It appears to be hard water spots, but it's also a cloudy film that won't come off, it is not located where the wipers operate. I've used vinegar, bug and tar remover, rain-x, wax, rubbing compound, windex, simple green. Nothing touches it. It almost looks like a muddy windshield, it's not sticky. And you can feel the difference between the glass and this layer of stuff.
Recommendations?
EvanR
SuperDork
6/5/16 12:41 p.m.
If this doesn't work, I don't know what will.
Dried pine sap maybe? A little unleaded on a rag works for that, but you tried tar remover and that didn't work. Maybe try brake cleaner (don't get it on the paint!).
Barkeepers Friend is a nice glass safe abrasive that cleans just about anything off of glass with a little elbow grease. I use it to super clean the windshields once a year or so.
Duke
MegaDork
6/5/16 2:22 p.m.
Yeah, I try to use Bon Ami on the outsides of my windshields at least once a year. It does a great job and is non-abrasive.
Windex and 0000 steel wool. We use it at w the shop quite often.
No, it won't scratch the glass. Try it somewhere inconspicuous if you don't believe me.
Jerry
UltraDork
6/5/16 5:16 p.m.
What about the stuff you can buy in stores to restore fogged headlight lenses?
Duke
MegaDork
6/5/16 5:18 p.m.
Those are fine sanding disks. I wouldn't want to use them on glass.
In reply to Trans_Maro:
I have a scratched drivers window that says otherwise...not stainless just good ole four aught, scratched the piss out of it.
You don't lean on it.
Lots of detailers manage without scratching it.
Just saw something on Hagerty site. 0000 steel wool, dry. Make sure it's 4 zeros as the other less zeros are more abrasive and will scratch glass. 4-aught won't. Go over windshield with it and then Invisible glass.
mazdeuce wrote:
Barkeepers Friend is a nice glass safe abrasive that cleans just about anything off of glass with a little elbow grease. I use it to super clean the windshields once a year or so.
This. It takes EVERYTHING off but doesn't hurt the glass. Follow up with Invisible Glass or Windex to get any residual grit.
Hopefully it's not something like windshield delamination, which looks kind of like this. If that's the case, then the only cure is a new windshield, I'm afraid.
It's not delamination. It's a 2011 Honda Fit. And it's definitely on the outside of the glass and affected by the windshield wipers, this the reason it is not on the window in there path of travel.
I'll try bar keepers. Maybe the SS pad. Also gasoline... Sound sketchy, but if you guys say it's ok then "what could possibly go wrong?"
car39
HalfDork
6/6/16 2:47 p.m.
Girots sells a glass clay that worked well for me. Both Volvos had a pattern on the glass that the wipers would magnify when it was wet. Used the clay with their spray wax, and it's been good. The wax also works like rain-x, but not for as long.