Picture this: it’s a frosty morning, so you head outside to get the car started and start scraping the ice off your windshield. But once you’ve climbed inside the vehicle, it dawns on you that things aren’t exactly as they should be — and upon pressing the window buttons, you realize what’s going on. Your windows are frozen shut!

Has this puzzling predicament ever happened to you? It’s not uncommon for windows to become stuck during the winter, especially when temperatures drop below freezing for multiple days in a row or oscillate between freezing an thawing. If you’re reading this because your windows seem like they’ll never unfreeze, take a deep breath and relax. Our technicians specialize in auto glass repair in Center Valley, PA, so we have your back! Here are a few DYI methods you can use to get your windows back to normal again, plus some advice on what not to do when your windows are frozen.

Method #1: Make-At-Home Melter

You’ll need the following:

• A spray bottle
• Isopropyl alcohol (also called rubbing alcohol, commonly found in first-aid kits)
• Room-temperature water

Combine 3/4 cup of isopropyl alcohol and 1/4 cup of room-temperature water in a spray bottle. Spray the outside of your windows with the mixture, then allow it to sit for several minutes before scraping it off.  This helps in melting the frozen water. Once all ice has been removed from the windows, try opening them again.  Be sure to clean and rinse the excess fluid from your vehicle with clean water once able.

Method #2: Dedicated De-Icer

If you’re in a rush to get to work in the morning, de-icer spray isn’t something you have to DIY. De-icer is available at most big-box stores and auto parts retailers. It’s often sold in convenient aerosol bottles so you can quickly spray your windows and get them unstuck. One small warning, though — once the weather starts warming up again, don’t forget to take those pressurized bottles out of your trunk, and be sure to clean any residue of your vehicle exterior as soon as possible! 

Most commercial-grade de-icers work in sub-zero temperatures, so after a few quick sprays on the outsides of your windows, wait a few minutes, scrape off the ice, then try to get the windows unstuck. It shouldn’t take too long.

Method #3: Be Prepared

Are you sick of frozen windows? You don’t have to deal with them every December morning if you plan ahead. Here are some preparation tips for people fed up with frost: 

• If possible, keep your car in the garage. If no garage is available, any cover is better than nothing. Trees and building overhangs can make good makeshift shelters.

• A windshield cover can help prevent windshield frost, but if you want all of your windows to be protected, invest in a whole-car cover.

• Don’t allow excess humidity in your vehicle. Remove snow and ice from shoes and other objects before entering the car, and don’t leave wet items or open cups in the car overnight.

Actions to Avoid

We’ve seen our fair share of shattered windows while performing auto glass repair in Center Valley, PA, and some of them have happened because of wintery weather. Here are some “wind-nos” you should keep in mind:

• If your windows are stuck, don’t force them by holding the buttons down or pressing them repeatedly, as this can hurt the motor relay and regulator and cause permanent damage.

• Do not attempt to open the windows until all ice has been removed where possible. This protects the motor mechanisms from water and ice damage.

• Avoid falling for auto glass myths, such as using boiling water on your frozen windshield (or windows).

Contact Alderfer Glass Anytime

As we head into the official beginning of winter, we hope you can use these quick tips to keep your car free of frost. If your vehicle’s windows have been damaged by ice or any other roadside conditions, don’t hesitate to reach out to the auto glass repair pros at Alderfer. We also replace and diagnose regulator and window motor problems.  We’re always happy to help get your ride back on the road!