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Attention, is your car window frozen by snow storms? What to do to remove it without breaking

The frustration of a stuck window can quickly turn into an expensive repair if not handled correctly.

frozen car side-view mirror in toronto after ice storm
Carlos BezzGetty Images

As brutal winter storms sweep across the United States, leaving roads and vehicles blanketed in ice and snow, many drivers find themselves battling frozen car windows.

Car windows freeze due to moisture trapped in the window’s rubber seals and run channels. When temperatures plummet, this moisture turns to ice, preventing windows from moving up or down. The soft, felt-like materials in window mechanisms create the perfect moisture trap, making windows vulnerable to freezing.

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Safe defrosting techniques

In terms of deicing, you can mix three-fourths cup of white vinegar with one-fourth cup of lukewarm water in a spray bottle. Apply the solution to window edges.

Combine three-fourths cup of isopropyl alcohol with one-fourth cup of room temperature water. Spray and let sit for three minutes.

Once you are initially in the car, turn on the engine and activate the following:

  • Warm air blower directed at the windscreen
  • Rear window heater
  • Air conditioning to remove moisture

What not to do

Never slam your car door, which risks shattering the window.

Avoid using boiling water, as sudden temperature changes can crack the glass.

Do not forcefully hold down the window switch, which can damage the motor or window mechanism.

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