Cleaning the windshield

[SVMike]

When I picked up my car the windshield seemed clean.
However, maybe a few weeks later I noticed what look like suction cup marks...a couple of squares about 2"x 2" and a round one. At least one on the back as well.

These only show up when there is some condensation or odd low sun in the evening. During bright sun they are invisible.
Of course one is right at eye level, driver's side.
I wiped them with a soft rag when there was condensation (a few times) and they went away...only to come back when I get more condensation.
I tried cleaning with Windex-like cleaner -- looks perfect, but then the marks show up again later.

I'm thinking of trying a stronger cleaner, such as a white paste window cleaner (like a soft toothpaste).
Any harm in doing this?
What else would be good to try?
Anyone else seen this?

 

[Pete_in_FL]

When I picked up my car the windshield seemed clean.
However, maybe a few weeks later I noticed what look like suction cup marks...a couple of squares about 2"x 2" and a round one. At least one on the back as well.

These only show up when there is some condensation or odd low sun in the evening. During bright sun they are invisible.
Of course one is right at eye level, driver's side.
I wiped them with a soft rag when there was condensation (a few times) and they went away...only to come back when I get more condensation.
I tried cleaning with Windex-like cleaner -- looks perfect, but then the marks show up again later.

I'm thinking of trying a stronger cleaner, such as a white paste window cleaner (like a soft toothpaste).
Any harm in doing this?
What else would be good to try?
Anyone else seen this?

The windshield may have a hydrophobic coating and the suction cups removed it in spots, which would not hurt anything, really.
Using the paste or solvents like alcohol or lacquer thinner will take off the coating as well and may make the spots bigger.

I use Rejex on my windows' exterior (as well as the paint), as it does not make the windshield wipers chatter like Rain-X. Try that on the spots to restore the coating.

 

[DriveMe]

I am noticing the same squares on the windshield.

 

[psgabin]

dry microfiber
wet “magic eraser”
favorite glasscleaner on clean microfiber
should do it

 

[PoitNarf]

Try 0000 steel wool. Seriously. Make sure it’s 0000 steel wool though, anything harsher than that will scratch the glass. Search YouTube, plenty of videos on using it to clean and polish the glass. I’ve used it on the glass on my own 3 with good results.

 

[SVMike]

dry microfiber
wet “magic eraser”
favorite glasscleaner on clean microfiber
should do it

I actually tried the dry microfiber already -- no luck.
I then used the microfiber with the Windex -- no luck

 

[SVMike]

Try 0000 steel wool. Seriously. Make sure it’s 0000 steel wool though, anything harsher than that will scratch the glass. Search YouTube, plenty of videos on using it to clean and polish the glass. I’ve used it on the glass on my own 3 with good results.

I've used 0000 steel wool on other car windshields before...but not when new.
I'm worried there is some coating

 

[SVMike]

The windshield may have a hydrophobic coating and the suction cups removed it in spots, which would not hurt anything, really.
Using the paste or solvents like alcohol or lacquer thinner will take off the coating as well and may make the spots bigger.

I use Rejex on my windows' exterior (as well as the paint), as it does not make the windshield wipers chatter like Rain-X. Try that on the spots to restore the coating.

I'll have to try this...but it should be noted that the square spots are the most obvious -- and they wouldn't be "suction" cups I don't think. Just a guess bit it seems like it would have come from some kind of rubber spacer between windshields in shipping

 

[PoitNarf]

I've used 0000 steel wool on other car windshields before...but not when new.
I'm worried there is some coating

Doesn’t appear to be any coating on mine. You could also try a clay bar glass cleaner. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004UQQT0A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_t3ElCbPP1K1K9

 

[neptunesfinest]

I have this issue as to many others. Tried alcohol with a microfiber and it didn't help at all. Will be bringing it up at my service visit in a few days. I've heard others have gotten the windshield replaced for this reason.

 

[DBeckwith]

Take it to the service center. I had a similar issue which I thought was between the laminates because I could not remove it. Took two appointments before they could resolve it. They first couldn't see it and said everything was OK within specs. After they could really see it (since subtle) then they were going to replace the windshield. But finally after discussing with production engineers they realized a chemical used in production over sprayed. Once they realized this it was real easy for them to fix. I don't know exactly how they fixed it but think they used a special chemical.

All is well now.

 

[SVMike]

OK, I'll do this when I get a chance

 

[DB85]

OK, I'll do this when I get a chance

Hiya,

did you get this resolved? I’m having the same issue.

 

[SVMike]

Hiya,

did you get this resolved? I’m having the same issue.

I just cleaned the spots a couple of more times with alcohol and hard rubbing...it appeared to go away.
However, a couple of times, months apart I have seen faint outlines reappear but much less noticeable