No matter how diligently you wash your ride, there’s always a chance something super sticky will end up on your vehicle windows. It could be sap from a tree, extra-goopy bug entrails, leftover adhesive from an old sticker, or something else entirely. Regardless of what that sticky mess might be (if you can even tell), you’ll likely have a difficult time removing it with a regular carwash.
How then should you get that gunk off your windows? Read on to learn how you can safely remove sticky stuff from your auto glass so you don’t end up with scratches or pockmarks that necessitate a trip to the auto glass repair shop.
Bug Entrails
If you let your vehicle go a bit too long between washes, chances are you’ve dealt (or are currently dealing) with super stuck-on bug guts, not only on your auto glass but also all over the front of your ride. While it’s possible to get those guts off with lots and lots of elbow grease, soap, and water, there’s a far easier and more efficient way to get the job done.
What is it? WD-40. Simply spray it all over wherever there are bug guts on your auto glass or the body of your vehicle and let it sit for several minutes. Then grab a non-scratch kitchen sponge and use the rougher side to scrub away the guts. Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water, and then rinse and dry.
If you don’t have WD-40 at home, you can also pick up bug-removal sprays at your local auto parts store or big box store as they’re widely available in most areas. Whatever you do, do not attempt to scrape stuck-on bugs off your auto glass with anything metal! You could easily chip your vehicle windows and end up needing auto glass repairs to prevent the damage from spreading.
Hard Water Spots or Acid Rain Stains
Hard water and acid rain stains aren’t necessarily sticky gunk, but they can certainly interfere with your ability to see while you’re driving. And, if you value the appearance of your ride, you already know just how terrible any type of auto glass staining can make your vehicle look.
Luckily, removing mineral and acid deposits from glass is super easy and you likely already have everything you need to get the job done at home. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
● Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of water and white vinegar.
● Spray the solution on the deposits/stains and allow it to sit for a few minutes.
● Using a microfiber cloth, wipe the glass down thoroughly.
● Rinse the glass with water and check to see if the spots are gone. If any remain, repeat the process until no stains remain.
Staining can also contribute to excessive windshield glare. If you’re dealing with this issue, check out how to reduce auto glass glare as much as possible.
Old Tint
It’s not necessarily sticky gunk, but old window tint that’s starting to bubble and peel should definitely be removed so it doesn’t interfere with your ability to see while driving. Here’s how to get that unsightly deteriorating tint of your auto glass:
1. Grab a hairdryer and set it to high.
2. Working in small sections, direct the stream of air your window tint, about two inches away from the glass, to heat up and loosen the adhesive.
3. Using a plastic scraper, gently lift the edges of the loosened tint away from the glass and continue peeling it away until you reach an area that you haven’t yet heated.
4. Use a lint-free cloth and WD-40 or another oil-based product (like Goo Gone or even cooking oil can work) to rub away any tint adhesive that’s left behind.
5. Use an auto glass-specific cleaning product and a lint-free cloth to thoroughly clean each window once you’ve removed the tint and remaining adhesive.
Are you dealing with another type of sticky stuff on your auto glass? Not sure how to get it off safely? Good news: We’ve got more info to help you out! Check out our other tips for getting stuck-on gunk off your vehicle windows.
Only 1 Auto Glass: Your #1 Source for Twin Cities Auto Glass Repairs
When you need prompt, high-quality auto glass repairs anywhere in the Twin Cities area, look no further than our team at Only 1 Auto Glass! We have multiple locations throughout the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro for your convenience, and we perform mobile service as well. To schedule service or learn more about how we can help you, give us a call today at 651-789-1111 or request an estimate online.