I just got done washing the car, everything on the body is fine except the windows. There are water spots on the windows i cant get off, i tried windex and a cotton towel, it wont come off. I tried to rub hard but it faded off a little but they are still there.

Is there something i can buy to get em off?

Thanks

 

The first thing you can do (I don't want to sound like a smart ass): is not to let them form in the first place. Don't wash your car in the sun. Dry it before the water evaporates. The spots are minerals left when the water evaporates.

You can try a 50/50 vinegar solution. Apply it and let it set for a while. This will work most times. You can also try Stoner's Invisible Glass cleaner. If all else fails, try the clay bar. That gets most anything.

Those same water spots will get on your car if you wash it in the sun and don't dry it. You don't want that to happen, trust me. Been there. Done that. Didn't like it.

Good luck!

XP

 

thanks XP, lol yeah thanks for the tip. Ill try that vinegar solution later tonite.

EDIT: i can get any claybar at Pepboys and Autozone, correct?

 

Yes. Several companies sell it. I think Mothers has a little kit with the clay bar and the lubricant (which is just a weak car wash solution).

Zaino, Clay Magic, Meguires, also has it.

XP

 

Don't really have anything to add on getting rid of your current spots but you might want to give the "Mr Clean" spotless car wash a try the next time. I thought that it was probably a lot of marketing hype but figured it was at least worth a try knowing that the RRed was certainly susceptible to showing spots. I have been fairly impressed by its ability to minimize the spots on the paint as well as the windows. YMMV.

 

You can just use straight white vinegar... happened to me once. Just a bad of it on a cotton towel (or some crumpled up newspaper), and wipe the effected area.

 

maybe you roll your windows down when the inside is still wet?

 

haha nah tumas lol, but i got the clay bar stuff and it worked great. I have a question, this is my first time ever using clay, (it worked awesome on my windows, like new again) When dirt gets on the clay, what do i do to get it off? Its reusable right? How do i properly use the clay and the spray?

Thanks

 

Roll the clay up and flatten it. Squirt lube on car/windows. Don't use it dry. Press the clay with medium pressure and slide it in a straight line. As it gets dirty, knead it and bring up a fresh surface. Keep doing that when it gets dirty. If you get any big or sharp pieces, pick them off. Do overlapping straight strokes with lots of lube. (Hmmm. Is it getting warm in here?) :P

That's all there is to it. The lube can be either Instant Detailer or a weak car wash solution. Like one teaspoon of car wash in a spray bottle filled up with water. Oh! And if you drop the clay bar- throw it away. Don't try to use it if it hits the ground. Too risky.

It works great on windows. Did it get all your spots off?

XP

 

Yeah i used it on the windows, they are all really clear, like new again - thanks for the tips earlier.

You say knead the bar, that means fold it over to reveal a cleaner side correct? Will this always reveal a cleaner side? After time does it not get dirty, if that happens it has to be thrown away or is there a way to clean it?

 

warm water does wonder on water spots

 

Yes. Knead it like your grandmom does when she makes dough for a pie or bread. Turn it in on itself and squish it. It will eventually get yucky and you will want to replace it. But the clay is soft and the paint is hard so the dirt will always prefer the clay.

I would only use the half a clay bar once on my main ride, the TL. But I will then use the same one again on the BMW or Jeep as they are older and have been around the block a few times. The clay isn't that expensive. Especially when you buy just the clay without the fancy lube which you can make up yourself and put in an old Windex bottle with a sprayer.

I wish I had discovered clay bars sooner.

I'm happy you have restored that good feeling at having your TL in top shape. Nothing like it!.

PS: Love your Avatar!

XP

 

haha awesome stuff, thanks for the great tips again XP

 

If all else fails, a little Bon Ami and lots of water will do the job. Hasn't scratched yet.

 

Hmm..haven't seen clay bars here without having to buy the QD along with it...

 

Try here:

http://www.autopia-carcare.com/detailingclay.html

XP

 

I remember reading those oil based clays you can find at craft stores work too, is that okay to use as well?

 

DAT1, i want know when we get to see the rest of that video clip ??!!
As for the craft clays, the jury is still out, we had a member over on Autopia doing some testing...My daughter brought home a clay eraser about a month ago and i begged her to let me have a peice for a demo...she was unwilling to part with any....

 

No. Not OK. <shudder>

That clay is dug up from the ground. It has abrasives. Detailing clay is a synthetic stuff. It has no abrasives (or extremely fine).

It's only $5-6 bucks for the clay and about $9 for the kits with the lube.

Regards,
XP

 

9 bucks for the kit with lube?! I paid 12 bucks for mine at AutoZone! .... blah. I was going around the store and did not see any individual clay products. I guess i will need to go around to other stores and look for just the bar.

 

Ahem, the video clip ????? When will the rest be available !