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Volkswagen Golf Mk7 Owners Manual: Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors

For the Volkswagen Golf Mk7's windows and exterior mirrors, this page recommends a commercially available alcohol-based glass cleaner, dried with a clean chamois or lint-free cloth — and explains why some chamois leathers aren't suitable for every glass surface.

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings 

Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors

Moisten the windows and exterior mirrors with commercially available, alcohol-based glass cleaner.

Dry the glass surfaces with a clean chamois leather or a lint-free cloth. Chamois leathers that have been used on painted surfaces are not suitable for use on glass surfaces. They will be soiled with wax deposits which could smear the surfaces.

Use window cleaner or a silicone remover to clean off rubber, oil, grease and silicone deposits  .

Removing wax

Car washes and care products could leave wax deposits on the glass surfaces. Wax residue can only be removed using a special cleaning product or cleaning cloths. Wax deposits on the windscreen can cause the wiper blades to rub. Volkswagen recommends using a glass cleaning cloth - G 052 522 A1 - to remove wax deposits from the windows and exterior mirrors each time the vehicle is washed.

A window cleaner specifically for removing wax will stop the blades rubbing if added to the windscreen wash water. Dilute the cleaner as instructed. Grease removing cleaners will not remove wax deposits  .

Special cleaners, glass cleaners and glass cleaning cloths are available from Volkswagen dealerships.

Removing snow

Use a small brush to remove snow from the windows and exterior mirrors.

Removing ice

The best method for removing ice is to use a de-icer spray. If you use an ice scraper, do not move it to and fro, but push it in one direction only. Moving the ice scraper backwards can cause dirt to scratch the window.

WARNING

Dirty or misted windows reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents and severe injuries.
  • Only drive when you have a clear view through all windows.
  • Ice, snow and mist must be removed from the inside and outside of all windows.

NOTICE

  • Never combine the recommended cleaning agents with other cleaning agents for use in the windscreen washer fluid. This can cause the ingredients to separate and block the washer jets.
  • Never use warm or hot water to remove snow and ice from windows and mirrors. This can cause the glass to crack.
  • The heating elements for the rear window heater are located on the inside of the rear window. Never apply stickers over the heating elements and never clean the inside of the rear window with corrosive or acidic detergents or any other chemicals.
  • Aerials located on the inside of the windows can be damaged by corrosive or acidic detergents, any other chemicals or if hard objects chafe against the window. Never apply stickers over the window aerials and never clean the aerials with corrosive or acidic detergents or any other chemicals.

    Questions & answers

    Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors — Volkswagen Golf Mk7

    What should I use to clean the Golf Mk7 windows?
    A commercially available, alcohol-based glass cleaner and a clean chamois or lint-free cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.
    How should I clean the Golf Mk7 heated rear window?
    Wipe horizontally along the heating elements, not across them, to avoid damaging the filaments. Do not use sharp objects or stickers on the heated glass.
    Can ice scrapers damage the Golf Mk7 windscreen?
    Use only a plastic ice scraper. Metal or hard objects can scratch the glass. Apply de-icer spray first to soften the ice, then scrape gently.
    Washing the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner
    First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer when cleaning your vehicle using a high-pressure cleaner. This applie ...

    Cleaning and changing windscreen wiper blades
    Fig. 198 Changing the windscreen wiper blades Fig. 199 Changing the rear window wiper blade First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings The factory-fitted winds ...

    Other materials: