Weird Water Spots

[giraffe]

Well, my poor CX-7 was suffering from the springtime onslaught of pollen so yesterday I gave it a nice bath. After I had dried if off, I noticed that the windshield (and all the windows) were still covered in faint water spots. I then took windex and cleaned the outside and inside of all the windows, but to no avail - the water spots were still there! Then I decided to get a dish scrubber and scrub the dang windows - didn't budge the water spots!! I can't even scratch them off with a fingernail!! I called my local Mazda service department, and they recommended I try polishing all the glass with 00 grade steel wool, but I can't believe that's the best solution. Especially if it has to be repeated every couple weeks when the car gets dirty. Has anybody else had this problem and/or found a solution? What do you think is causing it - I never had this issue in my Honda!

[Astral]

uh don't do steel wool! sounds like you have etching from tree sap or something.

this is not a mazda-specific thing, I think you just got unlucky.

try vinegar. some info in this thread (http://autopia.org/forum/car-detailing/70438-vinegar-didnt-work-water-spot-what-next.html?highlight=hard+water+spots+glass) (as well as ideas if vinegar doesn't work)

[HeavyH20]

I found bug and tar remover works great. Also, any type of paint cleaning polish works fine (not rubbing compound).

[giraffe]

I found bug and tar remover works great. Also, any type of paint cleaning polish works fine (not rubbing compound).

I just experimented with some more stuff. Vinegar and ammonia didn't work. The bug and tar remover didn't do anything to mine, but the GS-27 scratch remover will get it off with LOTS of rubbing. So will scraping with a razor blade. The thing is, these are all pretty time consuming and labor intensive. Every window on the car is covered in these things! I wonder if there is a more efficient way...and a way to prevent it from recurring in the future.

[HeavyH20]

http://www.autogeek.net/waterspots.html

[giraffe]

Thanks for the links! I went to the auto parts store today and showed the dude the problem - he says it was due to.....using one-step car wash/wax. Apparently when you use that stuff on a dirty car the wax just seals in the dirt, leaving nasty dirty spots everywhere. The dude said it should come out in about 3-4 car washings, or (since I'm too cheap/lazy to wash the car 4 times in a row) a couple months of normal wear. I'll let you know if they come out on their own, or I give in and try some the glass polish listed in HeavyH20's link.

[B1GHAM]

its either hard waterspots or contaminents trapped on the glass.

I found using a claybar and soapy water (as a lubricant) works wonders for waterspots on my windows...

and it IS about time for me to take my own advice :p My windows are getting them again too...

[Astral]

Thanks for the links! I went to the auto parts store today and showed the dude the problem - he says it was due to.....using one-step car wash/wax. Apparently when you use that stuff on a dirty car the wax just seals in the dirt, leaving nasty dirty spots everywhere. The dude said it should come out in about 3-4 car washings, or (since I'm too cheap/lazy to wash the car 4 times in a row) a couple months of normal wear. I'll let you know if they come out on their own, or I give in and try some the glass polish listed in HeavyH20's link.
try claying the window?

[giraffe]

try claying the window?

I will look into that. I've never owned/used car clay before, but it's on some of those links, so I'll read up. Thanks for your suggestions!!

[B1GHAM]

I will look into that. I've never owned/used car clay before, but it's on some of those links, so I'll read up. Thanks for your suggestions!!


read up - itll give you that glass-touch feeling to your paint. its great in helping keep your car in good condition.