Like any other asset that you own, cars come with their set of hassles. You will have to deal with suspicious smells, noises, and smoke at one point or the other. You would be surprised to know that there will rarely be an entire year when you do not receive an unexpected and unpleasant surprise once you own a car.
Lucky for you, most of the time, the issues that arise in your car are not serious. One of these challenges is a squeaky window. You can easily learn how to deal with this pesky little problem by continuing to read the detailed guide below.
Possible Reasons Why Your Car Windows Are Squeaking
Before you can get into the nitty-gritty details of how to fix squeaking car windows, you need to understand why you always hear this unpleasant noise every single time you either roll your window up or down. The problem could arise in only one window or all of them. Nevertheless, the issue is usually a result of a hiccup present in a single mechanism.
Below are reasons why you may hear a squeaking sound from your car windows, depending upon their types.
Reasons why manual car windows squeak
If you have a car with manual windows, then two main areas could be a source of your problem.
The first thing for you to check is the outer seal of the window and whether it is dry. If it is, then there is a high possibility of it gradually deteriorating and preventing the window of your car from moving freely. The lack of lubrication is often the reason that you can hear an unpleasant noise every time you move the window.
Secondly, take a careful look at the glass guide rails and check for cleanliness. Remember, there are two sides to your windows that help them move up and down. If you do not clean your car regularly, there is a possibility that the glass guide rails will accumulate dust, and your window will squeak whenever you move it.
Reasons why power car windows squeak
Where electric windows and squeaking are concerned, the unpleasant noise’s reasons are quite similar.
Even in electric cars, you need to worry about the condition that your slides and outer seal are in. These are primarily the two areas where the problem is likely to be. However, to check the latter, you will need to disassemble the entire car door to vet the problem. This step is especially important since your power car windows have an electronic mechanism.
Stop a Manual Car Window from Squeaking in 5 steps
Is your car window making an unpleasant noise whenever you move it up or down? Does the glass feel sticky or slow down when it rolls in either direction? Well, that is nothing to worry about. There is a simple and easy way to fix your slow and squeaky manual car window.
All you need is an effective lubricant, along with some paper towels or rags. Follow the five steps below that are easy to follow, and your manual car window will be better off.
1. Use a lubricant on the window
The first step towards getting rid of that unpleasant squeaky noise is to apply a lubricant. Make sure you can reach as far as inside the window seal. The lubricant will ensure that any accumulated dirt and dust is removed, slowing the window down or causing squeaky noise.
In addition, remember to spray the solution on the top of the manual car window as well. The excess will slide down the window and reach places that you are unable to spray in. it may cause a mess, but you can always wipe it down once the cleaning process is complete.
2. Repeat the same process on the outside
Now that the inner seal of your manual car window is squeaky clean, you can focus on the other side, namely, the outer seal. In this case, you need to be careful and ensure that the lubricant is applied evenly throughout the vertical frame of the window, all the way to its bottom seal.
Any excess lubricant is to be wiped down with a clean and quality microfiber towel. Do not hesitate to carry out this process on all the car windows that are making an unpleasant noise when rolled up or down.
3. Allow the lubricant some time
Once you are done applying your chosen lubricant solution on the inner and outer seal of the car window, allow it some time to spread throughout the seal.
After a while has passed, try moving your window a couple of times. This will further facilitate the spread of the solution and help dislodge any leftover accumulated debris. Repeat this a couple of times, and your car window should eventually start moving steadily without making any sounds.
4. Reapply if necessary
Once you have gone through this entire process and your car continues to produce unpleasant squeaking noises, you can reapply the solution with a slight difference. This time around, try the application when the car window is rolled all the way up. Consequently, when you roll it back down, the solution, on its own, will spread throughout the components of the window frame.
Moreover, it will reach the problematic areas, which could be responsible for causing the sound. Make sure that you are generous when applying the lubricant. This is especially important to allow the solution to penetrate the window seal and then some.
5. Clean up afterward
Once you have gone through the steps as necessary, you need to clean up after yourself. Make sure that you have a clean towel at hand to ensure that excess lubricant does not leave behind any streaks on the paint of your car.
After you have achieved the desired outcome and the unpleasant noise is gone, wipe off the rubber seal of the window. But this needs to be done once a couple of hours have passed. Carefully take a look at the glass and get rid of any leftover lubricant, which could potentially accumulate dirt.
These five simple steps should help you get rid of the problem. However, if this is not the case, you may want to consider visiting a professional. Moreover, if your power car windows are squeaking, then it is best to go to an auto shop and get it fixed. Good luck!
How to Stop Car Windows from Squeaking FAQ’s
Q: What’s the best lubricant for car windows?
A: There are a number of different products that you can choose from. We recommend Sil-Glyde because it is 100% pure silicone, which will ensure that your window operates smoothly without any noise whatsoever.
Q: What should you use to clean up after applying Sil-Glyde to your car windows?
A: A clean microfiber towel should do the trick. Make sure that it is also free of any dust, debris, or any other forms of dirt, as this may cause the window t for to make any unpleasant noise.
Q: Is Sil-Glyde safe to use on car windows?
A: It is safe to use. Sil-Glyde has been specially formulated to act with specialized rubber components, meaning that it will not cause any damage whatsoever to your car or its windows. Apply Sil-Glyde and enjoy the pleasant noise-free ride afterward!
Q: How often should you lubricate car windows?
A: It is recommended that you do this after every 20,000 miles. This will ensure that the components of your car window are properly taken care of and lubricated accordingly.
