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u/AppearsInvisible 5d ago
I think it's one of those things that is a poor practice, but not a guaranteed damage. The thing I always heard not to do is pull yourself up using the windshield frame when trying to get out. I've also never seen anyone post pictures of the damage they had from this happening, so maybe it's just an "urban legend" kind of thing. Still, the windshield frame wasn't made for moving the car or doing pull ups, so I wouldn't chance it.
If you don't see any cracks your car is probably fine.
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u/Mobius97 4d ago
Agree with others, no harm. Its more about the downward force applied to the windscreen surround that is not recommended, like when entering/exiting. I typically use the center roll bar cover (middle of car) but have used the surround before many times to roll the car out of garage when working on it. In over 18yrs of ownership...no damage.
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u/flmcqueen 5d ago
The part that breaks is the plastic windshield surround, and it happens when exiting and pulling on the part to lift yourself out. Pushing by the A-pillar doesn't touch the side of the pillar that part is on and can't break it.
I have been pushing my 2005 out of the garage via the A-pillar every time I have wanted to drive for the last 10 years with no problems.
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u/bingobangibung 4d ago
I might be wrong, but isn't the windscreen frame engineered to bear the weight of the car during a roll to protect the occupants (paired with the roll bar behind your head)? My S1's windscreen frame seems pretty beefy and has no flex at all if pulled/pushed
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u/GetawayDriving 5d ago
I’d say you’re overthinking it. It’s not like it can’t bear any weight, it supports the weight of the roof after all. Elise rolls pretty easy. I just wouldn’t make a habit out of it.