Ice scraper scratching windshield?

[RussJ]

The other morning, I had to scrape my windshield as it was covered in frost. I used the same little plastic ice scraper that I've used for years on my other trucks. Later on, i noticed my windshield was pretty dirty. A couple of days later I went to the gas station to wash my windows. To my dismay, the dirt on my windshield did not come off. Turns out the dirt was scratches. How could the scraper that has'nt hurt two other windshields scratch the heck out of my new trucks glass? Has this happened to anyone else? Is there a fix for the light scratches? What do you use to scrape your windshields? I don't want to have this problem all winter long. Any help is appreciated.

 

[bmoeller]

I prefer to use a metal ice scraper, in place of the plastic. Do a beter job. I think the potential for any scraper is there, but the plastic one get nicked easier.



BTW, I was in Sparta yesterday. Looks like a nice town.

 

[bighammer]

I think you need to keep the windows clean before you have to scrape, too. Brass & plastic scrapers are safe on glass, but if you have sand, dirt, or mud and move it around, you will scratch the windshield. Tempered glass is softer and more easily scratched.

 

[Prairie Dog]

I think any scraper will damage dirty windows, even the wipers will scratch if run accross the window dry a few times.

Sorry to hear that happened though. I wonder if someone can just polish it out?



Scotty

 

[Midnight]

I remember years ago polishing the windshield with a product Bon-Ami. It is a sink cleanser, but that was the only kind that you could use. It was a power that you made into a paste and rubbed it in. Rinse off with water. The windshield was spotless when done. I don't know if it's still available.

 

[DPKetchum]

Sand/Grit scratched the windshield. Bon Ami is a great glass cleaner. Removes the road oils etc. Don't think it would polish. There is glass polish to be used with a high speed buffer and a glass pad. Try a pofessional glass company and inquire.

 

[RussJ]

I think any scraper will damage dirty windows, even the wipers will scratch if run accross the window dry a few times.

Sorry to hear that happened though. I wonder if someone can just polish it out?



Scotty

I understand what you are saying, but my old truck lived in the same conditions and it's windshield never got scratched, even after many, many scrapings. This happened after the first time! I'll admit my windshield was a little dirty, but no where near as dirty as I have scraped before on any other vehicle.

As some of you have mentioned, polishing is something I have considered to remedy my situation. Any other ideas? Otherwise maybe I'll try the Bon Ami. I don't know where to find it right off hand, but I have heard of it before. Thanks for the ideas so far guys and keep 'em coming!!

 

[tomg]

ice scraper scratches windshield

The best thing I've found was copper pot cleaner,liquid, just keep it damp/wet and work it with a medium speed buffer.

 

[Eric_77]

I think you need to keep the windows clean before you have to scrape, too. Brass & plastic scrapers are safe on glass, but if you have sand, dirt, or mud and move it around, you will scratch the windshield. Tempered glass is softer and more easily scratched.

FYI a windshield is made out of two sheets of annealed glass that is lamainated together ie laminated glass. Tempered glass is like the side windows on a car. The scratch resistance is the same AFAIK but the impact resistance is way different. Tempered glass will take a bigger impact than the same annealed glass but a laminated glass will take even more as the laminate acts a cushion and a net to keep objects from penetrating to the interior of a vehicle (also it has the unique effect of being 99% UV blocker.



Some glass is way easier scratched than others I have had a semi with a split winshield the driver side was replaced with a Mulia (Indonesian) replacement and within 6 months the drivers side was so badly pitted that it had to be replaced as it was impossible to see out of driving into the sun. Passenger side freightliner glass was still fine.