Frozen Windows at 20 Below

H

HenrikP

New member
Here in Minnesota, I have noticed that after rolling out of the shop with freshly cleaned windows the windows tend to develop a thick frost on the insides. The frost too thick for the defrost to take care of blowing full-blast. I haven't yet figured out a method or product for window cleaning that doesn't freeze up. I assume it's caused by the moisture thats left on the windows.
 
My windows are frozen stuck here pretty much all the time until the interior is hot for a long time...and this is just from being parked outside - not related to cleaning whatsoever...so I can't help ya there..may just be the fact it's -20 ;)
 
Well I've had the same problem with 3 different cars. My car which is a '91 Toyota Camry thats parked outside which I've used Rainx Antifog on and made it even worse. My dad's car, a '00 Toyota Camry, which I cleaned with Sprayway window cleaner and was frozen on the inside within one minute. And then my moms friend's '02 BMW 325 xi which was cleaned with Stoners IG.
 
Are you speaking of the actual glass being frosted/froze over, or the internal winding mechanism to raise/lower the window?



Changeling
 
I know the hair dryer will get rid of the frost but I was looking for a way to clean them that the windows dont freeze everytime you start your car.
 
Also FWIW, don't try to crank down your windows right away in very cold climates, esp. with power windows. I had an experience once when my windows refused to work one very cold morning (maybe 2 deg. C). You will need to give the car's body ample time to warm up before operating your windows, or you could stand the chance of burning out a window motor.
 
If you are talking about frost on the glass only, and not mechanical, try opening the doors when you get outside and airing out the car. The frost is caused by the moisture in the car and the extreme change in temp on the glass (inside/outside). By opening the doors outside (for a little bit), you let out/reduce the moisture from inside the car and reduce the temp. "shock" to the glass.
 
Maybe clean windows with Isopropyl Alcohol. I think the freeze point is -128f. I've cleaned glass with it often but nowhere near -20. Good idea to keep it off the trim though.
 
If you have a selector on your dash, make sure you have fresh air going into your car, NOT recirculated. Recirculated air frosts up the windows because moisture can't get out.
 
itb76 said:
If you have a selector on your dash, make sure you have fresh air going into your car, NOT recirculated. Recirculated air frosts up the windows because moisture can't get out.
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And turning on the AC helps as well, if your car doesn't do that automatically with the defrosters anyway.
 
Danase said:
And turning on the AC helps as well, if your car doesn't do that automatically with the defrosters anyway.
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You really think this makes a difference at 20 below?
 
itb76 said:
You really think this makes a difference at 20 below?
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It will pull a LOT more moisture out for sure. I think my first suggestion to clean the windows with a squeegee is a better idea though. ;)
 
A/C compressor isn't going to run at -20. Most have lockouts for 38F.



Henrik, you must have a lot of moisture in the vehicle. Either very wet floor mats or a water leak.
 
Yeah, I was also thinking it must be excessive moisture. I got rubber floor mats and the snow sits on them and most likely evaporates right onto the windows. It's only a morning thing though. Lately it hasn't been that bad but last week I was scraping my windows while I was driving just to see where I was going.
 
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