Scratches in Passenger Side Window

The hard water and summer heat made for a perfect combination to dry water spots on my windows. Seems like nothing I did was getting rid of them so I took a scotch-brite pad and very gently (I though) started to clean my passenger side window. Seemed like it was working with no ill effects but I guess I got careless and now I have some scratches on the exterior of the window. I didn't think the glass would scratch that easily and since the window tinting is on the interior I thought I would be safe.

Any suggestions on getting small scratches out of the glass or do I just bite the bullet and replace it?

Also, what is the best method for getting hard water spots off auto glass?

I've used very fine steel wool to clean windshields for years with no ill effects. It's the easiest way to get baked on bugs off. Can't believe a scotch brite pad would scratch your glass.

I've used straight distilled vinegar for hard water spots and so far had good luck.

a little gasoline on a rag works for me. then of course wash it off.

---------- Post added at 10:54 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:53 AM ----------

but i think you are out of luck with removing the scratches. you are either going to have to deal with it, or get a new one

You can treat the glass just like your paint. You can use a polishing machine with a paint correction polish and then finish it with a paint finishing polish and it should be able to take out fine scratches. I would try Adam's paint correction system which I used on my whole truck and it works awesome. Only problem is you have to use a machine it won't work by hand.

Rookie said:

I've used very fine steel wool to clean windshields for years with no ill effects. It's the easiest way to get baked on bugs off. Can't believe a scotch brite pad would scratch your glass.

freedommotorsports.us

Phone: 260-444-7503
Email: [email protected]

​

Click to expand...

I've used the scotch brite pads before on windshields, I was a little hesitant on the side windows because I was concerned about the tint but the tinting I had done was on the inside. Wondering if Ford puts a light shade of tint on the outside (can't imagine they would) because I don't think the pad should have scratch the window either.

---------- Post added at 07:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:29 PM ----------

cbcgeneral said:

You can treat the glass just like your paint. You can use a polishing machine with a paint correction polish and then finish it with a paint finishing polish and it should be able to take out fine scratches. I would try Adam's paint correction system which I used on my whole truck and it works awesome. Only problem is you have to use a machine it won't work by hand.

Click to expand...

Hmmm, I can't even handle a scotch brite pad and you want me to use a polisher.

---------- Post added at 07:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:32 PM ----------

RDFTS said:

I've used straight distilled vinegar for hard water spots and so far had good luck.

Click to expand...

I can try this but I think the scratches are here to stay. Will probably just look into replacing the window. Not sure if I'll do it myself or get the dealer to. Not real fond of dealerships but I haven't had good luck when replacing side windows in the past. Window lift and track always seems to give me trouble.

if you need help pulling the window, let me know.

A good polisher at any glass company should be able to polish that out. Possibly without removing the glass depending on where the scratches are. You would be amazed at what they can do with glass. A lot cheaper than a new window too.

Smokinjo said:

A good polisher at any glass company should be able to polish that out. Possibly without removing the glass depending on where the scratches are. You would be amazed at what they can do with glass. A lot cheaper than a new window too.

Click to expand...

Thanks, I might give this a shot. Still can't figure how a scotch brite pad could scratch glass, never had that happen before. It's like there is tint on the outside of the window or something. Oh well...