Windshield sheeting water...

[roushstage2]

OK. So my GF has been borrowing a car for a couple of months now. That same one I cleaned up and used PlastX on the headlights and so on. Anyways, I drove it for the first time tonight as she wanted to go to Sacramento just to get out of town for a bit, and will not drive in the city. Now, I knew the windshield sheeted water beforehand. However, on the way home, it started to rain very, very heavily and the windshield was next to impossible to see out of even at 40MPH and the wipers on as high as they could go. I mean, I have great eyesight and I honest to goodness could almost completely not see out of the window it was so bad! It's not like a "normal" windshield where the water beads up as it hits, but it's like a paintball type effect- the water hits the window and splatters out like a pancake. So, LOTS and LOTS of rain + the "pancake effect" = horrible vision. I went outside when we got home just a bit ago and soaked the window with Simple Green and an Ajax liquid soap/water mix, then scrubbed with a Magic Eraser. Still sheets. What in the world does one use to correct this problem? Bar Keeper's Friend and a Scotch-Brite sponge thingy (the "delicate" ones you use on dishes and non-stick pans)?

[speed3blackmica]

Re: Windshield sheeting water...

Tyler, have you tried UQW on the windshield ? works wonders for me

[Murr1525]

Re: Windshield sheeting water...

I usually clay and glass cleaner, then RainX to get my beading... Could go with a good paint cleaner as well, some have mentioned lighter fluid to get stuff off the surface.

Did the person she borrowed it from use some kind of coating?

[roushstage2]

Re: Windshield sheeting water...

Tyler, have you tried UQW on the windshield ? works wonders for me

I haven't, but I think there's something else at play. I've never seen a windshield do this, this badly!

I usually clay and glass cleaner, then RainX to get my beading... Could go with a good paint cleaner as well, some have mentioned lighter fluid to get stuff off the surface.

Did the person she borrowed it from use some kind of coating?

I thought about using clay and even getting some lighting fluid, but figured the SG, dish soap and Magic Eraser would have handled any junk coating the window. I was, and still am, leaning towards there being something on the window though as at times, it will streak very badly for no reason, and then go away. Almost like something builds up. At the end of the blade's wipe, at least what I could see on the driver's side, the water also sort of repels a bit like there is a greasy film on it.

[speed3blackmica]

Re: Windshield sheeting water...

that is strange...well deff. try some UQW. if that fails. time to bring out a more serious approach

[roushstage2]

Re: Windshield sheeting water...

I understand, but what about when the UQW wears off? Back to the same problem. "If you don't find time to do the job correctly the first time, when will you find time to do it again?"

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Windshield sheeting water...

Clay the windshield, follow that with some polish treatment - preferably something like M04, not a SMAT product.

Clean it thoroughly.

Apply Aquapel.

Then maintain with UQW.

Enjoy

[Murr1525]

Re: Windshield sheeting water...

Some of those soaps, or the eraser may leave a little something behind?

[speed3blackmica]

Re: Windshield sheeting water...

good point..but UQW does a last a long time ! just sayin....

[roushstage2]

Re: Windshield sheeting water...

Clay the windshield, follow that with some polish treatment - preferably something like M04, not a SMAT product.

Clean it thoroughly.

Apply Aquapel.

Then maintain with UQW.

Enjoy

Yeah, I was considering claying and then using M02 and seeing what happens. I guess I'll try again tomorrow. Neighbors might think I'm even stranger if I go scrubbing away at 1AM, lol.

Some of those soaps, or the eraser may leave a little something behind?

This was the first time I tried anything. I have no idea what was used before, if anything, that would have caused this.

good point..but UQW does a last a long time ! just sayin....

I know, it's all good!

[OBSSEST]

Re: Windshield sheeting water...

A few months ago, I had a similar "film" after the wiper would sweep across on our Ford Expedition. Cleaners had no effect. So, I went at my windshield with my PC, a yellow lake country cutting pad and a few drops of SwirlX. I figured worst case scenario I'd scratch it. But with a pitted windshield that needs replacing anyways, I was willing to risk it...

WOW, the windshield glass was like new and I did the rest of the glass immediately.

No need to follow it up with RainX, UQW or anything else. Water just beads and rolls right up it. I'd imagine most polishes would do the same thing.

[roushstage2]

Re: Windshield sheeting water...

Alright. Me caring more about her safety while driving than my losing some sleep, I proceeded to take care of the issue now. I sprayed the window a bit with the soapy water and then dumped Bar Keeper's Friend all over the window. I used the scrubby pad on the back of the sponge to lightly, but adequately work the BKF into the window. I then dumped a gallon of water over the window and trim to get most of the BKF off (wasn't going to mess with the hose at this time, probably wouldn't have reached the car anyways). I then wiped the window down with a 50/50 of rubbing alcohol and vinegar. It started squeaking pretty good, so I decided to pack up shop and drive up to the car wash that is pretty much only good to keep the car dry if someone needed to apply RainX to it. On the way, it started to sprinkle a bit BUT it wasn't clouding my vision; it was actually beading up a bit. Progress! It did still have some soap residue on it however. Fast forward to the car wash. Cleaned the windshield about 3 times with RainX 2-in-1 window cleaner to make sure I got all of the soap residue off of it. Applied RainX twice and removed. Decided to apply it to the front side windows since they had the same effect, after cleaning it with the window cleaner of course. Had it not been for hearing the now light-moderate rain on the windshield on the way home, I would not have known it was raining! Success!

BKF + IPA/Vinegar mix = WIN

[TimG]

Re: Windshield sheeting water...

Good to know you managed to solve it. I've been through very heavy rain before and also got the pancake effect. Dangerous to drive.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Windshield sheeting water...

Way to go Tyler. Could not agree with you more. Fix the problem the first time. Not masking it to crop up at a later time. Glad you found a solution.

[roushstage2]

Re: Windshield sheeting water...

Yeah, she was extremely happy with it today! It was "100% better, but now you need to do the back window too." Joy...lol