Very Hazy Windshield in Rain

[eskimochaos]

I'm having a problem with windshield hazing when I use the windshield wipers. When the wiper makes a pass over the windshield, it creates a haze that last for just a second and then it disappears as if it evaporates. Then when the wiper makes another pass, the cycle starts over. Wiper cleans the windshield, haze appears, haze disappears, wiper cleans windsheild, etc..

The problem is really bad at night when meeting oncoming traffic. The combination of haze and headlight glare makes it impossible to see the road. What can I do to fix this problem? I Any thoughts?

I have tried 2 new sets of wipers - Bosch Excel + and Bosch ICONS, I have tried cleaning the windshield with Bob-Ami, Windex, Stoners Invisible Glass but the haze still appears even after 10-15 cleanings with each product.

I am beginning to think it is the water repellent glass that is used for the windshield.

Any recommendations, Im trying to stay away from Rain-X due to streaking when using the wipers.

Is there ANY possibility that this could be replaced under warranty?

[bulldog]

Have you cleaned the inside of the windshield as well?

[slooowr6]

You might have some type of contamination on the windshield. I've used this kit to clean the windshield, http://www.autogeek.net/diamondite-glasswork-kit.html . It works really well in cleaning it. I use it once a year to keep the windshield clean.

[eskimochaos]

Have you cleaned the inside of the windshield as well?

Yes, it is solely outside.

[eskimochaos]

You might have some type of contamination on the windshield. I've used this kit to clean the windshield, http://www.autogeek.net/diamondite-glasswork-kit.html . It works really well in cleaning it. I use it once a year to keep the windshield clean.

Is this something I should have to do on a 1year old car still in warranty?

[slooowr6]

Is this something I should have to do on a 1year old car still in warranty?

The kit is like a deep cleaning for the glass. It's not going to effect your warranty. From what you said it seems something got on the glass and the windshield fluid can't clean it. :)

[eskimochaos]

The kit is like a deep cleaning for the glass. It's not going to effect your warranty. From what you said it seems something got on the glass and the windshield fluid can't clean it. :)

I'm not worried about it voiding my warranty, my question is do I have any warranty claim with Toyota about a possibly defective windshield due to the amount of haze even after extensive cleaning and 2 new sets of wipers.

It is very dangerous driving at night in the rain due to it.

[slooowr6]

I see.
Not sure if it's possible to do a warranty claim on this. What did you use to clean the windshield? I used a lot of different cleaner like the ones you can get a Pepboys, Kragen and etc. None of them really cleans up the windshield like the one in my previous post.

[eskimochaos]

I see.
Not sure if it's possible to do a warranty claim on this. What did you use to clean the windshield? I used a lot of different cleaner like the ones you can get a Pepboys, Kragen and etc. None of them really cleans up the windshield like the one in my previous post.

As I stated in my first post, I have used Windex, Bon-Ami, Stoner's Invisible Glass and even Coke.

No luck.

[T4Rfun]

:2cents

A long shot, but worth trying. Clean your windshield again this time using an alcohol based cleaner like you would prior to installing PIAA wiper blades. This should clean off all possible residue from other cleaners, waxes, etc. Then, be sure to clean the wiper blades themselves. you may have gotten something on your windshield, like wax from a car wash, etc. then, when you use your wipers it gets on the blades themselves.

If you go with new blades, I highly recommend the PIAA wiper blades. I've now installed them on all cars in the family.

Below is an old post "from another site" that I wrote about prepping for the PIAA and how they worked. If you don't go with these, at least try the prep and clean your existing wipers. I think it might do the trick.

__________________________________________________ ___________________



OK, not anywhere near the most important or sexiest upgrade you or I will do, but increased vision is always a good thing.

The build quality of the Super Silicon blade is very good. I was impressed. The instructions are clear and the prep steps prior to installation and use are simple and thorough.

Basic instructions for prepping the windshield.

* Thoroughly clean the windshield
* Make sure the windshield is completely dry
* Use the supplied "prep cloth" and wipe down the windshield again. (This cloth seems to be alcohol impregnated)
* Allow the windshield to dry for about 10 minutes
* wipe down the windshield one last time with a clean dry cloth
* Install wipers per instructions using the supplied adapters
* Run the wipers for about 5 minutes on the dry windshield prior to their first use
* pray for rain and be impressed



The wipers leave a fine layer of silicone on the windshield when run dry. This isn't noticeable to the naked eye, until you see water beading like the windshield had been waxed (kind of like coating the windshield with Rainx).

So, the rain dance I did really worked. The next day we were expecting several days of rain and the weather didnt dissapoint. Yes, it does rain in Southern California. In fact, it's been storming here quite hard for a few weeks, on and off.

I am happy to say that the first time I turned on the wipers I was extremely impressed. Worth every penny. In fact, I had to laugh when my daughter made fun of me initially, and then she went for a ride with me when it was raining. She asked, "why would you spend the money on wipers when there are other cool things to buy"? So, I started the truck, turned on the wipers and her comment...."OH, thats why".

It's been a few weeks and I remain impressed. In fact, I ordered sets for my son's, daughter's and wife's cars.

Need new wipers...buy these. Don't need new wipers...buy these anyway!

Link to PIAA Site Below
http://www.piaa.com/WiperBlades/silicone.html

[Cruiserhead]

I think this may be due to new wiper blades? I notice something similar recently on my car. I only replaced the driver's side and it does that "ghosting" while the passenger side does not. With all the rains in socal, I used the wipers a lot and the ghosting seems to have gone away.

maybe clean the blades w/ alcohol and use them for a while.

I do know what you are talking about, i've seen it before on various cars. it's never bothered me though rains are rare in socal.

[slooowr6]

As I stated in my first post, I have used Windex, Bon-Ami, Stoner's Invisible Glass and even Coke.

No luck.

That's the same stuff I tried excepts Coke.

Give the stuff at auto geek a try if all other failed. It really cleans the windshield, after it's done the glass feels really smooth.

[4x4v8]

I thought I was the only one getting the haze too. I thought it was on the inside, so I cleaned it like crazy, but still had the problem. I didnt even think of cleaning the outside. :o:

[expat]

Clay bar your screen.

[eskimochaos]

Clay bar your screen.

Did that already.

[expat]

Well I'd go to a professional detailer and ask their thoughts. If it appeared that I had done nothing to cause this, I'd be at the dealers door asap. Warranty - hell yeah, that's what your paying for.

[Paul S]

I've always used RainX on the windshield with cheap Autozone blades and never had any streaking. Maybe if all else fails, try SilBlades?

[Cruiserhead]

have you cleaned the new wiper blades?

[eskimochaos]

have you cleaned the new wiper blades?

No because I assumed they were clean because they were brand new.

I just ordered PIAA Super Silicone Wipers. If these dont work after another through glass cleaning then Toyota will hear someone knocking on their door. It shouldnt take a total of $150 of my money to get a windshield to work the way is supposed to.

[Cruiserhead]

maybe clean the blades. it may be the blades and not the windshield.
when new, they may have a mold release or some kind of coating that eventually rubs off.

just a guess, like i said I have similar ghosting w/ new blades and it's not on a 4Runner it's on several different cars, and it eventually went away.

[eskimochaos]

Wow, just Wow, these PIAA wipers suck. Look at what I'm dealing with! Im going to the dealer first thing in the morning. Now my total is $160 of stuff I have tried to fix this god damn thing. This is truly unacceptable. Sorry about the ****ty cell phone pics but you get the idea. All of these pics were taken right after a wiper pass. Imagine driving with these at night on the highway!!!!

I actually cant express how mad I am.

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/6346/img00003200901091830oh1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/7933/img00004200901091830zw0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Will this warrant a warranty exchange?

Thanks again for all your help!

[slooowr6]

Wow, that's pretty bad. My wife's car has the same PIAA wipers they worked great on her car. Something is not right with your windshield. Keep us posted on what the dealer say. Good luck.

[T4Rfun]

Wow, just Wow, these PIAA wipers suck. Look at what I'm dealing with! Im going to the dealer first thing in the morning.

Yea I would recommend asking the dealer to look into it. It's not the blades. I still stand behind the PIAA blades which I now have on four cars and don't have a problem at all, in fact I havn't ever had a problem that's as bad as you are describing. There is always going to be some "post wipe" haze depending on the weather conditions, and whatever might be "temporarily" on the wndsield or blades at the actual time of use, but that shouldn't be a long term issue and certainly not one that is as bad as you describe.

You've cleaned the windshield with just about everything known to man, and you still are not happy. You have installed new blades with a reputation of quality and "confirmed" performance. Have it checked and don't take no for an answer, because I would expect that to be their initial response. :2cents