side windows on a frosty morning

[JasonSteel]

on cold mornings the side windows are stuck to the car so when i unlock the car there's a loud cracking noise as the glass is pulled down

sometimes the window is so stuck the first attempt fails...

that can't be good can it?

[WG]

Try pouring some TEPID water around the window surrounds before trying to open the doors. Open immediately though before they re freeze.

[Mogul]

The above works, but there is no practical long term solution that I ever found.

If ‘a trace’ of water that has run down the side window glass passes down in between the door seal and the side window glass, you have a wet seal that could (will) refreeze, often later that day or overnight during cold periods.

I recall that when new, it hardly ever happened, but as the car/seals age, they become more prone to this.

Replacing the seals sounds like it would help but a relatively big outlay for what is often an occasional annoyance IMO and I’m not aware that permanent damage can be done.

[cuprabob]

Lubricating the seals with Gummi Pflege can help stop them freezing up but luke warm water is the only solution on really cold mornings.

[drgav2005]

WG said:

Try pouring some TEPID water around the window surrounds before trying to open the doors. Open immediately though before they re freeze.

Add the tepid / warm water into a sealable freezer bag and then move this along the seal until the window has defrosted.

[JasonSteel]

as some have confirmed, tepid water method could just make the problem worse next day

never used Gummi Pflege before but sounds like it could be a win win - non stick and protection...

will give it a try

thanks all

[WG]

Be careful applying anything to door seals . The handbook specifically warns agianst it. Could generate a lot of squeeks in warmer weather. The tepid water suggestion should not make it worse next day - if you drive the car, as the water will be driven out.

[stevod]

…and easing a credit card between the glass and the seals to release it before pulling the door handle.

[kmpowell]

Fill a ziplock bag with hot tap water. Run the bag slowly along the window/door seals.

Job-jobbed.

[Swine Enthusiast]

WG said:

Try pouring some TEPID water around the window surrounds before trying to open the doors. Open immediately though before they re freeze.

Did this today, open the door, TEPID, not warm, not hot, and poor down the window sill. Worked a charm. Don't reclose the door until the window will go down.

[scrounger73]

personally I would never pour water onto my windows no matter how tepid. The issue is with the window sticking against the trim by the door itself. You'd be better to spray de-icer in this area and allow it to thaw a little. That way the window will be able to drop.

[smithyithy]

My 987 windows have been a ballache the past couple weeks when I've had to leave at ~7am to get to the office. It will drop to allow me to open the door, but I can't close the door again until it's defrosted (it keeps trying to drop itself so I have to press the window switch to stop it).

I can't be bothered standing outside scraping / pouring the perfect temperature water anymore.. This morning I just started the car, put the windows heaters / blowers on full, pushed the driver's door 'to' and went back inside for 10 minutes. Came back out and the windows were all clear..

[JasonSteel]

thanks again guys there's a few things there to try