Brian Onyango
Updated on March 29, 2024
Damaged car windows are a pain especially when it’s cold outside. Sometimes the window cannot be fixed right away and you need to find a way to keep the elements out.
You may be caught up in a moment of panic when it happens, but there are a few things you can do to keep the window up until you can get it fixed.
You can use something to prop the window up from the inside. This can be done with several things like a magazine, book, or even a sock filled with rice. Alternatively, you can use duct tape to hold the window up or seal the edges. If the break is small, you can also use super glue to temporarily fix it.
Another way to keep the window up is by using window wedges. These are placed on the outside of the car and help to prop the window up. You can usually find them at hardware stores.
How a Car Window Works
For most people, the window mechanism is not completely clear, so we’ll try to explain how it works. The windows are rolled up and down by a motor. There is a small gear that attaches to the window and as the motor turns, the window is either raised or lowered.
Other car windows may use a pneumatic system. This uses air pressure to raise and lower the window. There are small cylinders that are filled with air and as they expand, the window is raised. When they contract, the window is lowered.
Car windows can be made of different materials like tempered glass, laminated glass, or even acrylic. Tempered glass is the most common type as it is less likely to shatter. It is also heat resistant which makes it ideal for car windows.
Laminated glass is another option that is often used in car windows. It consists of two pieces of glass that are bonded together with a layer of plastic in between. This makes it more resistant to shattering and breaking.
Acrylic is another type of material that is sometimes used in car windows. It is a clear plastic that is lightweight and shatter-resistant. However, it is not as durable as tempered or laminated glass because it can scratch easily.
Common Car Window Problems
Just like other systems, car windows can have their problems. Here are some;
1. Stuck Windows
The most common problem is that the window gets stuck and will not roll up or down. This can be caused by several things like a faulty motor, debris in the tracks, or even a problem with the pneumatic system.
2. Slow Windows
When the windows are taking longer than usual to roll up or down, this could be a sign of a problem. It could be something as simple as the window being dirty or it could be a more serious issue like a problem with the motor.
3. Shattered Windows
Shattered windows are usually the result of an accident or a break-in. The most common type of glass that is used in car windows is tempered glass. This is because it is less likely to shatter. However, if the window does break, it will shatter into small pieces that are not sharp.
4. Leaking Windows
Leaking windows are another common problem. This is usually caused by a crack or hole in the window. Again, car windows are made of fragile materials so it is important to get them fixed as soon as possible.
Temporary Solutions to Keep Your Window Up
Sometimes you just need a quick fix to keep your window up until you can get it fixed. Here are some solutions that you can try;
1. Using Duct Tape
Duct tape is a great way to temporarily fix a broken car window. It is strong and will hold the window in place until you can get it fixed. How you use it will be up to you as you can choose to tape the entire window or just the edges.
Taping the edges of the window is a good option if the break is small. You can also use duct tape to seal the edges of the window if it is cracked. This will help to keep water and debris out.
2. Using Super Glue
Super glue is another option that you can use to temporarily fix a broken car window. It is not as strong as duct tape but it will hold the window in place until you can get it fixed.
3. Using Window Wedges
Window wedges are a good option if you need to keep the window up but do not want to use duct tape or super glue. They are placed on the outside of the car and help to prop the window up. You can usually find them at hardware stores.
4. Using a Rag
If you do not have anything else, you can use a rag to prop the window up. It is not as effective as the other options but it will work in a pinch.
Permanent Solutions to Keep Your Window Up
The temporary fixes are great for keeping your window up until you can get it fixed but they are not meant to be permanent. Here are some permanent solutions:
Take It to a Mechanic
In case you are not comfortable fixing the problem yourself, you can take it to a mechanic. They will be able to diagnose the problem and fix it for you.
Mechanics are professionals who will troubleshoot the problem and find the root cause. They have the tools and experience to fix the problem quickly and efficiently.
Replace the Window Mechanism
Whenever the problem cannot be fixed, you may need to replace the window mechanism. This is a more expensive solution but it’s a certain way to get a broken mechanism to work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do you Keep a Car Window Wedge Up?
Window wedges are placed on the outside of the car and help to prop the window up. To keep them up, you can use the suction cups that are attached to them or use the sticky pads that come with them. You can also use a bungee cord to keep the window wedges in place.
What Is the Importance of Keeping Your Window Up?
Most people may not know this but keeping your window up is important for many reasons. One reason is that it helps to keep the car’s interior temperature regulated.
When the windows are down, the car can heat up quickly, and this can be dangerous, especially for children and pets. Additionally, keeping your windows up helps to prevent theft. If your window is down, it’s much easier for someone to reach in and grab your things.
Conclusion
There are several fixes you can try if your car window won’t stay up. They include using materials such as magazines, books, or duct tape that can be used to temporarily prop up the window.
Permanent fixes such as buying a new window motor or replacing the window regulator.
Some of the common problems you are likely to experience in your car windows include them getting stuck, making noise, or not opening. These can be a result of a faulty window motor or regulator, or a damaged window seal, among other things.
Knowing how to keep a broken car window up is important as it helps you in an emergency situation. Do not forget that your safety comes first, and if the problem persists, seek professional help.
Here are some more articles for you to check out:
How to Cover a Broken Car Window With Plastic Wrap?
How To Remove Scratches From Car Windows: Quick Fixes
How to Stop Windows From Fogging Up (15 Methods)
