Following the thread on cleaning glass, I thought a separate thread on Rain-X is appropriate. Note the hydrophilic glass used on 2003 models does not work as well as a good coat of Rain-X.
You'll see that the steps and mechanics are similar to the steps in the thread about cleaning windows.
1. Clean the outside windows, including sunroonf, streak-free (I do the same for the headlights and taillights). I use Rain-X glass cleaner (it was sold as concentrate and much cheaper than Windex, cleans just as well), but you can use the glass cleaner of your choice. The steps:
A. Use a newspaper to spread the cleaner and get the dirt/bugs off.
B. Use a separate, clean and dry newspaper to dry the window to a streak free finish.
C. Repeat A and B as needed for stubborn grime.
2. Apply Rain-X. I just use a paper towel to spread it on all outside glass -- windows, headlights, and taillights. Be careful to not get it on the painted surfaces, as it can discolor the finish.
3. Give it about 10 minutes to dry to a haze.
4. Put a second coat of Rain-X going in the perpendicular direction to the first coat (if you applied the first coat going top to bottom, go side to side).
5. Give the second coat about 10 minutes to dry to a haze.
6. Using a light mist of water, spray the window and use newspaper to remove the excess Rain-X and polish the glass. Personally, using 2 newspapers seems to make the job easier. Use one to get the majority of the moisture off, the second for the final clean-up and polishing.
7. (I find this one very iimportant, because Rain-X can show streaks in sunlight no matter how well you think you have polished it). Use a clean, old t-shirt to polish the glass until it feels very slick. It seems that getting a slick finish minimizes glare and streaking.
With a good coat of Rain-X, water just blows away when you're traveling at 25mph or higher. In fact, I find that I rarely use the windshield wipers even in a mist.
The length of time the Rain-X lasts is variable, but in Arkansas we can usually go 3-4 months between applications.
One note -- cleaners like Windex seem strip away the Rain-X, so you will need to reapply in that case.
You'll see that the steps and mechanics are similar to the steps in the thread about cleaning windows.
1. Clean the outside windows, including sunroonf, streak-free (I do the same for the headlights and taillights). I use Rain-X glass cleaner (it was sold as concentrate and much cheaper than Windex, cleans just as well), but you can use the glass cleaner of your choice. The steps:
A. Use a newspaper to spread the cleaner and get the dirt/bugs off.
B. Use a separate, clean and dry newspaper to dry the window to a streak free finish.
C. Repeat A and B as needed for stubborn grime.
2. Apply Rain-X. I just use a paper towel to spread it on all outside glass -- windows, headlights, and taillights. Be careful to not get it on the painted surfaces, as it can discolor the finish.
3. Give it about 10 minutes to dry to a haze.
4. Put a second coat of Rain-X going in the perpendicular direction to the first coat (if you applied the first coat going top to bottom, go side to side).
5. Give the second coat about 10 minutes to dry to a haze.
6. Using a light mist of water, spray the window and use newspaper to remove the excess Rain-X and polish the glass. Personally, using 2 newspapers seems to make the job easier. Use one to get the majority of the moisture off, the second for the final clean-up and polishing.
7. (I find this one very iimportant, because Rain-X can show streaks in sunlight no matter how well you think you have polished it). Use a clean, old t-shirt to polish the glass until it feels very slick. It seems that getting a slick finish minimizes glare and streaking.
With a good coat of Rain-X, water just blows away when you're traveling at 25mph or higher. In fact, I find that I rarely use the windshield wipers even in a mist.
The length of time the Rain-X lasts is variable, but in Arkansas we can usually go 3-4 months between applications.
One note -- cleaners like Windex seem strip away the Rain-X, so you will need to reapply in that case.