So I have this strange thing on my windshield, and I'm tried of having the dealer look at me funny. On either side of the windshield, about 2/3rds of the way up there are two concentric circles about 1.5 and 2 inches in diameter. You can only see them in very bright (morning/afternoon) sunlight. If you rub your hand over them they seem to go away. If you windex the windshield they seem to go away. But the next day or so, they reappear. I keep thinking maybe this car had it's windshield replaced (they never disclosed it), and these are the marks from the suction cups that hold the glass. Regardless, what the h--- is it, and how do I get rid of it?
Windshield suction cup "Crop Circles"
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It does sound like suction cup marks. I'd just keep windexing.
Since surface cleaning seems to eliminate it temporarily, I would suspect it is surface related and not the PVB interlayer adhesion. I'd probably try a different cleaner, like bug and tar remover, or scrubbing with a plastic scrubber and Windex. Sometimes it can take a bit of elbow grease to remove residues. I've made the mistake in the past of applying paste wax and that has proved to be a mistake (for me).
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I had the same circles and eliminated them with a new magic eraser pad. Put towel on dash, rinse pad with clean water and ring out, then gently go over the area in a circular motion. Use the towel to dry the glass. No more rings, and no scratches.
From doing some internet research, it seems like the magic eraser pads are popular with window cleaning folks. The one caution I found is to not use them on windows with tint film.
From doing some internet research, it seems like the magic eraser pads are popular with window cleaning folks. The one caution I found is to not use them on windows with tint film.
I have used a clay bar on my windshield and was amazed at how much cleaner everything was afterward. I used the same process as one would use on painted surfaces, including the use of detailing spray. It definitely got rid of several spots that I assumed were permanent as windex, alcohol, and even acetone wouldn't remove. Might give that a try. This was done on the exterior of the windshield but I would assume it works similar on the interior as well. It might just be a bit more messy due to the angles you would have to work with.
The angles definitely make this a problem. I'll try some of these good suggestions. I'm amazed if this is a factory suction issue that many other vehicles (of all makes) don't have this more often. I was also going to try a razor blade.
Be careful with melamine foam - it works by microscopically scraping the surface. Do it too much and you will have permanent damage that is visible (cloudy glass).
Best to try non-destructive means first, like rubbing alcohol or clay.
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Actually, time lapse surveillance video has shown crop circles done by pranksters.![]()
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Perhaps for some... Still seems hard to rule out aliens, hehe.Actually, time lapse surveillance video has shown crop circles done by pranksters.![]()
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Could also try toothpaste.
You saw where Dutch recommended that in post #5?Could also try toothpaste.
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It bears repeating.
Everyone has it. I have used toothpaste to polish plastic, remove mars. You can add water to dilute if needed.Toothpaste is also great for clearing old, hazy headlights.It bears repeating.
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Try the toothbrush without toothpaste first. When I was in the Army, I learned how good toothbrushes are for cleaning things.
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I tried that on my CTS, didn't work. My next attempt will be 400 grit then 2000 grit sandpaper followed by clearcoat (saw a video on YouTube)
There is also a video demonstrating the use of acetone vapor to make headlights clear again. Incredible results and looks effortless.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wppa59yZjgQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wppa59yZjgQ
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