Do you side windows clear when you wind them down?

Gruntfuggly · February 21, 2016

On nearly every other car I've had when you wind down the side windows, it clears the rain and condensation off. Doesn't seem to happen on my IS - is it just that the rubber trim has gone hard or something, or is it the same for everybody?

gdh300 · February 21, 2016

No, my 300 doesn't clear when the windows go down (unless a helping elbow is applied!). Like you say, as they get old perhaps the rubbers harden and struggle to follow the curve of the glass. They seem to provide a good enough seal at closed position though, which is I guess what counts.

rhosneigr · February 21, 2016

I'm on my fifth Lexus, Is200 Is300 Rx400 Rx450 and now Ct200 and not one of them more than four years old and none of them cleared the side windows on lowering so I don't think it has anything to do with hardening of the rubber. From what I can see the rubber/plastic seal is a lot harder and not touching the glass as in my other car which is a VW Polo and which is great at clearing the windows.

Gruntfuggly · February 21, 2016

Glad to know I'm not alone then. I found a replacement rubber trim on eBay, but I don't think I'll bother... thanks for the replies!

rincewind · February 21, 2016

I've had my IS200 from 1 year old and the windows have never cleared, so it's not old seals that prevent the clearing. It's just the way they are.

bullhorn · February 29, 2016

Been looking at the side windows on my is200. When closed the bottom part of the window touches the seal but after opening only a few mm the glass moves away from the rubber. This prevents any dirt or grit trapped in the seal from scouring the window. That's my theory, hope that helps.