What should you do if your back window is broken?
Reviewed by the Skyview Auto Glass technical team — NWRD-, ASE- and DINITROL-trained technicians · Updated November 2026
Quick answer
Cover a broken back window with heavy plastic sheeting and painter’s tape, keep fresh air coming in from the front vents, and take short trips only until the replacement. A broken back window can let exhaust fumes in, so stop and get fresh air if you feel unwell. Back glass is replaced, not repaired, and typically takes 45 to 75 minutes when in stock.
What to do right away
- Cover the opening with heavy plastic sheeting and painter’s tape.
- Keep the car out of the rain until the replacement.
- Check for glass in the cargo area and the back seat.
- Keep fresh air coming in from the front vents while driving.
- Book the back glass replacement soon.
Exhaust fumes with a broken back window
A broken back window can let exhaust fumes enter the cabin, especially at idle or low speed. Keep fresh air coming in from the front vents, take short trips only, and stop and get fresh air if you feel unwell.
Is it safe to drive with a broken back window?
A broken back window is drivable for short trips if the opening is covered and rear visibility is managed. The concerns are weather, security, and exhaust. An open back lets in rain and wind, and it lets exhaust fumes enter the cabin, which is why fresh air from the front vents matters and the trips stay short.
Cover the opening with heavy plastic sheeting and painter’s tape, the same way you would a side window, and keep the car out of the rain. Rear visibility is the other issue: if the broken glass or the cover blocks your view through the back, adjust your mirrors and take extra care, or avoid driving until the replacement.
Back glass is tempered, so it is replaced, not repaired. The job typically runs 45 to 75 minutes when the glass is in stock, and the defroster grid and antenna connections are reconnected as part of the work. See our back glass replacement service and our broken car window guide.
More questions about a broken back window
How do I cover a broken rear window?
Cover it with heavy plastic sheeting and painter’s tape, pressing the tape onto clean, dry paint from the inside edge out. Keep the car out of the rain. It is a temporary fix until the back glass is replaced.
Is it safe to drive with a broken back window?
Short trips, yes, if the opening is covered and rear visibility is managed. Keep fresh air from the front vents to avoid exhaust fumes, and stop and get fresh air if you feel unwell. Avoid driving if the cover blocks your view.
How long does back glass replacement take?
The job usually takes 45 to 75 minutes when the part is in stock. The defroster grid and antenna connections are reconnected as part of the job.
Related guides
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