Does it sound familiar: You are in your car, you want to open your windows, but they just seem to be sticking to the rubber on the track?
I've been there so many times, but it doesn't get less annoying. I think that all people with power windows can agree.
Luckily, the solution is simple: the best power windows lubricant.
By the end of my round-up, you'll find the most suitable type and model for your specific situation.
So, stay tuned!
In a Hurry? The Winner after 29 Hours of Research:
How I Picked:
20 Resources | 111 Reviews Compared |
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29 Hours Of Research | 36 Popular Products Considered |
Last Updated: January 30, 2023
By James Ruhle:
This article has been updated to reflect the most accurate information regarding best power window lubricant available for those who want smooth window operation in their car. The best 5 available have changed, and information has been added to assist individuals in finding the best power window lubricant currently available on the market. The FAQ has also been updated.
Top Power Window Lubricant Picks - Comparison Table
Product | Type | Size (Oz) | Our Rating | Current Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Silicone, wet | 11 | 94/100 | ||
Silicone, wet | 9 | 91/100 | ||
Dry with Teflon | 9.3 | 88/100 | ||
Dry with Teflon | 12 | 86/100 | ||
Aerosol silicone with Teflon | 14 | 85/100 |
Best Power Window Lubricants Reviewed
1. WD-40 Specialist Water Resistant Silicone Lubricant – Top Pick
Anyone who is a serious car-enthusiast is probably already familiar with the WD-40 Water-Resistant lube.
This product is a top-of-the-line choice that can be used for anything from power windows to car doors and tracks.
WD-40 is a water-resistant lubricant that can safely be used on any car component regardless of the material - plastic, vinyl, rubber - without fear of damage. A perfect example is the especially sensitive door panel which this lubricant works well with.
Arguably, the smell is noticeable, but not unpleasant in the least: it smells somewhat minty with just a hint of oily.
And did I mention that it comes with a special smart straw?
It sprays two ways, so you can either use it as a fan-shaped spray or a precision stream.
When working with delicate parts like door panels, window tracks, and other hard to reach areas, a brush-style lubricant is a great option. Alternatively, an aerosol-type lubricant can be used just as effectively on anything else - from squeaky doors to rusty tools or bike chains.
This product is not as adhesive as some other (read - dry) lubricants, but it definitely does a better job at loosening windows.
While at it: WD-40 also comes in a pack of 6 if you like to stock up on your favorite items as I do (and save some money).
When it comes to treating your power windows right, you need to get yourself a powerhouse.
3M have the perfect solution to your sticky window situations with their silicone-based lubricant spray. This easy to use product can loosen stuck or squeaky windows, and door panels in no time, allowing you to get back to what's important.
This wet type of spray is a more suitable power window option than a lithium grease one because it is much more efficient. Still not convinced? Sit back and continue reading.
3M's special formulation boasts a petroleum oil-free composition, keeping surfaces like window frames, door hinges, and window tracks stain-free. Not only does it stop sticking and rubber squeaking but has been seen to perform brilliantly in harsh weather conditions.
If you are situated in a freezing area or a scalding one, 3M's lubricant is one of many silicone sprays that share the property of being entirely weather-resistant, be it bitingly cold or intolerably hot.
An important detail to make mention of is that 3M's silicone lubricant protects all of the rubber parts and is safe to use on plastic and vinyl surfaces, too.
It's worth mentioning that a straw may be necessary while using this silicone lubricant, though it's easily resolved with the purchase of an additional applicator.
B'laster 16-TDL is the perfect solution to all of your sticky window and dirty tracks problems. With its dry lubricant, this product will protect and maintain your power windows so you don't have to worry about them anymore.
Applying B'laster along your window tracks will save you a lifetime of trouble.
This dry lube is formulated with Teflon fluoropolymer, which results in a special kind of lubricant intended to protect and preserve your surfaces.
Not only is this dry lube an excellent option for friction reduction, but it will also eliminate all traces of wearing and usage.
Dirt, debris, and dust won't stand a chance against it, either.
If you've got car window tracks that need lubrication, but you don't want to use oil-based or grease-based lubricants, B'laster is the perfect solution!
Car window mechanisms are not just the only application of this lubricant - it is also an ideal solution for door hinges, hood latches, and locks.
If you happen to apply too much product (like I did, for the sake of the test), don't worry - there is an easy solution for this. While it initially comes out wet, this lube dries quickly and leaves behind a powdery white residue that can be wiped away easily.
When it comes to finding the right dry lube to fix window cracks and prevent sticking and squeaking, this product is a great option. It's budget-friendly while still providing multiple uses in your home.
The title of the best invisible Teflon lubricant spray goes to Tuf Gel, which is bound to astound you as much as it has surprised me.
What makes Tuf Gel stand out, and logically, what made it a lubricant worthy of mention on this list, is the number of its qualities.
Tuf Gel is the perfect choice for any weather conditions. Its thick and grease-like consistency makes it a heavy-duty lube, providing superior performance regardless of how hot or cold it is. It holds up in any temperature, giving you the peace of mind you need for those extreme conditions.
This lubricant isn't only remarkable due to its ability to withstand extreme temperature fluctuations--though this is one of its greatest strengths--its unique formula makes it incredibly durable, able to resist wear and tear, as well as washout.
The clear liquid can penetrate to the lubrication point's very root and forms itself into an anti-friction gel.
Teflon's integration in its formula gives it the necessary edge when it comes to preventing rust and corrosion, which is something that all people appreciate.
With a gel-like lubricant like this one, there is always a messy side that you may decide to overlook, based on how much of a perfectionist you are.
If you don't mind dealing with a bit of a mess, Tuf Gel is the perfect car lube for those deep-seated lubrication problems. It's powerful enough to reach all the tight spots and crannies in window channels, so be prepared to do some thorough cleaning and exacting work when using it.
My budget-friendly pick is bound to blow you away for the following outstanding qualities: its cost-effective price and its power.
Because it is a household name, people tend to stay away from this option, but you shouldn't worry about that.
Keep your rubber and tracks in perfect working condition with DuPont's Teflon spray. It's super easy to use and completely safe for any material or surface you have, including rubber, vinyl, leather, plastic, and metal. Get the power windows of your dreams with this amazing product!
DuPont has perfected their formula to the point of it being foolproof. Unlike Tuf Gel, which makes the entire process messy overtime, DuPont's formula puts cleanliness above everything.
If you are a neat person yourself, you'll find this a delight to use.
You'll be thrilled to find that the windows in your car will function smoothly and without any squeaking noises. Enjoy the new-found level of comfort and ease when managing your car windows.
The one issue I found when using this lubricant is its smell. Although it has great performance, the odor is definitely something you'll notice.
This, of course, is a minor downside in my book, but it is still worth mentioning.
Other than that, you'll find that your power windows will work correctly after being treated with this.
Pros
Cons
Power Window Lubricant FAQ
Q: How do you lubricate power windows?
A: Follow these simple steps to lubricate your power windows:
- Roll the windows all the way down to expose the tracks.
- Spray your lube of choice over the tracks.
- Wait for around a minute until it dries.
- Roll your windows up and down 3-4 times before you close them completely.
- Wipe your door panel for any potential residue.
Q: What is the best lubricant for windows?
A: Based on a gauntlet of tests I performed, the WD-40 water-resistant lubricant deservest to be crowned the best in this category.
Q: How do you stop power windows from squeaking?
A: If your windows start squeaking, it may be because the factory lubricant for the window tracks is wearing off over time. The solution is simple: just coat them with a lubricant. White lithium grease works well, but a silicone-based one is even better.
Q: What causes power windows to move slow?
A: The exposure to extreme temperatures (both in summer and winter) causes the rubber of your door track to deteriorate. Therefore, the motor that is moving your window up and down can have difficulty when the rubber sticks to the window.
After It's All Said and Done, I Recommend:
Conclusion
If you found this guide useful and have a friend that has similar problems with power windows as you (and let's face it: we all do), please share it with them!
A high-quality lubricant will not only help with the window mechanism in your vehicle, but it will also prolong the life of other components, so it's a win-win situation.
Until the next time!