Windscreen smears

[Lewis8144]

Hi. My windscreen was getting smears on the near side and I assumed wipers were the issue so got new ones and fitted them. Unfortunately the smears are still there on the near side only.
Anyone else encountered this and know how to fix it?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Sad]

Don't know how to fix it, but has been the same on our MY24 and previous MY21. Only fix I found was to always be the driver!

 

[ArunAlec]

Try using some undiluted screen wash to clean the glass or Auto Glym glass polish.

 

[Lewis8144]

thanks, used the glass polish already but will try the undiluted option and see what happens.

 

[Lewis8144]

Don't know how to fix it, but has been the same on our MY24 and previous MY21. Only fix I found was to always be the driver!

I might give VW a ring and see what they say, was hoping somebody on here might have done it already.

 

[Hawthorn37]

My advice is, live with it. It always happens. I asked the same question about 3 years ago, and the community advice was to change the blades. We change them every 12 months now, always Bosch Aero twin (better than the OEM blades), but nearside smearing is still a thing. I think the blade sweep and curvature of the screen isn’t optimal. Btw - tried neat window wash, glass cleaners, etc. None of this worked.

 

[JuanVecino2023]

Hi. My windscreen was getting smears on the near side and I assumed wipers were the issue so got new ones and fitted them. Unfortunately the smears are still there on the near side only.
Anyone else encountered this and know how to fix it?

Thanks in advance.

Same on my ‘24 plate. Very irritating!

 

[sticky1]

I found isopropyl to clean the smears, a good glass polish and Rain X treatment regularly worked for me on my T6.

 

[Stargazing]

A specialist silicone spray such as (WD40) on the blades keeps them flexible. Not a permanent fix though for worn or damaged blades. Over time UV damage will be optimised by glass heat and windscreen reflection.

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Check that both the blades are the correct length, otherwise they will not have proper contact with the screen.

We have a 20year old mini, the wiper lengths used for traditional style wipers ‘versus’ aero blade are different to allow for the curve of the windscreen. The near side requires a shorter aeroblade otherwise the windscreen smears.

That said we have never had an issue with a Cali.

 

[Ch1pbutty]

A specialist silicone spray such as (WD40) on the blades keeps them flexible. Not a permanent fix though for worn or damaged blades. Over time UV damage will be optimised by glass heat and windscreen reflection.

Just make sure you use ‘WD40 silicone’ and not the original WD40 (as this will degrade the rubber on the blades / windscreen seal.)

 

[Lewis8144]

My advice is, live with it. It always happens. I asked the same question about 3 years ago, and the community advice was to change the blades. We change them every 12 months now, always Bosch Aero twin (better than the OEM blades), but nearside smearing is still a thing. I think the blade sweep and curvature of the screen isn’t optimal. Btw - tried neat window wash, glass cleaners, etc. None of this worked.

What a pain in the obvious!!!! Did you ask VW directly or is it not worth it?

 

[LincsTiger]

I had similar problem on our other vehicle (12yr old xc60), tried everything but nothing worked. Had a word with a detailer friend and he suggested clay barring the screen. Ordered some fine grade clay bar and lube spray from a seller on ebay (approx £15). Spent about an hour doing all the glass on the car. It has totally transformed the glass and how the wipers clear the rain perfectly - silky smooth and smear free now. I will be clay barring the glass on our beach very soon, and I would now recommend it to anyone!
Edit: Google 'Clay bar windscreens' for technique and the products. Also many videos on you tube showing it being done.

 

[Stargazing]

Just make sure you use ‘WD40 silicone’ and not the original WD40 (as this will degrade the rubber on the blades / windscreen seal.)

Yes as @Ch1pbutty has stated-only silicone based - don’t use standard WD40. Soudal is recommended but not tried that one.

 

[Jerry999]

Yes as @Ch1pbutty has stated-only silicone based - don’t use standard WD40. Soudal is recommended but not tried that one.

I find Soudal silicone spray very good and a good price from TLC.

Silicone Spray - 400ml | Soudal (119704)

 

[gatvol]

I had this problem on my 2023 vw up!. It was like a "shadow". My guess is that it was the residual glue from the film used to protect the screen prior to purchase.

I finally got rid of the problem using isopropyl alcohol aka ipa. This is a volatile, colourless solvent that is 99% pure alcohol, so it quickly evaporates and leaves no residue. Amazon sells it in aerosols or pump sprays.

It is a very powerful cleaning agent that will strip the oil from your hands within minutes - so wear rubber gloves. It can also remove colour from the cloths/ paper towels you use. You may get away with using paper towel - or it might need a woven dish cloth to finally shift the problem.

IPA is used in spectacle wipes - it is not abrasive so it will not scratch anything.

I had to press extremely hard whilst rubbing the screen. In 30 plus years of car ownership I have never known the like before - but it did clear it.

Spray onto the screen not the cloth as it evaoorates within 30 seconds or so. Start on a small spot the size of a CD. Rub the hell out of it and see if it works. Don't just quit after a few wipes.

Whenever I have a stubborn cleaning problem IPA is my "cleaning product of last resort". You have to be careful with it. But if you are it will do the job and leave you and the van unharmed.

 

[derek_j_buchanan]

I have always used rainex on my windscreens. When applied correctly you rarely need the wipers on. Only an intermittent wipe in light drizzle our when under 30mph.