass is created by using extreme heating and cooling processes to strengthen the materials.
In most cases, vehicle windows are made from tempered glass. Instead of smashing into small shards and slivers, tempered glass typically breaks into larger, blunt chunks during impact.
It’s important to use the correct glass type when replacing a car window. So, you should always use a reputable dealer to ensure that the window will be safe and durable in the event of a collision.
How Much is the Labor Cost to Replace a Car Window?
At any mechanic or auto body shop, you’re looking at between $60 and $120 per hour for labor (on average). Of course, if you go to a dealership, you’ll likely pay much more.
The amount of time it takes to do the work is the biggest factor to determine the labor cost of replacing your car window. Taking your vehicle to an auto glass specialist can help you save on labor costs in terms of time, but they may charge more per hour because of their specialized work.
In some cases, they may charge by the job, so there will be a set rate to replace your window. In that case, you’ll probably get a better deal because you’ll know going into it what to expect for the price.
If you have an older vehicle with manual windows, the job will probably cost less and take less time than dealing with automatic windows. If the door needs to be removed and taken apart, that will also increase the cost.
In any case, replacing your car window should take one to two hours, assuming there is no other damage to deal with.
Also Read: F150 Rear Window Replacement Cost
Parts Cost to Replace a Car Window
To purchase OEM or custom-sized replacement windows for a car or truck, you may be able to find a good deal by shopping online or even by getting used parts. The vehicle’s make and model are big factors in how much it will cost.
Here are some sample prices:
| 1993-2011 Ford Ranger | $35 – $70 |
| 2016-2018 Nissan Titan | $135 – $160 |
| 2015-2019 Audi Q5 | $115 – $160 |
| 2016-2020 Toyota Tacoma | $100 – $165 |
| 2012-2016 Honda CR-V | $89 – $125 |
| 2011-2018 Ford Explorer | $150 – $280 |
| 2014-2016 Nissan Pathfinder | $65 – $110 |
So, as you can see the price varies quite a bit with the vehicle’s age and size being major factors. An older vehicle like an early 2000s Ford Ranger may cost well under $100 for replacement windows, while a large SUV like a Ford Explorer may cost several times that.
Also Read: Window Motor Replacement Cost
Can You Repair a Broken Car Window?
In most cases, your broken car window will need to be replaced rather than repaired. Window glass is much thinner than what you’ll find on your front or rear windshield, so it’s much harder to fill in a chip or crack.
If you notice a chip or crack in your car window, you should have it looked at by a professional as soon as possible. Driving with a damaged window is dangerous, as it could lead to the window shattering or breaking even more if you hit a bump or experience another impact.
If the chip is very minor, an auto glass expert may be able to repair it by filling the chip or crack with epoxy and smoothing it out, just like they do for windshields. But, if the damage is significant, the window will need to be replaced.
If you have tinted windows, you’ll almost always have to have the window replaced, otherwise, the repair work will be very obvious and unsightly.
In any case, the cost to fill in a crack or chip in a car window is usually not worth it when you compare it to the price to replace the window altogether.
Also Read: Dodge Ram 1500 Windshield Replacement Cost
What to Do if Your Car Window Gets Broken
If your car window breaks unexpectedly, it can be a big inconvenience to deal with until you can get it fixed. Whether you’re involved in a minor collision or if a neighbor throws a ball over the fence and into the side of your car, a smashed window is something you’ll have to deal with right away.
If you need to cover your broken window until you can get it to the shop, here’s what to do:
1. Gather your supplies:
- Masking tape
- Safety gloves
- Microfiber cloth
- Shop-Vac or other vacuum cleaners
- Heavy-duty trash bag
- Hammer
2. Remove large pieces of glass
Make sure you’re wearing your safety gloves (thick or heavy-duty work gloves), and remove any of the large pieces of glass still remaining in the window frame. Use the hammer to knock out any that you can’t easily remove with your hands.
3. Vacuum small pieces of glass
Use the shop-vac to clean up any small bits of glass from inside the vehicle, on and between the seats, floorboard, and inside the window frame and door.
Take your time and be sure to get into all the cracks and crevices – you don’t want to cut yourself later on a shard of glass left behind.
4. Clean the door and window frame
Use the microfiber cloth to wipe out any dust and debris from the inside of the door and around the window frame. Wipe out around the outside of the window, too.
Removing dust and other particles will help ensure the tape can make a good seal and adhere to the car door.
5. Tape around the window frame
With the masking tape, put a strip around the entire window frame at least 2” wide. This will help protect the vehicle and paint and make a good seal around the window. Don’t use heavier tapes like duct tape, as the adhesive may cause damage to the paint.
6. Cover the window
Using the heavy-duty trash bag, cover the inside window opening and secure it with masking or packing tape. Be sure to pull the bag tight so that air doesn’t get inside and blow it off. Do the same thing on the outside of the door around the exterior side of the window frame.
Note: Another way to cover the opening after you’ve done steps 1-5 is to use clear packing tape to create a see-through covering. You can do this by placing strips of tape vertically (from top to bottom) going across the entire inside window frame. Overlap each strip slightly with the one before it to create a good seal.
Then, repeat the process horizontally (going from one side to the other) to create a lattice pattern.
Next, do the whole process over again on the outside of the window. This will create a weatherproof seal while also allowing you to continue using the window to see while driving. This may be a better alternative to using a trash bag if you have the time and supplies.
[content-egg module=Amazon products=”us-B09M6ZDYZD” template=item]The Bottom Line
Replacing a car window is a major inconvenience but it’s something that you’ll have to do if yours gets broken. The good news is that it’s not usually an excessively expensive repair, and most cars can get it taken care of for under $300.
Still, if you have tinted windows or specialty glass, or if you have a luxury or performance vehicle, the cost could go up quite a bit and you could be looking at $400 to $500 (or more).
If your window is broken, you can cover it temporarily, but it really should just be a short-term solution until you can get your vehicle to the shop. It can be a safety hazard to continue to drive without replacing the window.
Depending on where you live and your insurance coverage, your insurance carrier may cover the cost to replace the window. Of course, you may still need to pay a deductible which in many cases could be higher than the cost to pay for the repair work yourself.
It’s always a good idea to get a few quotes before selecting a shop to handle the work. That way, you’ll be sure you’re getting a fair price for quality work. Many auto shops offer discounts for AAA members, senior citizens, military service members, or students, so it never hurts to ask if any of those apply to you.
