Here’s what to look for and what to do about it.

Common Signs of Side Mirror Damage

Damage doesn’t always mean a missing mirror. It can show up in subtle ways, such as:

• Cracks or chips in the glass

• Wobbling or loose housing

• Discoloration or fading of the reflective coating

• Malfunctioning adjustment controls

• Built-in features not working (turn signals, defrost, cameras)

Even small issues can impair your ability to see and react to traffic around you.

What Causes Side Mirror Damage?

• Accidental bumps in parking lots

• High-speed debris like rocks or gravel

• Weather exposure, especially sun damage and ice

• Vandalism or theft attempts

• Aging electronics in modern mirrors with tech integrations

Understanding the cause can help determine whether you need a full replacement or just a repair.

Repair vs. Replacement: What’s Best?

• Glass-only damage: If the housing and tech still work, you might just need a glass replacement.

• Housing issues: Wobbly or cracked mounts often require replacing the entire assembly.

• Tech failures: Mirrors with built-in sensors or cameras typically need expert diagnostics.

Professional auto glass companies like AGD can evaluate your specific mirror model and recommend the most cost-effective solution.

Don’t Ignore Side Mirror Damage

Driving with a damaged or misaligned side mirror can reduce visibility, impact your awareness of blind spots, and even result in a ticket depending on your state’s laws.

Vehicle Side Mirrors – Stay Ahead of Safety Issues

Catching side mirror damage early and getting it repaired promptly ensures your vehicle stays safe, legal, and fully functional. It’s a small fix that can make a big difference on the road.

Power windows are a standard feature in most vehicles today, offering convenience at the push of a button. However, like any mechanical system, they can experience issues. Here’s a list of the most common power window malfunctions and how to avoid costly repairs.

Common Power Window Malfunctions

1. Stuck or Non-Responsive Windows
   • Cause: Faulty switches, worn-out motors, or dirt buildup in the mechanism.
   • Prevention Tip: Avoid overusing window controls and ensure switches are clean. Regular maintenance can help spot early motor wear.
2. Slow or Jerky Movement
   • Cause: Dirt, debris, or worn-out tracks can restrict smooth operation.
   • Prevention Tip: Periodically clean the window tracks and apply a silicone-based lubricant to reduce friction.
3. Misaligned Windows
   • Cause: The window has slipped off its track, often due to loose or damaged guides.
   • Prevention Tip: Have misaligned windows inspected promptly, as forcing them to close can damage the motor.
4. Complete Power Failure
   • Cause: Blown fuses, faulty wiring, or a dead motor can stop the system entirely.
   • Prevention Tip: Check for signs of electrical problems, such as flickering interior lights, and address them early.
5. Grinding or Clicking Noises
   • Cause: Damaged gears or regulators within the motor mechanism.
   • Prevention Tip: At the first sign of unusual sounds, have the system inspected to avoid further damage.

How to Avoid Costly Repairs

• Regular Maintenance: Schedule routine vehicle inspections to identify potential issues before they escalate.
• Avoid Forcing Windows: If a window feels stuck, don’t force it. This can damage the motor or other components.
• Be Mindful of Weather Conditions: Ice or extreme heat can strain power window systems. Use caution in these conditions.
• Act Promptly: Address minor issues immediately. A small problem can quickly escalate into a costly repair.

By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can ensure your power windows function smoothly for years to come, avoiding the inconvenience and expense of major repairs. Contact AGD today for your power window maintenance and repair needs.

Modern vehicles come equipped with a myriad of advanced features, one of which is the power window system. This convenience, however, can sometimes lead to complications if there is a mechanical issue or other power window repair need. Understanding the common issues and solutions regarding power window repair can save drivers both time and money.

What causes power windows to malfunction?

Several factors can lead to power window failure. Electrical issues, such as a blown fuse or faulty wiring, are frequent culprits. Mechanical problems like a broken regulator or motor can also render a power window inoperable. Dirt and debris accumulation in the window track may cause the window to jam or move sluggishly.

How can I diagnose a power window problem?

Diagnosing a power window issue begins with a few simple checks. Start by verifying if the problem is isolated to one window or if it affects all windows. If it’s one window, the issue might be with the switch, motor, or regulator. If all windows are affected, an electrical issue, such as a blown fuse, is likely.

Can I repair a power window myself?

While some minor repairs, like replacing a blown fuse, can be done at home, most power window issues require professional intervention. Fixing a motor or regulator demands specialized tools and expertise. DIY attempts without proper knowledge might worsen the problem and lead to higher repair costs.

How long does power window repair take?

The duration of power window repair varies based on the complexity of the issue. Simple repairs, like replacing a fuse or switch, might take about 30 minutes. More extensive repairs involving the motor or regulator could take a few hours.

Is power window repair covered by insurance?

Coverage for power window repair depends on the specifics of the auto insurance policy. Comprehensive coverage might include repairs due to accidental damage or vandalism. It’s advisable to check with the insurance provider to understand the coverage details.

What can I do to prevent power window issues?

Regular maintenance can help prevent power window problems. Clean the window tracks periodically to prevent debris buildup. Avoid putting excessive pressure on the windows, and ensure the window switches are used gently. Routine checks during vehicle servicing can also identify potential issues early.

Understanding the basics of power window repair empowers drivers to handle issues efficiently and maintain their vehicle’s functionality. Regular maintenance and timely professional intervention can keep power windows operating smoothly, ensuring convenience and comfort for every journey.

Side windows are an important structural element of your car and they also provide protection during accidents. When side windows are cracked, or chipped, or the motor isn’t functioning, your side windows may not be able to function properly if an accident occurs and that means they won’t provide the structural support your car needs or the protection you want. In fact, in a collision, a window weakened by chips or cracks may shatter or detach, increasing the risk of injury to you and your passengers. In a rollover or high-impact collision, a weakened or shattered window may not be able to keep you inside the vehicle, leading to a partial or complete ejection. Additionally, cracks and chips, in side windows obstruct your view which makes it more difficult to see pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles on the road.

If you have noticed your car’s side windows are damaged, it is best to have a professional assess whether you need side window repair or replacement to ensure your vehicle is safe to operate. Experienced auto glass professionals can repair small cracks and chips, preventing them from spreading and necessitating a complete replacement. But, if you have extensive side window damage you may need a window replacement. While it may be tempting to attempt a DIY repair or replacement, it’s highly recommended to rely on certified auto glass technicians who have the necessary knowledge, tools, and experience to handle your side window repair or replacement effectively. Remember, a small investment in repair or replacement today can save lives tomorrow.

Step-by-Step Temporary Fix for Broken Car Window

1. Gather supplies: a brush/broom and pan to clean up broken glass, a vacuum to get any broken glass out of your car or the window frame, a high-density garbage bag (ideally clear for improved visibility), clear masking tape (duct tape also works but be careful how you place it because it could damage interior material and paint).

2. Measure the window with a little excess to ensure full coverage the window. Using those measurements, cut your plastic bag according to size.
3. Tape the plastic bag to the interior window frame and overlap tape to make sure that there are no gaps where debris or rain could get in.
4. Schedule your appointment with an auto glass repair company to safety, effectively, and efficiently repair your broken car window.

How to maintain safety with broken glass
Structural stability

A car’s window has many uses. Predominantly, it maintains the structural stability by preventing the collapse of the roof during accidents. Hence, chips and cracks are a significant trouble that should be fixed immediately. Without glass repairs, the panels could get weaker over time and impose further safety concerns from the drivers. Hundreds of people get injured by broken window glass every year. Some these injuries even have life-threatening consequences. Most importantly, people should follow maintain routines to protect their window glass from any damage. They should reach out to their mechanics for service needs.

Visibility

Broken window glass affects visibility drastically. People cannot view the side mirrors and retracted light might affect their vision. These factors make navigating a vehicle challenging. It further leads to collisions and accidents. The other drivers in the road are also not safe from these untoward events. As the cracking continues, these visibility issues will exacerbate. Therefore, make sure to fix the broken glass as quickly as possible to prevent any disasters.

External factors

Window panels protect the drivers from outside elements like debris, rain, stones, and bugs. Some of these elements could injury them severely. A cracked panel leads to such exact situations where external factors will harm the interiors and every one present inside. Moreover, chips and cracks allow rain water to seep in, resulting in damaged components and foul smell. The deposited water might even reach to electrical systems.

Further troubles

A cracked window will only expand with time. The damage might get unmanageable and car owners end up spending a lot more on repairs or replacements. The glass panel will expand with temperature differences and make the entire structure weak. Some state even imposes penalties on individuals driving with cracked windows. It is considered as a serious offense on some parts of the country. Essentially, they can avoid such troubles through prompt repairs.

What to do if a window is broken?
Call insurance and police

If the window panel is broken, people should call the insurance company immediately. They should also file a police report if that incident is an attempted vandalism. Some insurance companies will come out and assess the damage, while other take the information over calls. If a person hasn’t arrived on site, make sure to take photos of a broken glass panel to help with insurance claims.

Cleaning

Get a shop vacuum and suction away the broken glass fragments from the car. People should remove as much broken glass as possible to prevent any injuries. Some auto repair shops will also perform the same procedure to remove damaged panels.

Immediate fix

The last step involves covering up the window with a carboard or duct tape. The best way to cover broken panels is to run the strip in vertical direction until it reaches the bottom. Then overlap another strip in opposite direction.