Do you use Rain-X (or equivalent rain protection)?

[antidentite]

Since summer is over, I'm wondering how many of you treat your windows with a water-repellant, such as Rain-X?

 

[Cape 4RUNNER]

I have a Rain-X additive that I put in with my windshield washer fluid so it can be applied on the go. No as good as treating the windshield, but good nonetheless. And really easy to use.

 

[4Evr4RunN3R]

I use the rain x window cleaner and rain repellent in one. works great!

 

[RonMAIDEN]

I use it on all my windows and it's a plus in winter as frost and ice don't seem to get as good a grip on the glass and is easier to remove.

 

[004Gunner]

I'll have to try it out. Ron's comments on it helping with frost and ice make it sound worthwhile

 

[TheBlueWave]

There's a hydrophillic coating on the windshield and front passenger windows, so no need for Rain-X there. I use it on the back and side windows.

 

[rook]

There's a hydrophillic coating on the windshield and front passenger windows, so no need for Rain-X there. I use it on the back and side windows.

I know Toyota publishes it as hydrophilic, but if that was true, the windshield would dissolve in water!



I use rain-x all around, and agree that it is good even in winter, allowing rain/snow/ice to slide off easily.

 

[Uneek]

None, I don't like how Rain-X attracts dirt and makes the water stick more after couple weeks without reapplication.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

Rain X is great. I just found a bottle of it sitting in our garage a few months ago and have been using it since. It really helps in the rain. I haven't tested it in the snow, and doubt I really will considering I'm in the south.

 

[NCSCOTT]

I just use the Rain-x Washer fluid. Works great and you never have to apply it. It takes a little bit at first for it to get a good layer on the windshield, but works fine after that.

 

[TheBlueWave]

I know Toyota publishes it as hydrophilic, but if that was true, the windshield would dissolve in water!



I use rain-x all around, and agree that it is good even in winter, allowing rain/snow/ice to slide off easily.

Let me use my nerdiness to attempt to explain.
Water molecules are attracted to eachother like magnets. This force is called "Hydrogen Bonding." Each molecule has a strong positive and negative pole. I think "Hydrophillic" (water loving) means that it attracts water molecules to certain sites on its surface that could be positively or negatively charged. By doing this and holding the molecules in place, it creates an area where more and more molecules are attracted, thus forming large droplets that become too heavy and slide down. The magnetic force on the hydrophillic surface is weaker than the hydrogen bonding force between water molecules so when bigger droplets form, they stay together as they slide off.
Something that dissolves in water is not "hydrophillic," its "water soluable."

 

[hulk311]

I use the product that billy maise pushes in his commercials.

 

[alaskaman]

the hydro properties of the windshield are simply great. on dark streets without reflections even in heavy rains I put the wipers on intermittment. fun to see rain just scoot off the glass......and quite amazing as well. tres cool

 

[Uneek]

fun to see rain just scoot off the glass......and quite amazing as well. tres cool

:iagree: just like watching the water bead off a fresh coat of wax.

 

[alaskaman]

:iagree: just like watching the water bead off a fresh coat of wax. [/QUOTE

........and what a nice secure feeling it is.

 

[rook]

Let me use my nerdiness to attempt to explain.
Water molecules are attracted to eachother like magnets. This force is called "Hydrogen Bonding." Each molecule has a strong positive and negative pole. I think "Hydrophillic" (water loving) means that it attracts water molecules to certain sites on its surface that could be positively or negatively charged. By doing this and holding the molecules in place, it creates an area where more and more molecules are attracted, thus forming large droplets that become too heavy and slide down. The magnetic force on the hydrophillic surface is weaker than the hydrogen bonding force between water molecules so when bigger droplets form, they stay together as they slide off.
Something that dissolves in water is not "hydrophillic," its "water soluable."

evidently there are hydrophobic and hydrophilic approaches. hydrophilic will reduce the angle of refraction and hydrophobic reduces the adhesive properties of water to glass allowing the water to cohere, bead up and roll off

 

[coolpop]

Doesn't the Rain-X make your wipers chatter like crazy? I used to use it on every vehicle and the wipers skipped and chattered. Needless to say, i don't use it anymore.

I'd be interested in knowing if that's a common issue.

 

[4runr30]

:iagree: just like watching the water bead off a fresh coat of wax. [/QUOTE

........and what a nice secure feeling it is.

I agree, but I dont like that it always messes up my wipers. When I apply the Rain-X my wipers always streak REALLY BAD and it drives me nuts! I'm thinking about buyin some Rain-X wipers, What do you think??:bash:

 

[4runr30]

:iagree: just like watching the water bead off a fresh coat of wax. [/QUOTE

........and what a nice secure feeling it is.

I agree, but I dont like that it always messes up my wipers. When I apply the Rain-X my wipers always streak REALLY BAD and it drives me nuts! :bash: I'm thinking about buyin some Rain-X wipers, What do you think??

 

[Uneek]

coolpop,
No chatter from the wipers after using Rain-X.

4runr30,
I don't like how my wipers don't make the glass completely dry after a pass.

Rain-X is great when it's freshly applied for the first week or so. After that I hate how my wipers leave a little streak or trail of fine water droplets. If there is a way to completed remove Rain-X after it's application, I would consider reapplying it on my windows. The upkeep to keep applying Rain-X in non-rain seasons is why I stopped using it. In the morning when there is dew, I don't like how my wipers streak and the glass seems like it's still dirty after cleaning them (because Rain-X isn't completely gone).