wiper causing a vertical mark on the wind shield

[Qashqai]

During the last heavy rainfall, I discovered that the passenger side wiper is leaving a vertical mark on the wind shield, just in front of my viewing area. Especially during night, on the highway it becomes really annoying. Car has the stock wipers and I am using them since February 2011. So I don't think I need to change. Anybody who experience the same problem?

[kerrton]

That doesn't sound like a common problem, but I have seen windshields scratched/scored when a small stone or grain of sand gets between the blade and the windshield. It's amazing how delicate glass can be and the extent of damage that can occur from a small grain of sand. How wide is the mark, or strip?

[Rob's Rogue]

I'm guessing that the mark that you are talking about is the one left by the right-hand wiper blade at the high point of its stroke? By any chance, do you use RainX or frequent an automatic car wash where hot wax is applied to the vehicle? This happens to me all the time when either RainX or hot wax begins to accumulate where the wiper stroke ends.

If this is what you are experiencing, then the cure is pretty straight forward. I would first try using a good quality window cleaner such as Eagle 1 or Stoner's Invisible Glass. Next, I would thoroughly clean the wiper blades with a good quality rubber cleaner and protectant such as those from Meguiar's or Mothers. Or you can use my favorite, a product called 303 Wiper Treatment which is a combination of cleaner and protectant designed solely for keeping wiper blades in optimum condition. Lastly, I would apply a coating of RainX which, in my opinion really helps the wiper blades to do a more effective job of keeping the windshield clear particularly at night. It's a little tricky to apply but once you get the hang of it, you won't be without it.

If these suggestions do not alleviate the problem then you probably have a honest to God scratch and should seek out the help of a quality glass shop.

Good luck.

[Qashqai]

Exactly! A vertical mark which appears only when the glass is wet and then it disappears. I wish I never used that Rain-x! It is good for couple of days, then it is gone plus it leaves a mark on the wind shield.

I tried Stones invisible glass but it didn't fix. I used a liquid wax as well. 15 minute wash and wax from "Rejuvenate Auto". It helps a little bit, but the place where the passenger side wiper stops and goes back (JUST in front of my right eye!) is still having a vertical mark.

Thank you Rob for your advice, but I don't think cleaning or even changing the wiper blades will solve the problem. I should wait for the Rain-x to dissolve by time and disappear.

[harryg]

Try cleaning your windshield with Barkeepers Friend
It will help get rid of any wax/grime buildup
Its like a talcum powder, soak your windshield with water, get a wet cloth sprinkle some on, desolve it and gently scrub the windshield (do not apply tooooo much pressure) also clean the wiper rubber with it
*Keep in mind I take no responsibility if you scratch your windshield*...i have had no issues til date and it leaves it fairly clean
*Also I have only tried "Barkeepers friend" haven't tried other powders that are alike....

[Qashqai]

Thank you Harry, but i don't want to risk the wind shield with a powder. I am planning to visit a local glass shop(maybe Speedy Glass?)

I have to suspects:

1. Yellow Rain-x
2. Blue Rain-x, Bug and Tar remover (http://www.rainx.com/Products/Bug_Tar/Pre-Wash.aspx)

My car is just eight months old and have 9200 km on it. These two are the only "chemicals" I used it on the wind shield.

[harryg]

Thank you Harry, but i don't want to risk the wind shield with a powder. I am planning to visit a local glass shop(maybe Speedy Glass?)

I have to suspects:

1. Yellow Rain-x
2. Blue Rain-x, Bug and Tar remover (http://www.rainx.com/Products/Bug_Tar/Pre-Wash.aspx)

My car is just eight months old and have 9200 km on it. These two are the only "chemicals" I used it on the wind shield.

My guess is its the Rain-X, it tends to break down overtime if not reapplied. I think this may have built up where the wiper stops leaving the vertical mark.

edit* 200th post

[Qashqai]

Today I went to an authorized dealer of Zeibart/3M/Aquapel. The guy looked at the car and he said he can't clean the glass, he can't apply the Aquapell. The f***ing Rain-x leaves a silicone layer on the wind shield.

Can you imagine? This guy can make money by cleaning this s***, if it is possible. I said I am willing to pay his time if he tries something that can remove this layer.

Now I have two options:

1. Wait for 6 months-one year (as that guy said) until the Rain-x residues dissolve and gone. Even if I wait, only the areas cleaned/swiped by the wiper will gone, the rest will be there longer than the rest.
2. Re-apply that s*** every two months.

My personal advice to my fellow Rogue owners: NEVER USE RAIN-X!!!!!!!

[maverick_rogue]

Sorry to hear about this .
A few products that you may want to try if they are safe and don't affect rubber parts in and around windshield. I know goo gone does.

goo gone
Vinegar
Glassware cleaning products
polishing compound
Acetone
Ammonia

Did you try reaching Rainx to see what they have to say?

Suggestion : Do not use alkali products on silicates (Glass) since it can corrode it.

Hope it helps. I wont be using Rainx anymore for sure.

[Qashqai]

Thank you Maverick!

Yes I sent them an e-mail. Waiting for response. Meanwhile I did a deep Google research and find out that a lot of people try to remove that stupid thing from their wind shield.

Soap or water won't remove it, because it is silicone based. I need to find a silicone remover, but no one manufactures a silicon remover for cars.

Here are my three options:

1. Using Lighter Fluid
2. Try Naphtha (..yes it starts to be dangerous!!)
3. Rain-x X-treme glass cleaner (I don't want them to earn one more penny from my pocket, but it says "it is perfect for preparing the wind shield for a next coat of Rain-x"..so since the "new coat" should perfectly adhere to the glass, I think it may remove everything including the rain-x)

I am really mad about this and I will solve that problem...Don't worry I will let you know. If you don't receive any messages from me, don't worry...probably I am in the jail for burning the cars in the parking lot with naphtha :O)

[harryg]

Thank you Maverick!

Yes I sent them an e-mail. Waiting for response. Meanwhile I did a deep Google research and find out that a lot of people try to remove that stupid thing from their wind shield.

Soap or water won't remove it, because it is silicone based. I need to find a silicone remover, but no one manufactures a silicon remover for cars.

Here are my three options:

1. Using Lighter Fluid
2. Try Naphtha (..yes it starts to be dangerous!!)
3. Rain-x X-treme glass cleaner (I don't want them to earn one more penny from my pocket, but it says "it is perfect for preparing the wind shield for a next coat of Rain-x"..so since the "new coat" should perfectly adhere to the glass, I think it may remove everything including the rain-x)

I am really mad about this and I will solve that problem...Don't worry I will let you know. If you don't receive any messages from me, don't worry...probably I am in the jail for burning the cars in the parking lot with naphtha :O)

I still recommend BarKeepers Friend, I say give it a try, try on a small part if your afraid, or an old car, but you will be amazed at how it takes off the grime and wax buildup
http://www.barkeepersfriend.com/car-care
Simple instructions: wet the windshield, sprinkle some on the glass itself or onto a terry cloth or microfiber towel, make a paste and then gently scrub the glass(the powder will dissolve rather quickly), ensure u rinse it all off thoroughly

“This worked for me, Bar Keepers Friend. I found it by the Comet® at the local Walmart. I mix it with water in a bowl and made a paste out of it. I used a towel and rub it on the wet windshield in a waxing motion. I later sprayed it off and bada bing, no spots ! Like others, I have tried vinegar, CLR® , Scotch Brite™, etc.. This took me about 20 minutes using no more effort than normal waxing.” – Tip on topic “Removing water spots from auto glass”

[zakmartin]

Seriously, just change your wiper blades. If your class is scratched due to a rock or some grit, you're probably out of luck and the scratch will be permanent. If it's just junk on your glass, use a polish to get rid of it, like the others have said. There used to be a time when it was recommended you change your blades twice a year due to sun damage to the rubber. It's not so bad anymore, but the factory Rogue blades were garbage in my opinion, and 8 months is a fairly reasonable lifespan for them.

I recommend you get some of the new bendy-type blades (they work better, especially in the snow). Goodyear makes a good set. http://www.goodyearwiperblade.com/?mid=main

Also, go with a size one inch longer than recommended on the passenger side. It'll fit, and it will give you a little more visibility to the right. The OEM passenger blade is horribly placed and undersized in my opinion and every extra inch of coverage counts.

[casperfun]

A professional and easy way to repair scratches and marks from auto- windscreens and side widows. This Glass Scratch repair kit comes with easy to follow instructions, allowing car owners to remove scratches from their windscreens without the usual repair shop expense.

A The kit is designed to be used with a standard electric drill with a recommended speed of upto 2000 rpm.

[Qashqai]

Finally I managed to get rid of that terrible silicone layer. It is ironic but I used Rain-x Xtreme Clean.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4 ... ?locale=en

It removes the silicone completely. I also replaced the stock wipers (9 months old). With new wiper blades and x-treme clean applied windshield I have no problems left.

[Blade_Shield]

My windshield is developing some vertical wiper marks where the wiper blades stop, reverse and return to the park position.

[ImStricken06]

My windshield is developing some vertical wiper marks where the wiper blades stop, reverse and return to the park position.

and?

[Leo2005]

My windshield is developing some vertical wiper marks where the wiper blades stop, reverse and return to the park position.

and?

Replace the wiper blade. If that doesn't help replace the windshield.

[ImStricken06]

Replace the wiper blade. If that doesn't help replace the windshield.

take a look at his SN. there is a reason i posted what i posted. i am testing that account to see if its a Bot