Windscreen washer additive problem

[anthonyd]

Hi,

I've got a fairly new car (under two months old) that I have been washing and buffing very carefully, so the paint is still perfect.

However today when washing the car I noticed that the bonnet has etch marks on it (they look like dried water marks). It was last polished and waxed 6 weeks ago (using Deep Crystal system), and has had a coat of NXT Spray Wax applied every two weeks since then.

I think I know what has caused them. I tried a different brand of windscreen wash (Turtle brand). Unfortunately I have very agressive headlight washers that seem to activate quite often and spray the wash all over the bonnet, which combined with the hot bonnet has caused the wash to dry and etch into the paint.

Whilst I know how to get rid of the etching, I would like to know two things:
1. Shouldn't have I had enough protection to stop the paint being etched?
2. What windscreen wash should I use in the future to stop this ever occurring again?

I should point out that where I live it never gets below and even close to freezing point, so that isn't an issue for me.

Basically I'd like to know what in the Meguiar's range is suitable and safe to use as a windscreen wash.

Thanks in advance.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Windscreen washer additive problem

Originally posted by anthonyd
Hi,

I've got a fairly new car (under two months old) that I have been washing and buffing very carefully, so the paint is still perfect.

However today when washing the car I noticed that the bonnet has etch marks on it (they look like dried water marks). It was last polished and waxed 6 weeks ago (using Deep Crystal system), and has had a coat of NXT Spray Wax applied every two weeks since then.

I think I know what has caused them. I tried a different brand of windscreen wash (Turtle brand). Unfortunately I have very aggressive headlight washers that seem to activate quite often and spray the wash all over the bonnet, which combined with the hot bonnet has caused the wash to dry and etch into the paint.

Whilst I know how to get rid of the etching, I would like to know two things:

1. Shouldn't have I had enough protection to stop the paint being etched?

Hi Anthony,

The most you can hope for with any car wax, (or a paint protectant by any other name), it to slow down the cause and effect of attack, whether by nature or man-made chemicals. I think you described the problem best when you wrote,

Unfortunately I have very aggressive headlight washers that seem to activate quite often and spray the wash all over the bonnet, which combined with the hot bonnet has caused the wash to dry and etch into the paint.

The combination of chemicals being sprayed often onto a hot bonnet is going to be hard for any wax to protect against.

2. What windscreen wash should I use in the future to stop this ever occurring again?

I'm not sure I have an answer for this question as I don't use windscreen, or window wash products in any of our cars. Perhaps another forum member will have a suggestion? You should also contact the manufacture of the product you're using that is causing the problem as I'm sure they would like this kind of feedback to improve the product.

b[]I should point out that where I live it never gets below and even close to freezing point, so that isn't an issue for me.

Basically I'd like to know what in the Meguiar's range is suitable and safe to use as a windscreen wash.

Thanks in advance. [/B]

AT this time, Meguiar's does not offer a product for this applications. You can always suggest this in the New Products Suggestions forum.

Hope this helps...

[JeffM]

Sounds like you have a high end vehicle if you have washer fluid that is applied to headlights. I would call the dealership and talk to them about what they would use.

I would also dilute it, or just use water.

[travisdecpn]

I know that both P21S and 1Z both make windshield washer additives that work very well, I don't know about the meg's line though as no specific product exists.

[anthonyd]

Originally posted by JeffM
Sounds like you have a high end vehicle if you have washer fluid that is applied to headlights.

Not really that high-end, but the car has Xenon headlights, and in Australia the law says Xenons must have headlight washers and auto-levellers to stop glare to other motorists.

I might do what Mike has said and mention is to the washer additive manufacturer.

In the meantime, I'd like to know what other people use, or why they don't use an additive.

[Don]

Since you're in Australia and freezing isn't an issue, have you ever thought of using plain distilled water? (distilled so there aren't any minerals in the water to leave marks on the paint).