Windshield Glare

[amotichka19]

How do I repair a glare on the windshield during a rainstorm and wipers on? Wiper blade clean the glass but there is a glare left on the glass that gets worse when the oncoming headlamps shine on it making it difficult to see at night.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Autogeekonline mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87407)

[SortaFastRacing]

Sounds like your windshield needs to be polished. I've read a how-to thread on it and apparently it is widely accepted that you need a rotary polisher to properly do the job along with a lot of patience. My windshield does the same thing, i can't see anything because of oncoming headlights when it's raining at night because the windshield is so swirled out.

oh, and new wiper blades help a lot. don't buy the cheap ones, i spend 40-50 bucks when i get wipers and it's so worth it. if you cheap out of wiper blades and spend only 15-20 bucks any improvement will be marginal and will not last long. best to spend money there. i've probably had mine for 2 years now and i only just now need new blades so really you probably end up spending more on cheap blades because you have to replace them more often.

[Desertnate]

Do you put anything on the windshield or use the RainX washer fluid?

I used the RainX fluid for a while and the product the fluid left behind prevented the wipers from removing all the water from the glass in anything less than a heavy rain. In misty conditions, and espicially at night, it made visibility really bad. To solve the problem I lightly polished the glass, cleaned it, and then installed new wipers.

How clean is the inside of the glass? Sometimes even a small amount of residue on the inside of the glass will create glare at night as well.

[UncleDavy]

The type of coating on the windshield will also make a difference. I noticed that RainX will leave behind a visible smear as the wiper makes a pass. Aquapel and Griots Sealant wipe away cleanly.

[rlmccarty2000]

What does the exterior of the windshield look like when dry? Is there a line where the windshield wipers run? If so then a polishing is in order. You can polish off road film using a RO polisher. Microfiber pads and a cutting compound can be successful. If that doesn’t work step up to cerium oxide and rayon pads.

[LSNAutoDetailing]

Read Mike's Articles:

Road Film - If you drive your car in the rain your car has road film (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/2009-to-2017-how-to-articles-by-mike-phillips/72159-road-film-if-you-drive-your-car-rain-your-car-has-road-film.html)

The case against multi-year ceramic paint coatings - Road Grime = Surface Staining Daily Drivers by Mike Phillips (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/2018-new-car-detailing-how-to-article-by-mike-phillips/119815-case-against-multi-year-ceramic-paint-coatings-road-grime-surface-staining-daily-drivers-mike-phillips.html)


Road grime will build up on the surface of just about everything. My suggestion:

1.) Do your normal wash routine on the vehicle.

2.) Clean glass thorough with a good glass cleaner and glass towels such as Sonax Glass Cleaner and White Waffle Glass towels.
SONAX Glass Cleaner, Glass Clear, auto glass cleaner (https://www.autogeek.net/sonax-glass-cleaner.html)
The Cobra Waffle Weave Microfiber Glass Towel cleans & buffs glass to crystal clarity with the soft texture of genuine Cobra microfiber. (https://www.autogeek.net/ww1627.html)

3.) Clay the glass

4.) Polish the glass (any polish will typically work.. Megs M205, or Megs consumer OTC brand Ultimate etc...)

5.) Clean the glass again as in step #2, this time use Pinnacle Glass Cleaner with Water Repellent. You can even put a few ounces in your reservoir.
Pinnacle Crystal Clear Glass Cleaner with Water Repellent (https://www.autogeek.net/pinnacle-glass-cleaner.html)
The Cobra Waffle Weave Microfiber Glass Towel cleans & buffs glass to crystal clarity with the soft texture of genuine Cobra microfiber. (https://www.autogeek.net/ww1627.html)

6.) Replace your windshield wipers with new high-quality wipers

Hope this helps!