What Causes Scratches on the Glass When Rolling Up or Down the Car Window?
3 Answers
It could be due to the aging of the window seal strips. When the seal strips age, the friction increases, leading to unusual noises. This situation tends to be more noticeable in summer because aged seal strips expand more severely under direct sunlight, resulting in greater friction and more pronounced noises. Hairline Scratch Treatment: For hairline scratches, they can generally be removed by polishing or applying a rubbing compound. A gentle wipe is usually sufficient to make the hairline scratches disappear. Light Scratch Treatment: For light scratches, simply prepare a tube of toothpaste. Toothpaste is highly effective for shallow scratches that haven't damaged the car's primer. It can particularly remove traces left by other vehicles' paint during minor collisions or sticky residues from adhesive products, cleaning most of them thoroughly.
The window glass makes friction noises and shows scratches when rolling up/down, which I believe is mainly caused by aging and deformed sealing strips. Over time, rubber seals harden, crack and lose elasticity, allowing direct glass-to-track friction that creates squeaking sounds and scratches. Dust accumulation, tiny pebbles or small twigs in the window channel are also common culprits – they get stuck and scratch the glass surface. From my inspection, rough/rusted or deformed guide rails can also cause misaligned glass and intensified friction. Additionally, loose screws or improper adjustment in the regulator system may lead to glass misalignment and edge scraping. To prevent deeper scratches or impaired driving visibility, I recommend routinely cleaning window channels during car washes, applying silicone-based lubricants to protect seals, and replacing aged components promptly.
I've encountered similar issues with my car windows before. There was a friction sound when rolling them up and down, and small scratches appeared, usually due to dirty or worn-out rubber seals. Dust and debris falling into the window tracks act like abrasives, scratching the glass during operation, and it gets worse when the seals age and harden. I noticed that parking under trees or in dusty areas makes it easier for these particles to accumulate. Additionally, if the window regulator lacks lubrication, has rust, or has loose small parts, it can cause misalignment of the glass, increasing friction. To avoid unnecessary expenses, I first tried cleaning the tracks with a small brush, wiping the seals with a damp cloth, and then applying some lubricant. If there are many scratches or the seals are deformed, it's best to replace them promptly—solving a small issue for a few dozen bucks is better than letting it escalate.
