I didn't know that!

[KMX3060]

4Runner's windshield, side windows, and side mirrors are made of hydrophilic glass and repel water like a waxed car or a window that has been treated with Rain-X. The glass causes water to form large drops, which are quickly shed by gravity or wind. The side mirrors are angled out to increase the driver's field of view. The available moonroof includes a two-stage wind deflector designed to reduce wind noise when traveling above 55 mph.

 

[Hitman]

Yeah, that coating leaves a lot to be desired. Doesn't do much at all, if you ask me.

 

[psychoklr]

The coating on mine works great I can't believe how well it keeps the windows clear. I read about it somewhere on the net and there is a way to restore the properties of the glass you should look it up on google.

 

[dcampen]

Phobic not Philic

hydrophilic glass and repel water like a waxed car

OK, people keep using the word hydrophilic to describe the glass when the correct word is hydrophobic. Is this error somewhere in Toyota's literature?

 

[sharp4runr]

Yes its in the truck manual. I know what you mean about the meaning of hydrophyllic: Having an affinity for water

Affinity: A natural attraction

Maybe they are trying to say the glass attracts water to itself (makes bigger drops).

Not sure, just an assumption.

 

[DaveS]

And if your truck like mine and so many others went through the rain-x machine backwards it has hydrophobia (isn't that rabies?) on the rear window and sides but not the windshield for some reason..

 

[tkr128]

And if your truck like mine and so many others went through the rain-x machine backwards it has hydrophobia (isn't that rabies?) on the rear window and sides but not the windshield for some reason..

That's what I thought, but I think my front windsheild had it. I'm getting this smearing effect now, like it doesn't repel water like it did when new. All the other windows are still fine except the front windshield.

 

[Northof49]

And if your truck like mine and so many others went through the rain-x machine backwards it has hydrophobia (isn't that rabies?) on the rear window and sides but not the windshield for some reason..

That's from washing it with hard water.....

 

[abin]

After I wash the car, I always apply Rain-X on the windshield. It works perfectly.
You can also get windshield fluid from stores like Wal-Mart, which has Rain-X formula.

 

[dcampen]

Maybe they are trying to say the glass attracts water to itself (makes bigger drops).

The glass does in fact display the effects of a hydrophobic surface treatment. If the Manual says hydrophilic it is just because the translator got it wrong; no big surprise there the translation, overall, is pretty poor.

 

[psychoklr]

This explains what it is and what it does.. mine works great.

http://www.cardinalcorp.com/Products/Plus.htm

 

[JThree4Runner]

Alright! I'm happy that I found this thread because I thought I was freaking nutz.

I had a stone hop up and crack my windshield toward the end of last year and while I was tempted to get an OEM replacement from Toyo ($475) I opted for a "substitute" that was only $100 out of pocket after insurance.

Well, ever since it was replaced I SWORE that the visibility was 10 times worse when it rained! All the water would smear and make it tough to see versus when I had the original windshield I hardly ever used the wipers AND when I did, EVERYTHING was cleared away. NO SMEARING!!! It is honestly driving me crazy!! That and I can't freakin' see when it rains... EVEN A LIGHT MIST CAUSES PROBLEMS!!

I may just have to get the whole thing replaced again. Thx for the heads up guys

 

[pbm317]

also on the back window. still seems to be effective on my truck, 35,000 miles and kept outdoors 95% of the time.

 

[DaveS]

That's from washing it with hard water.....

But I use the same water on the windshield and all the other windows!!

 

[Hitman]

This explains what it is and what it does.. mine works great.

http://www.cardinalcorp.com/Products/Plus.htm

Okay, so maybe the "sacrificial zinc oxide coating" on my windshield was never removed.... all I need to do is wipe it with a vinegar/water solution to get rid of the coating?

I'll have to give it a try....