Bug & tar on windshield
#17
Rennlist Member
Tar and road oil is petroleum based.
Bug guts are organic lipids.
Both will be removed with a detergent or solvent.
It's glass, so don't use a solvent. Use of a detergent is fine but should be mild.
So, soap and water will do it for the bug guts but the tar and road oil will need something a bit more concentrated but still mild. That leaves us with readily available goo-gone or goo gone like products. You'll need to use a less concentrated soap and water solution to remove the goo gone but then your windshield will be clean. As others suggested including beden1, products like Rain-x or similar window sealants will prevent oil, tar and bug deposits in the future (though not all of them).
#18
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I would not advise using a razor blade in any regard. But if you do, make sure the glass is well lubricated or you are guaranteed to scratch the glass.
Tar and road oil is petroleum based.
Bug guts are organic lipids.
Both will be removed with a detergent or solvent.
It's glass, so don't use a solvent. Use of a detergent is fine but should be mild.
So, soap and water will do it for the bug guts but the tar and road oil will need something a bit more concentrated but still mild. That leaves us with readily available goo-gone or goo gone like products. You'll need to use a less concentrated soap and water solution to remove the goo gone but then your windshield will be clean. As others suggested including beden1, products like Rain-x or similar window sealants will prevent oil, tar and bug deposits in the future (though not all of them).
Tar and road oil is petroleum based.
Bug guts are organic lipids.
Both will be removed with a detergent or solvent.
It's glass, so don't use a solvent. Use of a detergent is fine but should be mild.
So, soap and water will do it for the bug guts but the tar and road oil will need something a bit more concentrated but still mild. That leaves us with readily available goo-gone or goo gone like products. You'll need to use a less concentrated soap and water solution to remove the goo gone but then your windshield will be clean. As others suggested including beden1, products like Rain-x or similar window sealants will prevent oil, tar and bug deposits in the future (though not all of them).
#19
Rennlist Member
While according to the Mohs scale steel is softer than glass, that is stainless steel and pure Silica glass or quartz. Glass in cars and most home windows is not complete silica but is also baked with sodium oxide, lime and other compounds. Those silica compounds are softer than stainless steel and can scratch if not scraped properly. However, most new construction and auto glass is tempered and well made tempered glass will not scratch easily (though it can). Hedge your bet and use a diluted detergent in most cases or you could use a spray detailer as beden1 mentioned, but a diluted detergent usually is best as it is easier to clean up afterward. If anything, make sure the razor you use is brand new and does not have rust or debris on it as it's the contaminants that scratch the glass most often and not the steel itself.
#20
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FYI. Don't razor scrape your side windows. Those are factory coated for rain repulsion.
#21
Addict
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Clay on windsheilds has been used for years by detailers and it works well to get the very small amounts of tar and other debris that a normal window cleaner can't remove.
To clean glass I use a blend of isopropyl and water in a 65/35 blend (assuming 70% isopropyl). This is used in combination with a microfiber glass towel. No lint, no hazing and enough bight to remove bugs easily.
To clean glass I use a blend of isopropyl and water in a 65/35 blend (assuming 70% isopropyl). This is used in combination with a microfiber glass towel. No lint, no hazing and enough bight to remove bugs easily.
#22
+1 on Aquapel
Make your own glass cleaning solution with 1 part denatured alcohol to 2 parts distilled water in a spray bottle. Use dedicated glass cleaning towels, NEVER washed with fabric softener. Wet one towel, clean glass, buff dry with 2nd towel.
A better product than RainX is a product called Aquapel. Tire Rack sells it, too.
A better product than RainX is a product called Aquapel. Tire Rack sells it, too.
Took advice on denatured alcohol/water for windows. Works great. Now have to get out the GooGone for the rubber from yesterday's track work.
#23
Nordschleife Master
they have the lubricated bug sponge that should be available at any auto parts store. the meguires one works excellent.
doesn't scratch paint… and I've used it on headlights as well and it works WONDERS on tar. i had this massive gunk of tar all over my car and the bug sponges are a lifesaver. it works FAST as well.
doesn't scratch paint… and I've used it on headlights as well and it works WONDERS on tar. i had this massive gunk of tar all over my car and the bug sponges are a lifesaver. it works FAST as well.
Last edited by myw; 05-10-2015 at 07:53 PM.
#24
Rennlist Member
this
#25
Rennlist Member
#26
#27
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I gave up on RainEx years ago. I found while it beaded water nicely, if i used my wipers, they started skipping and chattering. I use an occasional clay bar and the Stoner product with surgical cloths i wash separately from any wax or polish cloths. It all works for me.
all the best...
all the best...
#28
Rennlist Member
DO NOT use used razor blades on glass, it will scratch. NEW Razor blades are fine on glass, but only new ones. IF you do use them, do not go back and forth, treat it like your shaving your face, with lubricant and in one direction.
I've been in the glass biz for 29 years and know a thing or two bout glass.
I use 0000 steel wool and glass cleaner when the going gets rough. But it still wont cut tar....
I've been in the glass biz for 29 years and know a thing or two bout glass.
I use 0000 steel wool and glass cleaner when the going gets rough. But it still wont cut tar....
#29
#30
For bugs and water spots on glass, 0000 fine steel wool with window cleaner as a lubricant works wonders. It doesn't scratch glass due to glass being really hard. I have had excellent luck on paint with bug and tar remover from products on autogeek.net. A clay bar with your standard soap and water wash may help as well, but the main goal is always to use the least contact with the paint as possible. On top of your typical sealant/wax/coating regimen, a silicone spray on coating every couple months really helps out with paint maintenance.
AMMO NYC is a great youtube channel that goes in to great detail about this kind of stuff.
AMMO NYC is a great youtube channel that goes in to great detail about this kind of stuff.