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Old 08-10-2011, 11:02 PM   #1
junks2255
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Default Window cleaning

My windows are showing small specks in bright sunlight and I cant seem to get rid of them. I park inside at night and under no trees during the day. It could be some kind of tar residue because they are repaving the parking lot at work. I have tried claying, windex, and elbow grease with towels. Nothing seems to work. Anyone have an idea of a product that might work?

Thanks!!
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Old 08-10-2011, 11:04 PM   #2
Kean
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....they are likely small nicks/chips in the glass from road debris (ie. small rocks, etc.).
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Old 08-11-2011, 09:27 AM   #3
Kupkake
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Stoners: Invisible Glass
Might help take some of it off if its truly is tar and not pitting.
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Old 08-11-2011, 11:23 AM   #4
Kean
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If it's truly tar, then solvent or task-specific product would be a much better choice. Instead of Stoner's Invisible Glass I would use something like their Tarminator or another bug & tar remover. ....odorless mineral spirits can also be quite effective if you have it on hand.

Having said that, I would still wager the issue is pitting. This is a very common question and the description of the problem is indicative for the issue. I will ask this though..... Is the problem limited to the windscreen? Do you notice the "specs" on any of the other windows, on the adjacent panels, neighboring trim, etc.? If it were tar, overspray, honeydew (from trees/shrubs), etc., it would likely be on other surfaces of the car and not just limited to the windshield.
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Old 08-11-2011, 08:02 PM   #5
junks2255
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Thanks for the responses. It might be this pitting issue you guys are talking about it. I havent noticed it on any other windows besides the windshield although my side windows are tinted. It is barely noticeable and looks like hundreds of tiny sand grains that sparkle usually only in the morning when I am blinded by the sun.

Assuming it is pitting is there anything you can use to smooth the glass or just something I have to deal with?
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Old 08-11-2011, 09:23 PM   #6
Kean
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Quote:
Originally Posted by junks2255 View Post
Thanks for the responses. It might be this pitting issue you guys are talking about it. I havent noticed it on any other windows besides the windshield although my side windows are tinted. It is barely noticeable and looks like hundreds of tiny sand grains that sparkle usually only in the morning when I am blinded by the sun.

Assuming it is pitting is there anything you can use to smooth the glass or just something I have to deal with?
IMO, it's just something you'll need to deal with and eventually replace once the problem becomes a real issue for visibility. Windscreens these days seem to be softer and more prone to chipping. I ran across a good discussion about it a couple of years ago on one of the detailing forums (wish I could find it). There are things you can do to help avoid damage from road debris but some level of chipping is likely inevitable IMO/IME (every situation will vary obviously).

I already have a few on my 2010 Challenger glass and its just over a year old.
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Old 08-16-2011, 04:44 PM   #7
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Glass polishing is possible, but it's very difficult. You have to use special glass compound and a glass cutting disk with a DA. In most cases, it will never remove anything more than minor scratches. Talk to your insurance. Most insurance companies (assuming full coverage) will replace a badly pitted windshield at no extra cost to you.
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Old 08-16-2011, 04:58 PM   #8
Kean
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vew View Post
Glass polishing is possible, but it's very difficult. You have to use special glass compound and a glass cutting disk with a DA. In most cases, it will never remove anything more than minor scratches. Talk to your insurance. Most insurance companies (assuming full coverage) will replace a badly pitted windshield at no extra cost to you.
….and even with something like cerium oxide as your polishing medium there is the problem of distortion. IMO, it would simply be too difficult to get an even finish by hand (as a DIY’er).
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Old 08-16-2011, 08:21 PM   #9
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I already have fairly noticeable pitting in my 2011 windshield. It's obviously very annoying, and it took me a while to realize that's what it was. I do a lot of highway driving (60 miles a day) and like you said, it's only noticeable in the morning light.
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Old 08-16-2011, 10:21 PM   #10
Box This
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I usually don't spray my glass at all. If I ever question an imperfection in the glass, I wet the window, and use a razor blade (be careful) and scrape what ever is on the glass off. Nothing is more effective than this, if you have anything stuck to the glass - it will be removed.

On the other hand, if you have the blade at the wrong angle you can scratch the glass as well so do not use it on concave glass such as interiors. Only exterior convex side of the glass to help prevent etching with the corners of the blade.

This technique is not for everybody, most people don't have the patience but if you do it right you'll never have a problem.

If you want a simple old school alternative, to avoid streaks, and clean the glass, straight up plain old vinegar in a spray bottle. ad a drop or two of grease cutting dish soap to the first batch to remove old petroleum based products.

As for stopping stone blemishes in the glass, INCREASE your following distance, meaning back off the car in front of you and do not ride behind trucks EVER if possible. The more contact patch a tire has, the more debris it's going to throw at your car.
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Old 08-19-2011, 03:22 AM   #11
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Ive got a 2011 Blk WRX. Has anyone noticed the interior panels have some type sparkle coating on them? And its only really visible in direct sunlight. Just guessing here but, maybe somehow overspray got onto your winshield from the factory.
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Old 08-19-2011, 09:36 AM   #12
ForTheMeantime
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Recently I've had a lot of hazing and spotting on the windshield when the wipers are on. There is also a very noticeable mark where the wiper blade stops at the top. Perfectly clear when it's dry but as soon as I turn on the wipers it's a mess.

I've tried glass cleaner, alcohol, vinegar diluted in water, degreaser, and rain-x cleaner. Nothing has helped yet. Any suggestions?
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Old 08-19-2011, 06:29 PM   #13
mamoonkay
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For Perfectly clean windows. you can use any cleaning product but the KEY is when you wipe the window wipe it with STORE ADDs PAPER. It really CLEANS THE WINDOWS
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Old 08-19-2011, 07:25 PM   #14
cricketlang
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Make sure whatever you clean it with is bunched up and not "flat" so to speak. This will significantly reduce streaks or residue. Plenty of people use ads or newspaper for this reason. You can use just windex and a paper towel if you brunch it up.
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Old 08-19-2011, 08:38 PM   #15
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I found that using microfiber towels essentially stopped streaky windows. I have never tried the newspaper method but have heard a lot of good things.
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Old 08-20-2011, 05:27 PM   #16
TXwrxWagon
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on both the inside and outsides of the window, take your thumb nail and see if its a pit or something on the surface. if its something on the surface... windex and a single blade razor held at a 45* angle to the glass... move at a moderate pace and over lap your passes. Keep everything wet. Watch all the grey-black junk build up.. wipe off... or change blades.

I've had to do both sides of all my glass in the wagon twice so far and am still getting gunk.

On the inside be carefull if its tinted = no razor blade.

Rob
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