Polishing windshield (too much?)

**jjeff** · 09-10-2009, 01:57 PM

I was frustrated by the rough surface of an 8-year old windshield, so, figuring glass is a very hard substance, I used compound (3M rubbing compound, I believe) with a PC to thoroughly buff it. It seemed to work great at the time.

However, after about 6-9 months, the windshield wipers are now stuttering across the surface (I replaced them with new ones after the buffing, so I don`t think they are the problem). Could this be caused by my past buffing/polishing? If so, any ideas on how to remedy the situation? I will be very grateful for any input. Thanks!

**imported_gusbubba** · 09-10-2009, 02:12 PM

I`m no expert on windshields, but a quick fix may be to apply some sealant

or window treatment like Rain-X to keep the wiper-clatter to a minimum.

Also, they do make kits and polishes just for windshields. Haven`t used any yet, but it may be something you`ll want to look into for the future.

I`m sure others will chime in with better, more informative answers.

**longdx** · 09-10-2009, 02:16 PM

You might need a dedicated glass polish (Eastwood sells a windshield polishing system). The polish is applied with a DA and you need a lot of water to help the glass stay cool. First, I would suggest claying the windshield to remove any contaminants, then proceed with a polish if necessary. I used this system and it worked very well for minor scratches, however this system and others can really do much if you have severe pitting in the windshield. If your windshield is pitted, it is bect to just replace it. (which I eventually did and it was becoming a hazard for me at night time, 8 years and 160K mileage started taking its toll on the windshield)

**jjeff** · 09-10-2009, 02:23 PM

Thanks for the quick responses. I will try claying the windshield and report back. Per these windshield systems, could one achieve nearly the same effect using other polishing compounds on the windshield (I do have some SFX-1 and SFX-2 on hand, also some Klasse AIO)?

**longdx** · 09-10-2009, 02:29 PM

In answer to other compounds, maybe/maybe not depending on the level of abrasiveness of the compound and the hardness of the particular windshield. Glass is typically much harder to polish than paint and may require a dedicated glass polish (i.e. Cerium Oxide), However are your wipers skipping? It may be just embedded contamination (removed by claying). Do a complete and honest evaluation of windshield.

**MBurnickas** · 09-10-2009, 03:06 PM

KAIO will leave some hazing, try aquapel (cheap at costco) or rainx. Also try PIAA windshield blades!

**automedix** · 09-10-2009, 06:42 PM

also may want to try autoglym - use with a DA and a white abrasive pad

**rightaway** · 09-10-2009, 07:26 PM

i have a scratch line on my windshield. i tried rain x polish by hand and nothing has changed,

**longdx** · 09-10-2009, 07:32 PM

@rightaway:

You will need a stronger polish. Start with a strong paint polish. If that does not work, then step up to Cerium Oxide with alot of water.

**jjeff** · 09-11-2009, 12:53 PM

Well, last night I went out to check the windshield (this is my daughter`s car). I found a lot of sticky gunk on the glass (probably from parking under a maple tree), which I cleaned off thoroughly. Then I clayed the window and took off a bit more gunk (though surprisingly not that much). The surface feels smooth and looks clean.

The wipers are working better but still are moving a bit erratically. My diagnosis: more likely the wipers are seizing or the wiper motor is failing than problems with the glass surface. So for this car, the cosmetics are good; the mechanics are bad.

I`ll look over the linkage, etc., this weekend and maybe post something to finish my travails.

Thanks to all for the advice, though. I still may do some more work to get the glass surface nicer on this car and the others that I need to care for.

**imported_gusbubba** · 09-11-2009, 05:03 PM

Originally Posted by jjeff

Then I clayed the window and took off a bit more gunk (though surprisingly not that much). .

Yeah, I haven`t found clay to be all that effective at clearing off sap or anything sticky....mostly just smears it and you end up chasing the contaminant around the panel.

Solvents have been much more effective, IME.

**rightaway** · 09-12-2009, 09:12 AM

i ave only a swirl mark remover for deep scratches. is the to harsh for a windshield? what speed should i run my pc at?

**Candor** · 09-12-2009, 11:48 AM

Originally Posted by jjeff

Well, last night I went out to check the windshield (this is my daughter`s car). I found a lot of sticky gunk on the glass (probably from parking under a maple tree), which I cleaned off thoroughly. Then I clayed the window and took off a bit more gunk (though surprisingly not that much). The surface feels smooth and looks clean.

The wipers are working better but still are moving a bit erratically. My diagnosis: more likely the wipers are seizing or the wiper motor is failing than problems with the glass surface. So for this car, the cosmetics are good; the mechanics are bad.

I`ll look over the linkage, etc., this weekend and maybe post something to finish my travails.

Thanks to all for the advice, though. I still may do some more work to get the glass surface nicer on this car and the others that I need to care for.

Did you try pulling the wipers up and running them OFF the glass? If they stutter you know its the motor or relays

**froboy272** · 09-12-2009, 09:23 PM

after you try candors idea of making sure its not the motors. i would try the 303 wiper blade conditioning pads. my friend was having the same problem, bought new blades, didn`t help, then i gave him a 303 wipe to try and it solved the problem. its like lube / conditioner for the blades so even if the glass surface isn`t perfect, this should help.