V70 windscreen streaks

[bobsy852]

Don't know if everyone has the problem or just me. I'm new to the Volvo's and this might just be due to the position that the passenger side windscreen wiper ends up when upright, but during the rain my windscreen seems particularly streaky. Then there's a HEAVY streak where the passenger side windscreen wiper stops in its most upright position.

This streak is RIGHT in the view of my driving position and I'd like to remove it.
See video here:
https://youtu.be/5nH8mrin524

I detailed the car myself last weekend (washed, polished, waxed etc.) but I usually only wash and dry the glazing. I do go over all other windows with the buffing towel after I've rubbed the excess wax off the bodywork just to finish off.
When I've done my other cars this has been enough to leave them perfectly clear in the rain. It doesn't seem to have changed the V70 windscreen though.

Does anyone else have this problem?
I perhaps need to ask on a car detailing forum but I thought I'd ask on here too?

Here are some photos:

Streak caused by the passenger wiper when it goes upright:


Streakyness on the passenger side:

[CTCNetwork]

Hi,

1) decent glass cleaner.
2) Grade #0000 wire wool
3) 2-3 coats of rainx and rainx your wiper blades too.

Des. . .

[harveys]

Replace the blade ?, just how old are they ?.

[bobsy852]

Thanks Des and Harvey

Havey, blades were my first thought. I might give them a go first, I just can't see new blades resolving the issue of the mark that's left where the passenger blade sits upright!

I'll try them first and then fall back on Des method!

[GrantA]

Looks like it is Rain-X or something very similar that has contained Rain-X, if it is Rain-X it is not easy to remove as it has a silicon base which helps it stick. If it wasn't applied correctly in the first instance then it has probably got onto your wiper blades and first off you will need to change them. Do a search on this Forum and you will get some results including this one: http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showth...emoving+rain-x

Not knowing exactly what is on your windscreen I would not advise you to use a particular tool / solution / abrasive etc in case damage is caused. If what has already been suggested in the Volvo search does not work I suggest you do a Google search for "How to remove Rain-X from a windscreen" and select one of the many methods advised which vary from toothpaste or a mild abrasive to cellulose thinners or even acetone or MEK (Methyl ethyl ketone) but be very careful if you do use any solvent and avoid getting it on your paint work. Try a small area first and if it works carry on and do the whole windscreen.

IIRC Volvo used to actually use Rain-X or something similar on all their vehicles and re-applied it during dealer services, perhaps your local Main Dealer might be able to advise.

[Topper]

Had exactly that problem when I first bought my S/H D5 about 4 years ago ( sure I posted about this on the Board somewhere) but ...

1. Changed blades - to good ones, just to be sure ... marginal improvement.
2. Tried almost everything .. cleaners, soap, leathers etc. etc. .... no improvement.
3. .. and then !!! ... used white toothpaste sparingly on a soft, damp cloth .. plus a bit of elbow grease ( softly applied again !! ) and yippee !! ... streaks gone ... "clear" improvement after a few windscreen wiper strokes...
4. Also emptied screen wash tank, flushed with clean water a few times ...also stopped using screen wash because I found I had not been using wipers very often, but keeping tank topped up with both water AND screen wash .. i.e. too concentrated a mixture.
5. Same problem / solution when I replaced windscreen a few months ago.

I now carry a small tube of White Toothpaste and soft cloth in rear parcel tray, as the problem of streaking always seem worse on French motorways and I don't want to get caught out again. Have now persuaded myself to use the slightest drop of Windscreen cleaner in the tank, so far with no after effects.

It worked for me !!

Topper.

[cheshired5]

I always clay bar the wiper blades.
It's amazing how filthy they can still be even after regular cleaning.

[tt82]

Might have to try a few of these solutions myself. I have found that the streaking plays havoc with the Rain Sensitive wipers.

[I-S]

I had similar.

Any good glass polish (ie a milky abrasive liquid, NOT windowlene etc - that's a cleaner, not a polish) and plenty of elbow grease (two goes, and could do with a third).

Replace the wipers at the same time for good measure.

It's caused by old rain repellents and also some screenwashes - Halfrauds Double Concentrate (in any flavour) is one of the worst for this. Autoglym Quickclear screenwash is excellent but hard to get these days, and the volvo stuff is fine also.