The term for this is "indexing windows". I believe the original intention was to simply create a reliable, water-tight seal. I've had this style of window on

The term for this is "indexing windows". I believe the original intention was to simply create a reliable, water-tight seal. I've had this style of window on a sports car for about 10 years and never had any trouble. Many situations where battery was dead or winter weather would make it more difficult to open, but never panic-inducing or made me think it was about to shatter. More of a super sticky seal with the rubber.