Windshield Water Spots

[rjordan392]

Here's a challenge for the old school mechanics:

As I was driving, it started to rain and I turned on the windshield wipers. But at the same time I noticed what looked like water spots. I thought someone had sprayed something when I was parked earlier. These spots affected my visibility by about 10 to 15%. So I applyed a glass cleaner and it 'had no effect. I also applied the cleaner on the interior side.
Next I tried 91% isopropyl alcohol on both exterior and interior and that did not work. Then I applied some cleanser and soft brillo pad and that did not work either.
It's strange that the only time the spots show up is when the windshield gets wet. But as soon as it drys, the spots disappear.
Now these spots are a recent occurance.
So does anyone have any ideas on what I have? It's a 2004 model.

 

[rjordan392]

UPDATE:

My auto mechanic suspects a problem with the laminate. But he tells me to try vinegar and newspaper. He says that there is a chemical reaction between the vinegar and the ink. If that does not work then I'll have him replace the windshield. The only thing that I question is why spots would occur and not streaks on the windshield?
One other thing that I noticed is that the spots only occur when the windshield is wet and cool. The temperature went up to 85 degrees and when I sprayed water on it at that temperature, the spots were mostly gone. I believe this confirms the mechanics suspicions about the laminate.

 

[rjordan392]

Now rain is forcast for 10/27 and I believe the newspaper and vinegar will determine if it removed most or all the spots to make it safer to drive in the rain.
I also replaced the wiper blades.

 

[Narat_524]

long-running issue

This has been around awhile for Toyota windshields. I don't know if a Saf-Lite or something replacement would be better or not.

Need to solve this windshield problem once and for all!

Windshield Haze w/ Rain

Hazy windshield update

Windshield hazing

 

[Dillusion]

Might not be the best but I use a buffer and some compound on the rougher side to get waterspots off my wifes Highlander.

Clear in the spots I finished. Takes a bit of time though.

 

[rjordan392]

As a last resort, I applied "Rain X" and the spots did not re-appear. I read a few past threads on windshield problems and they state that this product is applied in the automatic car wash business's and is suspected of causing this problem.
So it looks like I may have to apply it when the spots show up again.
However, I find it difficult to believe that another used everything from gasoline to alcohal and had no success. But then another said he applied rubbing compound and it removed the hazing.
So its still a mystery as to why using Rain X worked for me.

 

[GG5thGen]

I was told a while back that the cleaner, Zud, was good for cleaning windshields. It might me a little abrasive for some to want to use but maybe in mild strength it would be ok. I haven't tried it.