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Water repellent glass

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by tredstone, Mar 14, 2009.

  1. tredstone

    tredstone New Member

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    I saw in another thread that the Prius 2010 US page was updated and one of the new features was water repellent glass. I assume there is some property about the glass that prevents water from creating poor visibility blobs.

    But for those of us not buying a 2010 prius (or like me, JUST bought an '09 Prius... lol), it immediately made me think of how I could somehow adopt this feature for my current car. I did a quick search and found a few sprays you can apply to the glass of your car to make it temporarily rain repellent.

    Here's one, for example: Glass Science Rain Clear Windshield Repellant Spray, water repellent, glass sealant, glass protectant, RainX

    Has anyone had any experience with these products? Maybe someone can make a recommendation? (Or describe their bad experience with them)
     
    #1 tredstone, Mar 14, 2009
  2. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    Yes, we were discussing this is another thread, and rain-x works quite well. I have been using it for almost 16 years now.

    I put it on every window on the car the day I drive a new car home. Then I do just the front window about every 3 months. It beads the water and makes it fly right off once the car is moving. It is a product that really does work and makes a distinctive difference. Some complain that it makes the wipers chatter at times but with the tremendous improved visibility it offers I can take the occassional chatter or squeek.

    They also make an additive that you can put in your washer fluid tank and when you squirt your windows it applies a bit of product. Definitely helps in making the application last longer.

    Oh, and yes, there are other brands/knock offs out there (some even found at dollar stores!) but trust me from much experience, rain-x is the only one to go with. They also make a new window cleaner with the rain-x in it so it applies it when you clean your windows, and that works good too. I bought it at BJ's wholesale club actually with an instant rebate...
     
    #2 Paradox, Mar 14, 2009
  3. jayman

    jayman Senior Member

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    I tried Rain-X once, and it made my wipers skip and chatter. The treatment doesn't last very long, then you have wipers that don't work

    I had to go over the windshield with mineral spirits, then rubbing alcohol, to remove all traces of that crap. Then had to change the wiper inserts

    I use Aquapel, it actually lasts for up to 6 months

    Rain Repellent Glass Treatment - Aquapel Glass Treatment

    It's made by PPG. No wiper skip or chatter either
     
    #3 jayman, Mar 14, 2009
  4. Oddest_raindrop

    Oddest_raindrop New Member

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    I use rain-x, great stuff sometimes don't even need wipers in the rain. I prefer to get the stuff that you add to your washer fluid so you can reapply anytime even during a down pour. It's simple fill up your reservoir and add a little rain-x and your done.
     
    #4 Oddest_raindrop, Mar 14, 2009
  5. Fraser

    Fraser New Member

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    I put Rain-X on my windows when we bought the 08. Works well, no wiper chatter. Reapplied the front windshield a couple of months ago. We average 65 inches of rain a year, but I'm just not convinced it makes a whole lot of difference. Florida requires wipers to operate during rain, so seems to be some overkill. But if you want to use Rain-X, I think it would suit you well.
     
    #5 Fraser, Mar 14, 2009
  6. galaxee

    galaxee mostly benevolent

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    we get a lot of crappy mist-like rain instead of real raindrops down here. i use rain-x and bosch icon wipers (but only when they're on sale!), they clear up the windshield pretty well for me.
     
    #6 galaxee, Mar 14, 2009
  7. Fraser

    Fraser New Member

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    My bad; I never heard of a rear windshield. Or a side windshield, as far as that goes.
     
    #7 Fraser, Mar 15, 2009
  8. tredstone

    tredstone New Member

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    I'm gonna give it a try! Who needs a 2010 Prius? :thumb:
     
    #8 tredstone, Mar 15, 2009
  9. dhancock

    dhancock 2 Prius Family

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    Another BIG Vote for Rain-X. I've been using it for something like 26 years. I find that it really helps the wipers and, yes (particularly on the Prius) at high enough speeds, the air flow just blows the water off the windshield. I only have used the regular stuff. The period of time it lasts depeds mostly on how much you use the wipers (the stuff does not decay by itself - only mechanical action takes it off).
     
    #9 dhancock, Mar 15, 2009
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