So stupid...windshield scratches

[Dr. Woo]

Okay, so...during a nice, long, 12-hour drive today through the southeastern U.S., I come to a Shell station in Georgia where I stop for gas and to clear off the array of critter-corpses that have littered my windscreen. While fueling I grab the squeegie and (cue the shudder of disgust) begin to go to town on my windshield using the mesh-foam washing half of the squeegie. I get all the little buggies off and then clean it off. I get in the car and start to drive and the sun hits my windshield...



...and I almost cried.



My brand-new car with 5000 miles on it now has a windshield that looks like a piece of sandpaper was taken to it with reckless abandon. Yes, I was stupid, and yes, I probably deserve to pay for a brand-new one.



Here's my question...will insurance pick up the tab for this? I suppose I could tell them it was vandalized. My car is also still under warranty (12000-mile "wear and tear" might apply to this). Anyone familiar with automotive warranties?



I did a search and came up with some interesting advice on polishing the glass, but not many people posted about their results using such methods. The scratches are all very shallow (undetectable via fingernail-test) and are nearly invisible without direct light. But in that direct light... it makes me so very sad just thinking about it.



I have certainly learned my lesson.

 

[velobard]

I wouldn't be so quick to be sure that what you're seeing are scratches in the glass. After all, you can hardly expect a streak-free result from the gas station. I've used them plenty of times in the past, sometimes quite vigorously. Have you done an honest and thorough cleaning of the glass with a quality glass cleaner, such as NXT Glass Cleaner? There might be other things to try, but first of all confirm there's actual damage. I suppose if there is then perhaps there was grit embedded in the squeege sponge, which wouldn't be too shocking.

 

[xTravBx]

I have a feeling there isnt damage. I use these a decent amount, and have never gotten scratches on my windshield.



Usually glass is harder than grit. But who knows, could be something pretty volatile in the mix.



Goodluck with a nice cleaning on it though.

 

[BlueLibby04]

I was thinking the same thing. Unless it had gravels in it and you were pushing REALLY hard, I do not believe it would scratch it. Like said above, clean it really good and go from there. Think of all the crap that sprays up off the road when it rains. Then the wipers get to wipe it all over the windshield.