Persistent wiper trails...

irvsmith

irvsmith

New member
Joined
Nov 8, 2014
Messages
611
Reaction score
0
I am struggling in getting a nice clear windshield that lasts a while (like a few days maybe?) I spent a couple hours on Sunday 1/31 trying to eliminate the what I will call oily film on the front windshield. The film follows the wiper pattern and I went through several rounds of Claying/IPA/Armor All Glass Cleaner/GG Glass Polish (both by hand and on a DA/5" orange compounding pad.)

While it never beaded up it looked pretty good but then this morning after a few days I have the following view.

The only things I can think are outstanding, assuming my above process was executed correctly, are:

Stoners/RainX instead of AA
Razor blade scraping
Swapping the blades with RainX blades or something equivalent
Heavier compound or MF pads but I was worried about putting in scratches.

View attachment 40664
 
Did you clean or replace the blades at the same time as the windshield?

Any potential for contamination either from a dressing you used or general environment the car lives in?

Kerosene heater in garage?

Is this film only where the wipers are? Is it on the whole windshield and just that the wipers smear it?

Anything goofy in your washer fluid tank?
 
Get yourself some Ceriglass and change your blades.
 
I did swipe the blades with the AA and I believe the IPA as well. I am thinking about replacing them. I will check the washer tank as well.

I am in an urban environment, Oakland CA and the car is outside 24/7. The film seems to be where the wiper trails as opposed to the whole windshield. That is a great question. That makes me think I will swap the blades and maybe RainX in the washer tank?

Thanks for your input and help.
 
Rsurfer said:
It would not hurt to get some rayon glass pads.:props:
Click to expand...

Ok I ordered some pads and the Ceriglass kit. I forgot to mention I also tried Bar Keepers Friend as well.
 
Based on what I've read I'd bet it's residue in your washer tank.

I know with Audi they are sensitive to additives and 2x and 3x Rain-X products. one guy on another board cleaned his tank and found it gummed up his washer fluid sensor and heating elements.

I took the tank off our 9yr old minivan and cleaned it out and found simliar residue likely from years of various fluids interacting and sitting in their.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk
 
Ok I've never taken one off but what process do you user for cleaning?

Drain (somehow)
Rinse with water multiple times
Soap of some sort - assume it would not be recommend to use dawn so a mild APC would be better?
Refill with distilled water?
 
irvsmith said:
I am struggling in getting a nice clear windshield that lasts a while (like a few days maybe?) I spent a couple hours on Sunday 1/31 trying to eliminate the what I will call oily film on the front windshield. The film follows the wiper pattern and I went through several rounds of Claying/IPA/Armor All Glass Cleaner/GG Glass Polish (both by hand and on a DA/5" orange compounding pad.)

While it never beaded up it looked pretty good but then this morning after a few days I have the following view.

The only things I can think are outstanding, assuming my above process was executed correctly, are:

Stoners/RainX instead of AA
Razor blade scraping
Swapping the blades with RainX blades or something equivalent
Heavier compound or MF pads but I was worried about putting in scratches.

View attachment 40664
Click to expand...
blades aren't wiping good,try new ones.
 
Got the ceriglass and pads. I'll check on swapping the windshield fluid.
 
irvsmith said:
Got the ceriglass and pads. I'll check on swapping the windshield fluid.
Click to expand...

If you got the Ceriglass kit, take your time and do small sections. It will take a lot of elbow grease. :props:
 
Thanks. My hope is the pads and a DA will help too.
 
irvsmith said:
Thanks. My hope is the pads and a DA will help too.
Click to expand...

Search AG or YouTube for some application vids. You must keep the Ceriglass wet, so it can get messy. After getting the film off your glass, I would seal your glass with Opti Glass or Car Pro's FLy by Forte. Good Luck and post your results.
 
irvsmith said:
Ok I've never taken one off but what process do you user for cleaning?

Drain (somehow)
Rinse with water multiple times
Soap of some sort - assume it would not be recommend to use dawn so a mild APC would be better?
Refill with distilled water?
Click to expand...

If you don't want to completely remove the tank, you can purchase siphons for just a few bucks at big box stores. Probably by the gas cans. Drain tank, Pour in some water/APC mix, stir, drain, repeat a couple times. Then just use some straight water to rinse, run some through the system, drain, and replace fluid. I'd then be using a glass cleaner with no rain-x type additives. Followed by a good wash with iso alcohol. Then use the glass cleaner again after iso. And for SURE replace your blades.
 
Ok. Update from this posting. I bought the ceriglass and rayon pads. I also replaced the blades with Bosch Icons. I initially had gotten RainX but those proved to be too hard to install, even got help from the O'Reilly folks. It was very nice of them to help.

I ran the DA over the front windshield in four sections. I sprayed with water every 2/3 passes on speed 4-5 with medium pressure and medium arm speed. Definitely recommend covering the hood (and the windshield cowl.)

Hopefully this will do the trick. Thanks to all who gave input.

I am wondering if I want to take on a coating for the glass.

Last question - can I clean the pad or shall I go ahead and let it go since I have 5 more?
 
irvsmith said:
I am wondering if I want to take on a coating for the glass.
Last question - can I clean the pad or shall I go ahead and let it go since I have 5 more?
Click to expand...

Coating wise, the best stuff I've ever used is one of my paint coatings, either BLACKFire Crystal Seal which is my favorite or Optimum's version. Both work great.

I've never had any success with Rain X or Aquapel and won't ever be going back.
 
irvsmith said:
Ok. Update from this posting. I bought the ceriglass and rayon pads. I also replaced the blades with Bosch Icons. I initially had gotten RainX but those proved to be too hard to install, even got help from the O'Reilly folks. It was very nice of them to help.

I ran the DA over the front windshield in four sections. I sprayed with water every 2/3 passes on speed 4-5 with medium pressure and medium arm speed. Definitely recommend covering the hood (and the windshield cowl.)

Hopefully this will do the trick. Thanks to all who gave input.

I am wondering if I want to take on a coating for the glass.

Last question - can I clean the pad or shall I go ahead and let it go since I have 5 more?
Click to expand...

I told you it would get messy, I hate to say I told you so, but I told you so. LOL!

I strongly recommend that you coat your glass..makes it easy to clean and in case you get some contaminants on the windshield, it won't stick.

If the pads are in good condition by all means clean them.

Did you empty your tank? Let us know if the trails come back.
 
Rsurfer said:
I told you it would get messy, I hate to say I told you so, but I told you so. LOL!

I strongly recommend that you coat your glass..makes it easy to clean and in case you get some contaminants on the windshield, it won't stick.

If the pads are in good condition by all means clean them.

Did you empty your tank? Let us know if the trails come back.
Click to expand...


I didn't drain the tank but filled it with windshield washer fluid. I'll clean the pad.

I was thinking about doing the back window. Those defrost lines are on the inside so polishing shouldn't hurt those right?

Thanks!
 
irvsmith said:
I didn't drain the tank but filled it with windshield washer fluid. I'll clean the pad.

I was thinking about doing the back window. Those defrost lines are on the inside so polishing shouldn't hurt those right?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Right!:props:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top