Condensation/Greasy windows ?

[Beetlejuice]

Perhaps you guys and gals can give me some suggestions -

I have a 1997 Civic with 35,000 miles.
Since the day I bought it (new) it's windscreen and windows have some sort of greasy film on them.
I have tried various window cleaners and I even tried paint thinners thinking the greasy substance may have been the protective wax that comes on new cars - but to no avail.
I have also replaced the wiper blades a few times.

It's particularly bad at night in the rain.
The windows also condensate a lot - more than most cars I have observed.

Any ideas guys and gals ?

[BrianS]

It could be coming from the air conditioning. I will try find more info on recognising that problem. I seem to recall that most of the greasiness is down near the base of the windscreen, spreading up.

On new cars, fumes rise up from the dash and any other vinyl surface. They are called plasticizers - more commonly known as "that new car smell". They can leave a film on the windscreen, but it should have cleaned off easily with a run-of-the-mill window cleaner.

If you find there is more condensation than usual, then it could be that water is slightly leaking in somewhere, evaporating in the heat and re-condensing on the glass. If it was excessive then there would be a smell of damp. So its probably quite small.

Then again, it could easily be nothing. Keep the a/c on for fresh air and every now and then, roll down the windows for a few seconds while you drive.

To clean the grease off, use something sudsy, rather than a solvent. Try this, but ONLY on windows, not the paint or anything interior. 1/3 Distilled white Vinegar to 2/3 Water. Add in a good drop of dish-wash liquid (Fairy for example). This will make it a little more alkaline and should cut through if it is a waxy coat on the window. Use two clean towels - must be lint-free and have been cleaned in a really hot wash with no conditioner. Thoroughly dampen one with the solution (not dripping, wring it first). Wipe the windows, inside first then outside. Follow up straight away with a polish of the dry towel.

Hope this helps.

B.

[Beetlejuice]

Cheers for the info Brian S - I will try your suggestion for cleaning the windows.

My car doesn't have air-conditioning but, when it rains heavy, I can hear water dropping into the doors via the end of the window seals/rubbers. It has been like this from day one. I asked at the garage where i bought it, and they said this was normal. They poured water on another civic's window and the same thing happened.

I think I'll buy a german car next time ;)