We’ve all been there at one time or another, and it’s one of the worst feelings, especially when the weather turns cold. Although nobody wants to have a car window stuck down when it’s freezing cold outside, it does happen. Now what?
Unfortunately, no matter the age or condition of your car, a car window can sometimes get stuck in the down position and you’re left to figure out how to deal with it. It can be a frustrating, annoying, and costly situation, so in this article we’ll give you some advice on how to fix a stuck car window. We’ll help you resolve your window dilemma, so you get back on the road as quickly as possible!
What Not to Do
Before we go into what you can do about a car window that is stuck, let’s review some things you should NOT do first. These no-no’s are often the first options that come to mind when trying to resolve your window issue, but they could wind up causing more damage and cost you more money in repairs.
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DON’T slam your car door. Whether you slam your door out of frustration or you’re trying to free up your window, it’s something you shouldn’t do. If the glass has been exposed to cold weather, slamming your car door when it’s cold outside increases the risk of shattering the window.
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DON’T palm the glass. Palming the glass is possible when your car window is stuck in the halfway position. This means you can open the car door and place your palms on either side of the glass. You then try to force the window up by lifting while someone else is pushing the Window Up button in your car. Although this is a tempting option that seems like a reasonable way to resolve the issue, it’s just as risky as slamming your car door. If the glass is frozen due to cold weather, you run the risk of shattering it and injuring yourself in the process.
Eliminate Other Causes First
Cold weather could be one of the reasons why your window is stuck, but the frigid temperatures could also be completely coincidental and have nothing to do with your window being stuck. Before assuming that cold weather is the culprit, here are a few other things to check off your list first.
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Your child safety locks might be engaged.
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It’s possible you have blown a fuse that controls the windows. Consult the owner’s manual to locate the fuse box and to determine which fuse controls your windows.
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Press the Window Up/Down button and listen for a noise. If you hear a click but nothing happens, it may be the result of a faulty window motor.
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Press the window switch button and watch for movement from the voltage gauge on your dashboard. Any movement of the voltage gauge indicates a faulty switch.
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If the passenger or rear windows are the issue, try moving them up and down using the driver-side controls.
If you have eliminated all these other possibilities and it’s extremely cold outside, then there is a strong possibility that the cold weather is to blame.
Turn Up the Heat
If the weather has been extremely cold for an extended period, one of the first things you should do if your car window is stuck is to turn on the heat and crank it up. Turning the heat up does two things: it warms your battery up, and it warms up the window and window motor. If your car window is literally frozen, cranking the heat up should unfreeze it. Turning the heat up also warms up your battery and motor, both of which can be affected by extreme cold. Once your car and battery are warmed up, try pressing the window switch button again and see what happens.
Use a Deicer
One of the most common reasons for a car window getting stuck when it's cold is due to snow or ice restricting the movement of the window. If you suspect this is the case, try using a deicer. You can get deicer at most hardware, home improvement, and grocery stores. Using one that comes in a spray bottle usually works best.
To use your deicer, simply spray it around the edges of the window where the window meets the door. A good deicer will work quickly, and you should start noticing the ice is beginning to melt almost immediately. Keep spraying it anywhere you see ice and where you think it might be inhibiting the movement of the window.
While deicer is extremely effective for melting ice and snow, it isn’t without a few downsides.
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It can be expensive, depending on what kind you buy.
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It’s a corrosive chemical that can damage carpet, leather, and anything else that it comes into contact with (use it with caution).
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Again, this is a corrosive chemical so be careful to avoid contact with your hands and/or eyes.
Get Professional Assistance
A car window that is stuck can cause you several problems, especially if you have to drive during inclement weather. And if you don’t resolve the problem quickly it can cost you additional money in damage and repairs.
If you have tried resolving your stuck car window issue yourself and nothing you tried has worked, it’s time to call in a pro. Your local glass specialist at Glass Doctor can help. We have the training, experience and tools to fix your broken window and get you back on the road as soon as possible. Give us a call at (866) 802-3359 or schedule an appointment online today!