windscreen clean

[notout86]

Right from new (second day, clean car as delivered) it rained and the wiper passes left uneven cleaning with several mostly vertical clear patches about 10mm wide and various other clear irregular patches. There is no real pattern. Enlarge to see the foggy areas in the photos where I breathed on an apparently clear windscreen after trying the steps below. The pattern is ALL OVER the entire windscreen, so it is not from the blades.


I thought it would be fixed eventually by the wiper action or cleaning the screen, but now, after several months of ownership and cleaning attempts, it shows no signs of improvement.


I've tried regular glass cleaners, Bon-Ami, Morning Fresh liquid, acetone, metho, isopropyl alcohol, and vinegar, & CRC 5-56 (great for tar on paint BTW), kerosene, vinegar-with-dish washing liquid, mild paint cutting stuff, eucalyptus oil all with vigorous rubbing. The screen looks crystal clear afterwards, but breathe on it (see foggy areas in photos) or set the wipers going in the rain and there it is reducing visibility. It is all over the glass, not just the area swept by the wipers, so not something off the wiper blades.

I have not used any paint treatments or waxes/polishes.


I have wiped and rubbed with plain cotton towelling, tissues, spectacle cleaner tissues, next-door's cat and microfibre cloths

Anyone else experiencing this or with a solution before I approach the dealer?

I don't know what I'm up against and am currently thinking the glass is lightly etched

[Wo6M]

Take it to the dealer, they will put in a new one.
I'm not sure how this would happen but I'm sure you can claim warranty.

[notout86]

After trying all the above SILVO SILVER POLISH worked. Very easy and as I applied it made the pattern appear then disappear with a little rubbing. Best glass cleaner I have ever tried actually.

IMPORTANT ADDENDUM 2/10/2013
Our Silvo suggest it can be used for mirrors, but I have just discovered that the latest formulation of Silvo IN AUSTRALIA* does not mention this use. Furthermore it now contains a silicone fluid. I imagine that it may leave a film on the glass. Interestingly the silicone is dimethicone which a Google said is the one used in Rainex. Try on a small area first. I'd be interested to hear results.
I can report that as at 2/10/2013 my windscreen wipers are still cleaning the screen absolutely perfectly, with great smooth streak-free strokes and I have not used anything on the glass since July, nor have I cleaned again with the old Silvo. Better than a new set of blades.
*FORMULAS ARE DIFFERENT AGAIN IN SOME OTHER COUNTRIES

[sierra]

I was just going to direct them to your Oz thread because it looks exactly the same!
You beat me to it.

[notout86]

Originally Posted by sierra

I was just going to direct them to your Oz thread because it looks exactly the same!
You beat me to it.

Good on you Sierra. Keep spreading the news! I nominate you as Global Editor of the forums.

[sierra]

Originally Posted by notout86

Good on you Sierra. Keep spreading the news! I nominate you as Global Editor of the forums.

Clearly too much time on my hands!

Time to take the car to the shops.