Just bought a low mileage 2006 X-type. Driving recently in all day rain with wipers in the auto mod. Next day noticed some fine scratches on screen from the wipers. I attribute the scratching to use of the auto wiper mode.

Is it possible that the screen is softer than normal? Any way to find out? Anyone else with similar problem with a solution?

I have replace the blades and have stopped using the auto wiper mode.

Any idea on the replacement cost of an X-type screen?

 

Actual scratches? Or just streaks from wiper blades that need to be replaced?

I kind of doubt you need to have your windshield replaced, but expect it to be around $250-300 if you have a glass place do it. Take it to the dealer and you'd have to multiply that by 2 or 3 to get it done.

 

I don't understand why you blame auto mode for the scratches? Manual, intermittent, or auto the wiper still wipes the same area. Frankly the auto on my car tends to run a little less or slower than I would prefer.

You can remove fine scratches safely with specialty glass products. Check eastwood.com or similar stores. As the actual cost of an X type windshield (in my area), with rain sensor option, is much closer to $600 than $300, I'd go that route first. Unless you can convince your insurance company there is a safety problem and you have glass coverage and can get a new one by only paying your glass deductable/or free.

That all being said, I'm on my 4th windshield on my X. I used to do a lot of highway driving, that's usually when a rock would hit and crack the glass. They do seem vulnerable for some reason.

 

Thanks for the prompt comebacks. Definitly scratches not streaks. Have used a variety of cleaners and glass polishes without improvement. Attribute the damage to auto mode because the auto mode more sensitive to minor dampness on the screen and initiates wipers without sufficient moisture to eliminate "sanding" the surface.

 

Well I guess that is a possiblity if the glass is really soft and you have a lot of grit, although the wipers don't exert a ton of downward pressure, but anyway..... You could still use the auto setting but just turn it on when it starts to rain.

If you haven't been able to successfully DIY to remove the scratches, have you asked a glass company if they can try some pro-grade products and see if that works? Might be worth a shot before you replace the whole windshield.

This stuff works: http://www.eastwood.com/glass-polish...scratches.html

 

When you use Auto Mode, you should be able to use sensitivity for the wipers as well. I think since your ride came with auto mode then you should have a sensitivity adjustment for it as well .
Other than than Auto Mode is very useful imho