Driving on the highway with a window down?

Question

Right now my drivers side window won't go up(the problem has been identified, I just don't remember what it is) and it can't be fixed until sometimes next week. Probably after new years.

Well I'm planning on traveling 2 hours on the highway on new years eve, and idk if this will be a bad thing.

Will I be going fast enough that the wind will sort of blow by the window, or will it blow in a lot and make everything blow around?

I know my gas mileage won't be so great because of the drag of the wind, but I can't really do anything about it.

But is it really that bad or should I not worry about it so much?

Wind going by at 75-80mph is pretty fast, so that's why I'm a little worried

Answer 1

Real simple fix.....

Most likely the window regulator has broken and the window has slid down the track.

Since the door panel must be removed to get to replace the regulator you have two basic options.

1.  Replace the regulator . Ebay has inexpensive replacements for about $65-$90 each which includes the electric motor if it is a power window as well.

Labor will be additional...probably $75-$100

2. The second option is to get a C_Clamp for about $2 and have a mechanic slide the window back up the track and clamp it in the UP position until you can replace the regulator assembly.

You will need to remove the door panel to do this but , you have to go there anyway.

Option 2 is the best as it will take about 3 to 7 days to get the part anyway and you will be toasty warm while you wait.

However you won't be able to use the window until your part arrives.

YOU WILL FREEZE YOUR BUNS OFF on the highway with the window down.

Good Luck......Shell Answer Man

Answer 2

You'll be fine.

A litte windblown, but fine.  Jeeps travel around all the time with their tops off.  Convertibles travel around all the time with their tops down.

Just secure anything that could blow around in the car, be ready to turn the stereo up and make sure that nothing anyone might want badly enough to steal is in plain sight.  

Your fuel economy won't be as bad as it would with your airconditioner on.  

Wind is gonna blast in a bit, but that's usually the point of driving around with the window down.

Living in Texas, not every car has a functional air conditioner.  What do you think we do on a 100 deg. day, when the air conditioner isn't working, and we've got to cover a few hundred miles on a stretch of interstate with an 80 mph speed limit?  What do you think people did on hot days before there were air conditioned cars?  My grandfather's solution of sticking a block of dry ice on the passenger floorboard not withstanding, they drove around with the windows down, they still do.

You'll be fine. It won't hurt you.  It won't hurt the car. You'll be surprised at how little your fue economy wil suffer.

Answer 3

You'll be fine, but it'll be loud and cold (if it's cold outside, obviously), so you should try using duct tape or something to seal the window opening. It'll make you more comfortable.

Answer 4

If its cold your going to freeze, even with the heater running full blast, nevermind what fuel mileage you'll get, you'll be too d**n cold to care.

Answer 5

Backed into the truck one time with the tractor clearing snow and the window shattered.covered it with some plastic for about a week.Try to duct tape some thick plastic to it. It may not look pretty but it looks better han no window in the middle of winter and it's better than freezing.