tw2

This might be a dumb question but does anyone have any issues with condensation or rain on their windscreen. It is fine when it is dry or warm but I get huge smudgy areas with condensation and new wipers didn't help.

The photo shows what it looks like immediately after wipers have been over it. Mainly affects the centre, the outer screen is normal.

E55Greasemonkey

Put your hand over the defrost vents and see if they're leaking cold air.

Yuille36

It looks like your defroster isn't working properly.

rapidoxidation

Is your windshield absolutely clean? Humidity likes imperfection.
Edited to add: windshield coating products (RainX) can also cause this.

tw2

Thanks for the replies. Just to clarify, the smudgy areas are on the outside only and happen during rain too. The rest of the windscreen is perfect during rain and the wipers keep it clear as they should. They look perfect when dry.

I am wondering if there is some sort of superficial damage to the glass in places. I use Maguire's wash and wax but otherwise I haven't put anything on it in the few years I have owned it and the detailer didn't ceramic coat any of the glass. Maybe I should try ceramic coating it or get a new windscreen as it isn't the safest in winter.

tw2

SOLVED, did some reading on other forums. Some people suggest clay bar the windscreen. Or try a glass compound. I bought some Maguire's glass compound and it removed whatever impurities were causing the issue on the outside. It did leave some minor scratches all over but only visible in direct sunlight and even then, no more sunstrike! Sometime I might look for a glass polish to take them out too.