Odd issue with Windshield - 2012 SLS

[motorhead1977]

I have a 2012 SLS with 22,000 miles, rain sensing wipers and all the other toys. I was removing the old VT state required inspection sticker from the center of the windshield as the car is now in NY and as I started to remove it with a razor blade it appeared that some clear tape was coming off with the sticker. I discovered that there appears to be a clear film on the inside of my windshield! Of course the windshield now is missing a section of the clear coating from just under the inside mirror. Has anyone else encountered this? Is there somehow a clear tape like coating on the entire inside of my windshield that came like that from the factory?? If so what purpose does it serve? I can't find any information about anything like this in all my owners information booklets/manuals. Of course I am really pissed at myself for mucking up that section of my windshield. I have only had the car about 3 weeks! TIA for any information.

[KuroNekko]

Sounds like your car was pre-owned. Are the windows tinted?
It is possible that the front windshield was tinted. Most places only tint windshields from 70% to 50% so it's very light and many people can't tell.

I've personally used a razor blade and windex to remove old inspection stickers in the past. No windshield coating came off as it was directly on the glass, but then this was for another car.

My guess is that your windshield was actually tinted very lightly. If your car has tinted windows that were installed by the previous owner, I'm almost certain the windshield was done too.

Photos would be helpful.

[motorhead1977]

Yes my Kizashi was pre owned but the windows don't appear to have been tinted and the"tape" or coating that came off looks absolutely clear. I'll post pictures tomorrow when I can take them in day light. Thanks.

[motorhead1977]

Here are a couple of pictures of the sticker I removed. You can see the clear "tape" extending beyond the edge of the sticker. It does not appear to be tinted.

[WESHOOT2]

There was some problems with the adhesive of certain inspection sticker, and the state offered some fixes to include a large clear piece of tape to help secure them.

No worries.

[motorhead1977]

The sticker did not have one of those patch tape fixes on it. There was no edge for one of those as would have been apparent. Here is a picture of the windshield where the sticker was. Ignore the two Velcro strips in the pic. I added those to secure my RFID Toll tag after removing the inspection sticker and experiencing the damage as described. At least having the Tag there helps hide the "scar".

[jono6406]

I also have a 2012 SLS with 21,500 miles and don't have this problem with my windshield. To me it looks like the previous owner put a very light glare strip on it. To remove it spray your windshield down with a mixture of dish detergent and water, let it sit for a while the go to work removing it and all should be ok.

[motorhead1977]

I will give that a try. My only question is that this "film" seems to cover the entire inside of the windshield. I can find no seam or edge to it anywhere, not even at the top or edges of the windshield! Truly a mystery so far. Too bad there are no Suzuki Auto dealers to let have a look at it. If the dish detergent/water mix doesn't help I will also try my local auto glass shop. Maybe someone there might have an idea.

[KuroNekko]

I'd hit up a tint shop to A) see what they think it is and possibly, B) have them remove it professionally.
Most tint pros offer tint and film removal as well.

[motorhead1977]

I got the car in to the dealer and they discovered that my windshield has been replaced and what is there is not Suzuki factory glass. Carfax report showed NO insurance claims or any accidents for the car so seems the PO replaced the windshield on their own. Check of the Suzuki system did not show a warranty replacement of the glass either. They still had no idea why there is a clear film on the inside. So, at least the mystery is solved as to what. My local tint shop was very reluctant to try and remove the film as they had never seen anything like it either. Still I love this car. It is a shame Suzuki never really gave a full on PR media promotion of their cars. Had they invested what was necessary to make a real go if it they would still be here. Just look at FIAT. They spent the $ and have surpassed Mini in units sold.