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      11-20-2014, 12:48 AM   #1
tranquility
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frozen windows

Thought that there was a thread about this topic but couldn't find it. Anyway, experienced my 1st real winter freeze this year and came back to the car that I left overnight outside: the windows where frozen and I couldn't open the driver side. I tried lightly tapping the window's edges, pushing up and down the window controls (I got in through the passenger side), but eventually had to pour hot water down the edges to finally make the window work. Just wondering if there's any preventable measure I could've done or nothing?
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      11-20-2014, 06:03 AM   #2
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This is an old problem and there are many suggested solutions. I've been told to apply some form of silicone lubricant to the rubbers before but my concern over that is that silicone is supposed to make rubber decay. Equally anything like that applied into the bottom rubber that sits against the window will smear the windows badly for, well ever probably.

Personally I just put a cover over the top of the car to prevent the frost, or like you, use (not hot) warm water against the seals to get in but this can then re-freeze and make things worse.

Perhaps consider some sort of glass coating, GTechniq do some, as that's supposed to make ice adhere less.
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      11-20-2014, 06:57 AM   #3
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Somehow pouring water on your window in freezing weather seems like asking for trouble. I agree with maniac-cover your car if you must leave it outside.
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      11-20-2014, 09:12 AM   #4
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also just dont leave it outside if you have the means. Mine is safe and sound in an underground garrage
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      11-20-2014, 11:38 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tranquility View Post
. Just wondering if there's any preventable measure I could've done or nothing?
Could've moved to CA before winter started. (J/K)

In the past I've used an ice scraper on middle part of window and then pulled off the ice.

To be honest, if I know there is freezing rain I do what it takes to keep car indoors. It's the worst.
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      11-21-2014, 04:22 AM   #6
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Of course inside parking is better, but unfortunately I was just caught parking it outside during a freak winter storm. Not sure rubber lubricant would've helped because it probably had something to do w/ the ice preventing the window from moving, hence when I poured hot/warm water, it immediately work. I guess there is no other solution and not sure how pouring hot/warm water would harm things.
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      11-21-2014, 08:40 AM   #7
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I'm just saying that the water you pour on it will freeze up too and may recreate the problem. Reminds me of my father in law from Florida who came to visit in February. He decided to do me a favor and hose out the salt inside the garage while I was at work. Thanks for the ice skating rink!
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      11-21-2014, 01:40 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jparnes1 View Post
I'm just saying that the water you pour on it will freeze up too and may recreate the problem. Reminds me of my father in law from Florida who came to visit in February. He decided to do me a favor and hose out the salt inside the garage while I was at work. Thanks for the ice skating rink!
...but I'm using hot water, don't see how that's possible.
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      11-21-2014, 02:36 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tranquility View Post
...but I'm using hot water, don't see how that's possible.
Cold water, hot water...That water is going to drip somewhere and it can all freeze.
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      11-21-2014, 03:28 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jparnes1 View Post
Cold water, hot water...That water is going to drip somewhere and it can all freeze.
Doubtful since I used just enough to unfreeze the window and any remnant probably evaporated. Beats having a malfunctioning window and stuck door as it appears to be the only solution.
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      11-21-2014, 09:47 PM   #11
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try this.
Mix 3/4-cup white vinegar with 1/4-cup room temperature water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto icy car windows.Scrape the melting ice off the windows with an ice scraper.
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