I started out the trip with nothing but PPF wrap, which snow and ice seem to like to stick to as I learned during the road trip. On its own, it will not repel moisture during freezing temperatures. Next road trip, I'm going to try to spray a layer of silicone to see if this helps wick away snow/ice.
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Model 3 doors/windows/mirrors + Ice = trouble
- Thread starter richyrich
- Start date
I started out the trip with nothing but PPF wrap, which snow and ice seem to like to stick to as I learned during the road trip. On its own, it will not repel moisture during freezing temperatures. Next road trip, I'm going to try to spray a layer of silicone to see if this helps wick away snow/ice.
5_+JqckQttqck
Active Member
I noticed that on the night of the first snow storm. Gonna try the nano spray and see how effective that is.
I would agree that a nano sealant (i.e. optimum sealant) would be a cleaner solution option than silicone lubricant. I currently have the nano sealant on and waiting for the 2nd snow storm to see if it works. I'll report back.
I recently sprayed silicone lubricant on the window seals where the velvet is and I find when I roll down my windows, the silicone goes all over the window with streaks (not sure if I put too much when i applied, but rather have more than to have a stuck window). All is to say that silicone lubricant is messy especially if you have to close your frunk, you'll get the silicone lubricant all over your hands and then you're going to touch all your interior i.e., steering wheel.
s a great winter driver)
Alternate thought: I have had 3M PPF on my sports car since new. Because the car's front end is low, the first summer was a graveyard for bugs, which really stuck on the PPF. Then I learned a simple trick from a fellow driver: spray the front end with a thin layer of PAM no-stick cooking spray, directly on the PPF. PAM leaves no residue, is cheap, and has worked very well. Not only does it prevent dead bugs embedding themselves in the coating, whatever there might be are easily washed off at the car wash. Might work for snow/ice too.
Hope your silicon idea works.
Alternate thought: I have had 3M PPF on my sports car since new. Because the car's front end is low, the first summer was a graveyard for bugs, which really stuck on the PPF. Then I learned a simple trick from a fellow driver: spray the front end with a thin layer of PAM no-stick cooking spray, directly on the PPF. PAM leaves no residue, is cheap, and has worked very well. Not only does it prevent dead bugs embedding themselves in the coating, whatever there might be are easily washed off at the car wash. Might work for snow/ice too.
Too bad there isn't an engine or else you can fry some eggs in the front.
An alternative to that product. I've heard that a mix solution of vinegar and water sprayed on windshield helps as a de-icer. Not sure if that's another solution to spray the front hood/fender.
5_+JqckQttqck
Active Member
5_+JqckQttqck
Active Member
Parked outdoors? I've yet to experience this issue - Garage is usually 3-4°C overnight.
Preheated my car for 40min this evening. Still had to take out a credit card to cut through the ice between the window and door gasket. Door handles needed some force too. I’m pucked when real winter hits.
1Step2NoGas
Member
I am now fearful of getting a car wash and then being unable to use the car the next day (no garage, currently -14ºC).
Lon12
Member
With those conditions I wouldn't wash any car without drying off the door and window seals before parking it. I've had many cars over the years freeze shut. The worst were the mini vans and their large sliding doors.
Preheated my car for 40min this evening. Still had to take out a credit card to cut through the ice between the window and door gasket. Door handles needed some force too. I’m pucked when real winter hits.
Have you applied silicone to the gaskets?
Yup. I applied Nextzett Gummi Pflege to all seals and gaskets/moldings. The ice buildup is at the bottom of the window where the glass comes out of the door. It prevents the window from dropping down when you pull the door handle. Maybe I’ll try a different product for that spot.
My UMC got stuck in the port while away from home for a kids hockey tournament. Luckily it was sunny and the lock released after it warmed up. On the previous software the lock wasn't engaging now it is again. I don't want to lose my UMC but it was embarrassing to have to scrounge a ride to the arena. This needs a real solution and soon. I won't be AC charging away from home again until it is fixed. I also broke the manual release.
KootsChewt
Member
The day I took delivery, it was above freezing. Drove up that evening to a nearby mountain ski town, where it was -10C. Some minor sticking (no snow, didn't wash car that day). Bought some rubber door seal treatment stuff from Dupont (Dupont Door Seal Treatment | Canadian Tire) and put it on the driver's side only door. So far no other issues with any other doors/windows, but will see if this door is easier than the others in the coming week when we are supposed to get about 2 ft of snow then later rain, then snow again. I'm thinking I'll find any issues in the next week or so!
(I also bought an extra scraper, which now resides in the trunk, along with a small bottle of deicer [largely alcohol]).
(I also bought an extra scraper, which now resides in the trunk, along with a small bottle of deicer [largely alcohol]).
swotam
Member
Got my Model 3 in the GTA last Tuesday and so far no issues. Car stays in the garage overnight so for the most part it doesn’t get super cold and it’s been dry lately.
I went to a pay and spray last night (temp was around -4°C) to give it a rinse and then drove about 10Km on the 401 to “blow dry” the car.
Checked the car in the garage afterwards and there was some ice buildup on the door handles that could potentially cause trouble if left for a while so they got a wipe. Doors were ok to open but all four windows were wet around the door seal area so I left the doors open for a bit and wiped the windows dry. Again, if left unattended I can definitely see them freezing.
No problems this morning after 10 hours in the garage.
That said, I definitely wouldn’t want to wash it or get it really wet when it’s super-cold like we sometimes get in Jan/Feb. I’ve applied Gummi Pflege around the door seals so we’ll see how that holds up once things get colder and snowy.
I went to a pay and spray last night (temp was around -4°C) to give it a rinse and then drove about 10Km on the 401 to “blow dry” the car.
Checked the car in the garage afterwards and there was some ice buildup on the door handles that could potentially cause trouble if left for a while so they got a wipe. Doors were ok to open but all four windows were wet around the door seal area so I left the doors open for a bit and wiped the windows dry. Again, if left unattended I can definitely see them freezing.
No problems this morning after 10 hours in the garage.
That said, I definitely wouldn’t want to wash it or get it really wet when it’s super-cold like we sometimes get in Jan/Feb. I’ve applied Gummi Pflege around the door seals so we’ll see how that holds up once things get colder and snowy.
