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Scratches in winshield

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by DougSlug, Feb 2, 2008.

  1. DougSlug

    DougSlug Member

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    Scratches in windshield

    I have numerous horizontal scratches on my windshield (presumably) caused by a plastic ice scraper used to remove light frost in recent days. The scraper is a common type with a very sturdy acrylic blade. I've had this scraper for a long time, so the edges and corners are smoothed from use. I've inspected the edge to see if there were embedded particles, but could find none. I press only as hard as needed to remove the frost (generally pretty lightly), and it is surprising to me that this would cause scratches. I'm wondering if the Prius windshield is somehow more susceptible to scratching. More recently, deeper scratches have been appearing, and I can't find a direct cause. I have to assume there was some kind of grit particle there, but it fell off or was left behind. All in all, I am surprised how easily the windshield can be scratched.

    So the question is: Can these scratches be removed (either professionally or by me with an appropriate commercial product) without having to replace the windshield? I have seen some products online (Janvil Glass Restore or Glass Revive, for instance), but I am worried about causing more damage, or having a result that's worse than the scratches themselves.

    Are there professional services available for this? When I asked if it was even possible to polish out the scratches, the one auto glass place I called so far insisted that the windshield would have to be replaced. I'm skeptical.

    Advice is appreciated.

    - Doug
     
    #1 DougSlug, Feb 2, 2008
  2. firepa63

    firepa63 Former Prius Owner

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    Many auto glass companies will polish out scratches. Call some in your area to get prices. You could also check with your auto insurance company to see if they have any recommended auto glass companies in your area.
     
    #2 firepa63, Feb 2, 2008
  3. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    Pinto Girl buffed out her windshield and ended up with a glare spot requiring the replacement of the windshield. Live with the scratches or leave this to the experts. Maybe RainX will help. I don't have scratches from scraping.
     
    #3 JimN, Feb 2, 2008
  4. HardCase

    HardCase SilverPineMica, the green one

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    I agree. If the scratches are small and insignificant, just live with them, but if they are really noticeable and obstruct your vision I'd try RainX or maybe some of that stuff I've seen advertised for removing scratches from eyeglasses. If it works you'll have to reapply it periodically, but it's worth a try. Failing that, and if the scratches still are bothersome, then take it to a commercial auto-glass shop and see what they can do, accepting the fact that if that fails you're looking at buying a new windshield.
     
    #4 HardCase, Feb 4, 2008
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