One drawback to getting caught in a rainstorm or even taking your vehicle through the car wash is dealing with those hard-to-remove water spots left behind on your windshield.
Find out why it’s important to remove them and how to do it.
Causes of Water Spots
The hard water properties in acid rain or a car wash adhere to the surface of your windshield, and even your plastic trim pieces and paint.
Hard water mineral deposits aren’t the only thing to worry about.
Here are some things that when mixed with hard water, can adhere to your windshield:
- Bird droppings
- Dust
- Air pollution, soot
- Windshield wash overspray
- Soap residue from car washing
If you engage the windshield wipers, whatever is on the windshield spreads, streaks and dries, making removal of the stubborn, set spots even more difficult to remove.
Long Term Problems Due to Water Spots
Hard water contains high levels of calcium, magnesium and other minerals which over time, harden into filmy, crusty limescale.
If ignored and especially if exposed to intense heat, several layers of limescale build up, impairing visibility and potentially permanently etching into the windshield glass.
If water spots reach this point, it becomes extremely difficult or next to impossible to completely restore the windshield.
Best Tips for Removal of Water Spots
Dry and polish windshield with a soft microfiber cloth before water droplets evaporate. Use the following products to help remove stubborn spots:
Glass Cleaner
Works well on light spots when polished with a microfiber cloth.
Isopropyl Alcohol
Works well on mild to moderate spotting when used with a microfiber cloth.
Use caution as alcohol is extremely flammable. Wearing protective gloves and eyewear is recommended.
Vinegar
A 50/50 mix of water and vinegar is another potentially effective strategy for removing water spots. Spray the mixture on the windshield and wipe off immediately and thoroughly with a microfiber cloth.
The high acid level in vinegar combats and dissolves water mineral deposits.
Ammonia
Using an empty spray bottle, combine two quarts of water with two tablespoons of ammonia. Generously spray the windshield and allow to set for about five minutes. Wipe completely dry with a microfiber cloth.
Eye and skin protection is recommended.
WD-40
Surprisingly, the degreasing lubricant WD-40 has been shown to be highly effective in removing water spots from the windshield.
After spraying onto the windshield and allowing to set for just a few seconds, wipe the entire area dry with a microfiber cloth.
This works because the ingredients in WD-40 react with the water minerals to loosen their bond and grip on the windshield making it easy to wipe the spots away.
Commercial Water Spot Cleaners
If there’s more permanent spotting, there are commercial cleaning products for removing water spots. Carefully read and follow all manufacturer’s directions and recommendations.
Conclusion
The key to a safe, unobstructed windshield is to keep it clean and dry. The sooner water spots are removed, the better your odds of restoring your windshield to like-new condition.
While you tackle the water spots, call Downtown Autobody to tackle your collision, dents, dings and auto body paint challenges.
Bottom of Form
