Scratched Windshield Glass

[dovegemini]

The windshield of the used Lexus I bought has a patch of scratched glass. Looks like someone used a scratchy material, like an SOS pad, to rub off something. It is about eye level, a 3" diameter foggy looking spot - real fun to look through! Does anyone know of a product to buff out the scratches?

Edited December 27, 2005 by dovegemini

[SKperformance]

If you polish the glass to remove the scratches it will not have a direct annoyance in your vision but a subtle one where the glass is now convex and causes driver fatigue ,nausea and other odd problems. It is common on after market windshields to have customers complain of nausea and fatigue from the glass being not made completely flat causing optical distortion.

You may want to try and find a person who fixes chips in windshields and see if they can fill it.

[SW03ES]

My advice would just be to have the windshield replaced.

[dcfish]

My advice would just be to have the windshield replaced.

Agreed, A replacement is in order. Whenever there is a problem with glass on a automobile, Replace it. At least that is what I would do. ;)

[dovegemini]

My advice would just be to have the windshield replaced.

Agreed, A replacement is in order. Whenever there is a problem with glass on a automobile, Replace it. At least that is what I would do. ;)

Thanks, everyone. Sounds like that is the logical choice.

[TOGWT]

Polishing Glass:

Once the glass surface has been washed and cleaned (detailers clay) any minor imperfections can be removed with an abrasive glass polish (Autoglym Car Class Polish or DP High Performance Glass Restorer) This thick citrus-based cream safely pulls contaminants out of the glass, including alkaline mineral deposits, and then smoothes out etched glass (http://www.autogeek.org) Be aware the some imperfections cannot be removed and you may have to replace it. If you can catch your fingernail in the scratch 0.4 Mil (0 .004 –inch deep) you should consult a professional glass repair / replacement company.

A replacement windscreen can sometimes be claimed on an insurance policy without loss of no-claim bonus, dependant upon coverage (check first with insurance company).

Some windscreen ‘glass’ is actually a plastic resin and will scratch easily, consult your dealer to find out what material was used for the OEM windshield.

Heat caused by abrasive polishing can soften and damage glass; foam pad and product used must minimize heat build-up. Since glass is a poor heat conductor any friction heat built up from polishing must be kept to a minimum by using sufficient product and regular misting of both the polishing pad and glass surface with water.

Methodology:

•Clean glass to remove dirt, dust or road grime from surfaces (also see note 1)

•Apply clay (Magic Clay®) and lubricant solution (WooliteTM / Water 5:1) onto the glass surface (Do not apply to plastic as dulling may occur.)

•Apply a quarter (coin) size amount of Autoglym Car Glass Polish™ or Iz Einzette Glas Polish to a damp cutting / polishing foam pad (LC Orange or White) attached to a Porter Cable HS rotary polisher set at speed 1200 rpm.

•Apply to half of the windshield, polishing first in an up and down motion then in a left-to-right motion and then repeat on the other side, proceed to other glass surfaces.

•Go over the glass several times in each direction, glass will polish virtually residue free.

•Wipe off any residue, and polish with a clean dry 100% cotton Micro fibre cloth.

•Inspect glass for clarity and smoothness. Repeat if necessary.

•If the glass has PPG Industries Optech clear coating a more aggressive polish may be required

Alternative products / methods: Apply Zaino Z-12 with a damp cotton cloth to cool glass, apply to small sections at a time and allow to completely dry, buffing with a clean dry cotton towel. If there is any smearing or residue left just use Stoner’s Invisible Glass or any good quality glass cleaner to remove excess residue.

Note: Do not use an abrasive polish on ‘Targa ‘glass’ tops as they are actually Lexan and an abrasive will remove the tint

[dovegemini]

Thanks for the detailed instructions! I will check it out.

Lorraine