How to Lubricate Window Tracks

The window track is the small metal channel through which a car’s moving window rolls up and down. These window tracks often have a thin piece of rubber weather stripping or some fuzzy material (whiskers) inside to help prevent the glass from bouncing or rubbing against the metal track.

Why Should Window Tracks be Lubricated?

A small amount of lubricant typically keeps things moving smoothly as a window rubs across the track. But over time and use, that lubricant will wear out. Without the lubricant, the window might rattle or drag when moving through the track. The friction causes unnecessary wear on the window regulator and motor, eventually causing the electronic motor to stop functioning.

In colder climates, a lack of window track lubricant might allow rainwater or dew to enter the channel and freeze, locking the window in place.

Wet or Dry?

Two specific lubricants are ideally situated for lubricating the window tracks.

• Dry Teflon – When applied to the window track, the spray quickly evaporates, leaving behind a layer of Teflon (PTFE). This Teflon is a lubricant but will eventually wear out since it is a thin layer.
• Silicone spray – Silicone spray is an alternate lubricant for the window tracks. It not only lubricates but also repels water. A drawback to silicone is that it attracts and retains dirt over time.

Either lubricant is suitable, depending on your personal preference. Some manufacturers even offer a lubricant formulated explicitly for window tracks.

1. To apply the lubricant, roll the window entirely down the track.
2. Remove any excess dirt or debris visible in the track
3. Spray a light layer of lubricant along the exposed tracks.
4. Wait 30 seconds for it to dry, then roll the window up and down for three to four uses.
5. The lubricant should last for a year. If any excess lubricant is on your glass, a window cleaner can easily remove it.

Car maintenance often involves small things that are frequently forgotten. Lubricating window tracks is a simple task that can help prevent huge repair bills.