windsmith

I've had the '10 SS for a couple of weeks. Ran through the car wash, and noticed that the seals across the bottom of the windows don't squeegee the windows dry when they're rolled down. They leave ugly vertical streaks when the windows are rolled back up. Is this normal behavior? I'm worried about water getting past the seals and into the doors.

Also, beware the sunroof pouring water on you! I figured it would have run off after I exited the wash. But no, I got a cupful in my lap before I realized how much was up there. Grrr...

urbexHHR

Yeah the water will streak on the window. Actually, don't really know what car this doesn't do that on. All the cars I have do it, and any of my parents do as well. Just try not to open the window for a few hours after washing, otherwise you'll have to wipe/clean it again.

bowtieboy68

i have a problem getting the rear of mine washed.
the electric eye for the wand is supposed to tell the length of a car, but apparently an HHR is too short!
lol

LawDog88

bowtieboy68, you would be better off hand washing it with a power washer. Contrary to popular belief, the microfiber towels do leave scratches.

firemangeorge

I Rain-X all the windows.No streaking,but the tradeoff is it will water spot if you let the beading water dry in place. Always an excuse to take it out for a ride to blow it off!

prod

A lot of modern cars with power windows will leave wet streaks after a wash. Having looser felt seals instead of rubber reduces friction and strain on the power window motors. The result is a lot of water does enter the doors and is *supposed* to run out of the tiny holes in the bottom.
I also find on my HHR that a lot of crap gets caught in there and could end up scratching the windows or inside tint if not removed regularly.

windsmith

Agreed. I have a Land Rover that's got permanent scratches in the glass.

As for the factory tint on my SS, no film - manufactured into the glass. :)

prod

Yeah I meant aftermarket tint on the front windows. It scratches easier than glass, I already have one fairly noticable line all the way down the window in spite of being careful with cleaning.