Scratches on the windshield

[SMacBosch]

Hey there everyone.I bought an '09 Vibe in Sept '09. Long story short, there was an accident and it was written off in March '10. So I bought a replacement Vibe, exactly the same.Here's the problem. In the first car, when the windows frosted or iced up (I live in Canada so, yah, it can happen) we would scrape the windows and go on our way. Unfortunately, the scraper (and we tried a variety of scrapers from simple credit card size to a sweeper/squeegee/scraper kind. They all left lots of tiny little scrapes. Then the car was written off before we could get it in to have our dealer look at it. With the next car I never scraped the windows - defrost only - until one day my husband was being sweet and scraped my windows for me before he left for work. Now I have hundreds of tiny scratches on my windows again! Argh! It is extremely noticeable in sunlight and potentially dangerous. Washing/buffing does not help.My dealer said that they have never heard of anyone else ever having this problem but it can't be coincidence that it happened on both cars. Anyone else have this issue? And, if so, what did you do?SMacBosch

[star_deceiver]

Do you have lots of road grime/dirt on the windshield? I've had no problem with scraping it.Welcome to GenVibe BTW!!!

[SMacBosch]

I wouldn't think it is anymore than other cars. I really only drive my car to and from work and the occasional errand.I keep the car pretty clean. I love my Vibe!

[PMC]

I have exactly the same problem. Any plastic scraper I use seems to leave little scratches on the windshield. I get 6 months of winter so there are lots of them.I've often grumbled to myself about them, not sure they'd consider this a defect that would be covered under warranty, I've never tried.

[Whelan]

For future reference, get yourself a couple of cans of this

[jkm311]

Whelan, can you get the de-icer product separate, without the scraper cap? I'd rather spray half the windshield at a time and use a scrapper double the size of that can topper.I know there's de-icer washer fluid with the chemicals in it, but as we all know, the fluid dispensers on our hoods can themselves be under half an inch of ice.

[Whelan]

The cap comes with it you don't have to use it. Just spray and then use your trusty long reach scraper. Although in my experience once this is sprayed on you can either just brush the rest off or use your wipers.Note when using it is best to remove snow voering first.

[09vGT]

Try HEET or HEAT in a can.. Don't remember which way they spell it.. Its the best stuff I've ever used. And as far as scratches go, my 09's is scratched all to crap.. Its REALLY bad. I need to have it replaced..

[smk9592]

I too have scratches on the windshield and rest assured this vibe has never seen the snow or ice as it is in Louisiana. It drives me nutty, especially at night. I have read that non-american cars have softer windshield glass (be it the laminate or the actual glass I do not know) People have suggested using glass polish to minimize the scratches, or even using a scratch remover. I haven't tried any yet because I am too scared to eff up the glass even more. Hope this helps

[09vGT]

Anyone know around how much a new windshield runs for the Vibe?

[star_deceiver]

Check your insurance policy to see if you have a windshield replacement deductable.

[09vGT]

Quote, originally posted by star_deceiver »Check your insurance policy to see if you have a windshield replacement deductable.Already tried, and my $1000 dollar deductible is a little more I think than a windshield would cost!

[star_deceiver]

Quote, originally posted by 09vGT »$1000 dollar deductibleYipes... that is steep!!! Time to call your local windshield place!

[jammies]

Quote, originally posted by SMacBosch »It is extremely noticeable in sunlight and potentially dangerous. Washing/buffing does not help.A picture or two would help immensely. You said buffing did not help. How did you buff the windshield? With a DA? What compound did you use?Can you get your fingernail stuck in the scratches?Three thoughts come to mind. First, clay bar the windshield. Very mild abrasive. Second, they make a buffing compound to restore headlight lenses to clear from an oxidized yellow. Worth a shot. Third, check with your insurance on replacement. As long as your decuctable is reasonable..my $.02

[Whelan]

They sell kits with pads and polish for windshields, but it is more for cleaning haze and light scratching. Anything you can feel with a fingernail is not going to be able to be fixed with buffing.

[SlammedNiss]

It would be cheaper to have a remote start installed. How people up north live without one I'll never know. I live in KS and have one sitting in the box for my wife's Rav4. Just need to find time to install it.

[Whelan]

I would like one yes, but I'm not about to go drop $300+ for the Toyota kit and I don't want aftermarket. So for now I use one of theseNot my actual garage

[SlammedNiss]

Quote, originally posted by Whelan »I would like one yes, but I'm not about to go drop $300+ for the Toyota kit and I don't want aftermarket. So for now I use one of theseNot my actual garageGarages work great when you're home. But what about when you go to work, go shopping, visit friends, etc.?