When you drive, you need to roll down your window for many different reasons. You might need to:
- Speak with a peace officer at a traffic stop
- Order at a drive-thru window
- Open the window for air flow
- Open your window for an emergency exit
Is it safe to drive with windows that won't roll up or down?
It is not safe to operate your vehicle while the windows don’t work. It doesn’t matter if one or more windows have completely stopped working or if they operate intermittently. It is not safe to drive with broken windows.
Your windows are an emergency exit. In the case of an accident, you need to be able to open the window to exit if it is the only viable option. Doors can easily jam shut when impacted while windows will either shatter or remain intact. If the window glass is not broken and the door is jammed, it is imperative that the window can open. If not, you may be trapped inside your vehicle.
Your window may also need to be opened if the air quality is poor. If your vehicle is not in pristine condition such as a rust hole in the floorboard or weatherstrips that are torn, it may be possible for exhaust gases to enter the car’s cabin. Exhaust can cause toxic effects that can make you nauseous, lightheaded, or cause you to pass out. Rolling down the window lets in fresh air to combat the effects of poor air quality.
Any one of the components for the power window system can fail, rendering one or more windows inoperative. It could be:
- Burnt fuse
- Corroded wire
- Failed power window motor
- Window regulator is binding
- Window track is out of alignment
If you experience problems with any of your power windows, have them inspected and repaired by one of the experts mechanics from YourMechanic as soon as possible.
