When car windows start to make grinding or squeaking noises when being rolled up or down, it usually means the window tracks need lubrication. Lubricating the window tracks reduces friction so the windows can slide up and down smoothly and quietly. But what type of lubricant should you use on car window tracks?
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Silicone Spray
Silicone spray lubricant is one of the most popular and effective options for lubricating car window tracks. Silicone has high water resistance, so it won’t wash away with exposure to rain or car washes. It also has low volatility, meaning it won’t evaporate quickly. This allows the lubricating effects to last a long time, often for many months.
Silicone lubricant can be applied directly to the rubber window tracks and to the window channel inside the door. After application, roll the windows up and down a few times to evenly distribute the silicone lubricant. The slippery silicone molecules will adhere to the tracks and window edges, reducing friction and allowing smooth operation.
When choosing a silicone spray, look for one designed specifically for lubricating rubber and plastic. General use silicone sprays may contain solvents that could potentially damage rubber window tracks. Automotive silicone sprays are ideal.
Advantages of Silicone Spray
- Provides long-lasting lubrication
- Water resistant formula
- Won’t harm rubber window tracks
- Prevents squeaking and sticking
Lithium Grease
Lithium grease is another lubricant option for car window tracks. It has excellent water resistance like silicone spray. It also has high adhesion properties so it won’t fling off the tracks while driving. And it maintains its consistency across a wide temperature range.
Since lithium grease is thicker than a spray lubricant, it can be messier to apply. Use a small paintbrush or cotton swab to carefully apply the grease directly onto the window tracks. Roll the windows up and down to spread the grease evenly. Be careful not to use too much, as excess grease could fling onto interior surfaces.
Look for a lithium grease that contains corrosion inhibitors and PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) for added lubricating qualities. Multi-purpose lithium greases sold at auto parts stores are ideal for lubricating window tracks.
Advantages of Lithium Grease
- Excellent water resistance
- High adhesion to surfaces
- Withstands wide temperature range
- Won’t fling off at high speeds
Graphite Powder
Graphite powder can also be used to lubricate car window tracks. The microscopic graphite flakes adhere to the tracks and window edges, reducing friction. Graphite powder is very affordable and can be found at hardware and automotive stores.
To apply graphite powder, use a small brush to dust a light coating onto the rubber window tracks. Roll the windows up and down to work in the graphite lubrication. Since graphite powder is messy, it’s a good idea to apply it with windows in the down position. Be careful not to inhale the fine graphite dust while applying.
One downside to graphite powder is that its lubricating effects are relatively short-lived. Windows may need reapplication every few months as the graphite wears off the tracks. But at just a few dollars for a large bottle, reapplying is an inexpensive task.
Advantages of Graphite Powder
- Very inexpensive
- Simple application process
- Lubricates with microscopic graphite flakes
- Can apply to all window tracks
Wheel Bearing Grease
Wheel bearing grease, also known as wheel bearing lubricant, is formulated to withstand extreme pressures and high temperatures while providing heavy-duty lubrication. These properties also make bearing grease well-suited for lubricating car window tracks.
Bearing grease is thicker than most lubricants, so use a small brush to work it into the rubber window tracks. It tends to stay put well without flinging off at high speeds. The thick lubricants resist washing away with water or rain. Like lithium grease, wheel bearing grease maintains its lubricating properties across a wide temperature range.
Look for a high-quality wheel bearing grease designed for heavy-duty automotive uses. This type of grease will have the adhesion, water resistance and temperature tolerance needed for car window tracks.
Advantages of Wheel Bearing Grease
- Extreme pressure performance
- High temperature tolerance
- Thick formula stays put
- Water resistant
Dry Lubricant Sprays
Dry lubricant sprays such as dry graphite or molybdenum disulfide (moly) can also effectively lubricate car window tracks. These lubricants are called “dry” because they don’t have an oily feel or attract dirt and debris like wet lubricants.
Shake the can well before spraying a light coating onto the rubber window tracks. The ultra-slippery lubricant molecules will adhere to the tracks, reducing friction. Make sure windows are lowered before spraying to avoid getting overspray in the vehicle interior.
Dry lubricant sprays typically provide lubrication for shorter periods than wet sprays like silicone. Expect to reapply every few months as the lubrication wears off the tracks. Dry sprays are very convenient to apply quickly.
Advantages of Dry Lubricant Sprays
- Leaves no oily residue
- Won’t attract dirt like wet lubricants
- Easy spray-on application
- Able to lubricate plastic and rubber
When to Lubricate Window Tracks
Here are some signs that indicate it’s time to lubricate your car’s window tracks:
- Windows make grinding, squeaking or whining noises when operated
- Takes extra force to open or close windows
- Windows lower or raise unevenly
- Windows get stuck halfway up or down
Lubricating on a regular preventive maintenance schedule can help avoid these issues. Lubricate tracks every 6 months to 1 year to keep windows operating smoothly.
Inspect window tracks when washing your car. Clean tracks allow lubricants to adhere and function better. Wipe away any built up dirt, grime or old lube from the window channels and tracks.
Avoid using harsh cleaners like acetone or abrasives on window tracks which could damage the rubber. Warm soapy water and a rag is all that’s needed to gently clean tracks before lubricating.
How to Apply Lubricant to Window Tracks
Here is a step-by-step guide for properly lubricating car window tracks:
- Clean window tracks with warm water and mild detergent using a rag or soft brush. Make sure tracks are free of dirt and debris.
- Dry tracks thoroughly with a clean lint-free cloth.
- Spray silicone lubricant, lithium grease or other lubricant directly onto rubber window tracks. Apply lightly but evenly along entire track length.
- Use a small brush or swab to spread thick lubricants like lithium grease evenly on tracks.
- Roll windows all the way down and then back up again to evenly distribute lubricant.
- Repeat process for all door window tracks requiring lubrication.
- Run windows up and down several times to test smoothness.
- Wipe away any excess lubricant and clean vehicle interior surfaces.
Tips for Lubricating Window Tracks
- Only a small amount of lubricant is needed. Too much can become messy and attract dirt.
- Apply lubricant to all four window track sides – top, bottom, and both sides.
- Make sure the window channels inside doors are also lubricated.
- Always run windows up and down after lubricating to evenly coat tracks.
- Don’t spray lubricants with vehicle interior surfaces exposed.
- Reapply lubricant every 6-12 months for ongoing smooth operation.
- Consider removing door panels to thoroughly clean and lubricate hidden track areas if windows are very sticky or squeaky.
Conclusion
Lubricating car window tracks with silicone spray, lithium grease, graphite powder or bearing grease can restore smooth, quiet power window operation. Look for lubricants designed specifically for use on plastic and rubber automotive components. Apply lubricant to rubber window tracks in doors as well as window channels. Lubricate every 6-12 months or whenever windows become noisy, sticky or difficult to operate. Following proper window track lubrication procedures will keep power windows working their best.