Lubricating your car window tracks is a crucial maintenance task that some overlook. Don’t make the same mistake.
The car window track guides the window when it moves up and down and keeps the window in the correct position as it moves. Some tracks have a thin piece of rubber weather stripping to prevent the glass from bouncing or rubbing against the metal track.
These strippings often have metal components, such as screws, attached to keep them in place. When the component corrodes, the stripping’s effectiveness reduces.
Car window tracks need lubrication not only to ensure the windows move smoothly on them but also to prevent corrosion. Learn what signs to watch out for to know when to lubricate and how to do it the right way.
Why Is It Necessary to Lubricate Window Tracks?
Let’s dive deeper into the importance of window track lubrication. As mentioned, lubricating your car’s window tracks ensures smooth operation, prevents wear and tear, enhances safety, and increases weather resistance.
Ensures Smooth Operation
Like most car components, the window track accumulates dirt and grime over time, which affects the track’s performance and induces resistance when using the windows. This is because windows can get stuck if enough dirt and grime accumulate.
Regularly cleaning and lubricating the window tracks goes a long way in ensuring smooth window operation. Cleanups get rid of the dirt, while the lubricant reduces the friction between the window and the track.
Prevents Window Wear
Friction between the track and window affects not only their efficient operation but also their lifespan. Applying lubrication removes unnecessary friction and acts as a layer of protection, essentially reducing window wear.
Enhances Safety
Every second matters during emergencies. Being able to close or open the car window quickly is a must if you ever find yourself trapped in your car in such a way that you can’t exit through the doors. A properly lubricated window won’t have much resistance when opening, ensuring a faster escape.
Increases Weather Resistance
Window components like regulators and the strippings/seals can rust and corrode because they’re made of metal or have metal parts attached.
Adding lubrication to the window tracks gives these components a layer of protection against the elements. Regulators, in particular, are responsible for the window glass movement, and rust can interfere with their smooth operation.
Having the extra weather resistance prevents or minimizes the risk of corrosion, increasing the window’s lifespan.
Signs Your Car Window Track Needs Lubrication
Some signs your car’s window tracks need lubrication include sticking windows, unusual noises, uneven effort, increased resistance, and visible dirt.
Slow or Sticking Window
If your car window sticks or is slow to open or close, check its tracks. Dry tracks are a sure sign it’s time to apply lubricant.
Unusual Noises
Similarly, you might also hear squeaking, grinding, or other noises when you close or open the window. The sound could be due to a handful of things, and one of them is insufficient lubrication making the parts grind against one another.
Uneven Effort
Ideally, opening or closing your car window should only take one smooth movement. Unfortunately, a lack of lubrication can change that. The window might move unevenly or wobble when moving on Inadequately lubricated tracks due to increased friction.
Increased Resistance
If your car has roll-up windows, you might have trouble rolling them up after some time if there’s no lubricant to smoothen the way. This increases the effort needed to open or close the windows.
Visible Dirt and Debris
Lastly, visible dirt and debris indicate the need to clean and lubricate your window tracks. The accumulation of dirt could mean it’s been a while since you’ve added lubrication to the tracks.
How to Lubricate Car Window Tracks
To properly lubricate the window tracks, follow the steps below:
- Step 1: Roll the window down entirely to the track.
- Step 2: Use a brush to clean the tracks first. You can also use a soft cloth to remove residue from the tracks.
- Step 3: Spray a lubricant along the exposed track.
- Step 4: Wait until the lubricant dries before rolling the window up and down to evenly spread the lubricant.
- Step 5: Use a window cleaner to remove excess lubricant on the window.
Lubricating Window Track Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

Some window track lubrication tips to keep in mind include cleaning the tracks first, using the right lubricant for your needs, and following proper regular maintenance.
Always Clean the Tracks First
Lubricating dirty car window tracks would give you more problems down the line. The lubricant can compound the dirt and grime, increasing window resistance. So, be sure to lubricate the tracks only when they’re clean.
Find the Right Lubricant for You
There are different lubricants for window tracks, so picking the right one is crucial to ensure proper lubrication. Silicone sprays are a good choice if you’re in the market for a lubricant that’ll stick to the tracks in different weather conditions. Teflon and WD-40 are also good alternatives since they don’t attract dirt.
Apply Lubricant Properly
When you apply the lubricant, ensure the window is open before you spray it into the front and back window tracks. Doing so will evenly spread the lubricant while also lubricating the correct components.
Make Lubrication a Part of Your Maintenance Routine
Including window track lubrication in your upkeep checklist will ensure you won’t forget it. It also helps ensure that you won’t need to dedicate another day to this particular maintenance task.
Don’t Over-Apply Lubricant
Lastly, avoid adding too much lubricant to avoid buildups that can attract dirt and grime, which can lead to other issues like sticking. To get it right, apply a small amount first before testing out the smoothness of the window. You can stop adding lubrication once you can properly open and close it without resistance.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.