Maintaining and Caring for Drive Thru Windows

Proper care and maintenance is the key to longevity with any product, and drive through windows are no exception. Regular upkeep will ensure optimum performance for many years.

Here are some tested methods for maintaining your drive through window:

Drive Thru Window Frame Cleaning

To start cleaning your window frame, remove any debris or particles with a soft bristle brush. After clearing the frame, wash the window with a mild, nonabrasive soap and water, taking care to eliminate bird droppings, sand, or other environmental contaminants. Be sure to never use acidic or abrasive cleaners, as they can cause permanent damage to the frame’s finish or remove the writing from the serial number plate or certification sticker. It’s always safest to test a new cleaner in an inconspicuous area first, rather than risking damage. Once the window has been washed thoroughly, wipe dry.

Next, inspect the sill (especially around the guide track for side sliding windows) to ensure it is free of debris or food particles. Vacuum them away if present. These particles can become lodged underneath the moving panel of your drive through window and interfere with its operation.

Drive Through Window Glass Care

No matter the type of glass your window comes with (standard clear or energy-efficient Low-E), routine cleaning is still necessary for clarity and performance.

Simply clean the glass with a solution of mild dish soap and water. Once clean, rinse completely with clear water and wipe dry with a soft cloth.

To avoid damaging the glass or the insulating seal of your drive through windows, never use petroleum-based cleaners; caustic chemicals; razor blades, putty knives or abrasive pads; or high-pressure water hoses.

Routine Window Inspections

Drive thru windows should be thoroughly inspected every season. To ensure you can recognize any symptoms that may be indicators for adjustments, refer to the maintenance guide for your specific window model. As an example, if your automatic window is not closing all the way or the motor continues to run after the window has closed; these could be indicators that an adjustment is needed for the window timing. Here are some other items that may require adjustment to your drive through window:

Proximity Sensor: The sensor sensitivity can be adjusted if you are too far away or too close to the window to activate the opening. 

Opening Speed: This can be adjusted to your preference if the pass-through window is opening too fast or too slow. 

Closing Speed: This can be adjusted to your preference if the pass thru window is closing too fast or too slow. 

Closing Time: As mentioned above, this can be adjusted if the pass-through window is not fully closing or the motor continues to run after the window has closed. 

Adjusting the Drive Rope Tension: If the pass-through window does not open when the motor turns or only opens part way it is possible that the drive rope or pulley (depending on the window model) may need to be adjusted or replaced.

For a complete list of symptoms and solutions for your window, refer to the troubleshooting guide found in your Installation, Operations and Service Manual. If you don’t have your manual, all of the Easi-Serv manuals can be found on our website via our Resource Centre.

While inspecting your drive-thru window, also be sure to check for water infiltration. A great time to do this is during a storm or when a large amount of rain is expected. Make sure the edges of the window are properly sealed and that there are no water stains on the areas surrounding the drive-thru window. Take care to check for water infiltration shortly after installation in case there were installation issues or residual construction issues due to a remodel or newly built store. If you do find water damage, have it inspected immediately, as there could be further damage to the building framing, window or electrical wiring – which can be a fire hazard.

Also check for moisture in insulated glass units, as this can indicate a seal has failed and needs replaced. A failed seal will reduce the energy efficiency of your drive thru window. If your windows have weather stripping, check its condition as well and arrange for repairs if it has worn out.

To ensure optimal performance, it is recommended that the above steps for care and maintenance are followed at a minimum of once per quarter. This depends on the frequency that your drive-thru window is used, your climate conditions or how quickly debris or particles collect around your drive through windows.

If you have any concerns regarding the upkeep of your drive thru window, Easi-Serv would be happy to assist. You can reach us online or by phone at 1-888-591-0106.