Windshield Wiper Fluid and Other Windshield Treatment

[Soul Shinobi]

I know it's not something many people think about, but windshield wiper fluid has been on my mind lately.

From the beginning I've been a fan of keeping things simple and just buying that cheap blue crap that most people do. But lately I've been thinking... I've been thinking about Rain-X, and also 303 Instant Windshield Washer Tablets (which are added to water or regular windshield washer fluid).

Now, my mother is a fan of Rain-X, but I felt that in her Toyota minivan it left visible fogging when the windows weren't wet. She simply uses the fluid, not the wipes or spray on/rub in versions. Even with this taken into account, I was thinking of using it if perhaps it provides my old dinged windshield with protection from further damage. Do any of you know firsthand if it provides such protection, and if you use it, how does it work for you in general?

The other product I only heard about today. This 303 product seems to be popular among some car enthusiasts, but I know little more about how it actually works. If you use it, please share. I am going to mail in for a free sample, but that'll take a while to get here.

Well, that's all that on my mind for today, I'll gladly use any information, experiences, or advice you can provide, so don't hold out!

[LaureltheQueen]

RainX is bad news and will eventually ruin your windshield if not used religiously.

Regular car wax will work better than rain-x and not ruin your windshield.

[Soul Shinobi]

Interesting. Why is it so bad? And will regular car wax be optically clear?

[kidatari]

PPG makes a product called 'Aquapel.' I've heard it recommended that it be applied to new windshields, etc.

[Soul Shinobi]

Wow, after looking into this Aquapel, I'm sold on it! I'm going to get some next time I'm at an auto store.

[vrg3]

The Rain-X fluid is very different from the original Rain-X product. Rain-X fluid will wash off after several rainfalls. It works well but it does leave residue anywhere it falls and is not wiped off (e.g. the edges of the windshield and the surface of the hood just aft of each washer nozzle).

It seems to essentially be a dilute version of that spray-on car "wax" that is used at carwashes or in those "wash-and-wax-in-one" products, so using it is a bit like what Laurel is suggesting.

I use it because it's temporary but gets reapplied every time I use my windshield washers, and it works well.

I did buy an off-brand knockoff of the Rain-X fluid from Target once, and found that it left a visible film when applied to a dry windshield. Is it possible your mom's using this brand?

Regular car wax will be optically clear if applied correctly.

Another product I used to use a lot is Castrol AccuVision. It was introduced when the original Rain-X was the only product of its type on the market. It's in a little spray bottle. You're supposed to apply it to a dry windshield and buff with a towel, but it worked really well for me to just spray it all over the windshield (even in the rain) and then just use the wipers to spread it around. I think the Rain-X people noticed the same thing I did and decided to make it into a wiper fluid.

It doesn't look like that 303 product is designed to apply a water-repelling coating to the windshield, so it's not the same type of product as these others.

None of these products actually protect your windshield from any kind of damage. All I can think of for that kind of protection would be an application of something like 3M Stonguard or whatever. I don't know if they're made for windshields or not.

[LaureltheQueen]

Rockblocker had a few attempts at stongaurding windshileds, but IIRC, he didn't have very good success

[IronMonkeyL255]

Why is Regular Rain-X bad for a windshield?

I use the basic wipe on/wipe off version, and have had no real complaints about it. It hasn't ruined the windshields of anyone in my family, despite not using it on a regular basis (mainly when the rain not running gets annoying...)

I will say this though: Rain-X Anti-Fog does the exact opposite of what it's supposed to. Everywhere I put it fogged up more than usual.

[Subtle]

While it helps the rain to roll off, it streaks when the wipers are on. Most noticable at night time. OK for side windows.

Last year I got a set of the PIAA silicone wipers, which included some stuff in a tube that really works.

Vancouver gets 60 to 100 inches of rain a year---depends on how close you are to the mountains.

[Bheinen74]

interesting topic of discussion.
I have tried a few of the ones above (rain-x, and the castrol stuff)

My CRX i bought used in 1993, whenever it rained, i could drive that car in the rain, and the rain beaded so well, i didnt even really need the wipers on, even in a torrential downpour. Not sure what the previous owner had on there then. but since then, i have used rain-x, a few times the liquid that you soak a cloth with and rub on, wait, then buff off, and i have used the rain-x in a can that you spray on, a and also used the castrol spray, and have not gotten the results of whatever was on that CRX with anything. . maybe just plain turtle wax or??? so, i might try some turtle wax paste this spring. In my opinion, of the three above, the ran-x in the bottle that you soak on a rag and polish on with was the best.

I am waiting on a nice warm day, and will wax my car and put regular turtle wax paste on the windshield.

Note to you young people for car care, never, NEVER EVER EVER NEVER wax your car in the sun. do it inside a garage, or under a big shade tree, but never under the sun. ....just ask any good car body shop the reason why.......thats all. and you shouldnt wash the car under direct sun either, same reason