I am an avid user of Rain-X, where I find it really works in getting better night vision (when it rains) and in clearing rain-water.

However, I know of people who advises me against the use of Rain-X, with their logic that it is bad for the wipers.

I do say that the wipers make a little squeaking noise, but the effects of Rain-X application far exceeds the irritating squeaks.

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... Kerry

126 tailed by a 203, 129 leading the pack.

Rain-X-like products are really GREAT, the first couple of thousand kilometres/miles. After this first effect (when one does not have to use the wiper anymore), the rain-X-like product makes it nearly impossible to see anything when it is raining and the wiper is turned on. I only had some advantage in the beginning and was glass that the product finally was completely lost after 40.000km and visibility got better again...

greetingz,

__________________
1990 300SL-24
1993 C250D with a minor 600+k kilometer
www.MBenzNL.com(the Netherlands)

I like it too, just wish it stayed on longer..

__________________
2000 Ford 7.3 Powerstroke 4x4
2006 Mazda Tribute
1983 Black 300 D (donated to charity)
1993 Teal 300 D (160K) Sold
"I love the smell of burnt diesel fuel in the morning, it smells like ....VICTORY"

Semper Fidelis
USMC 1973-1976

YMSIN,

I disagree with the logic of people you know regarding that Rain-X is bad for you wipers. I find that at highway speeds (above 50 MPH) I do not need my wipers on because the rain beads off the windshield. My experience has been that if you clean the rubber part of the wipers when you fill up at the gas station, the wipers last several years.

I also use Rain-X on my headlights - it keeps the headlights cleaner from the road salt from Chicago winters.

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Ray
1998 Mercedes E320, 200K Miles
2001 Acura 3.2TL, 178K Miles
1992 Chevy Astro, 205K Miles

I find the Rain-X is very useful event in city crusing during day time. Rain water just slide right off the windshield. One way to ensure Rain-X works every time is to apply a fresh coat every time you wash your car. I think someone else had mentioned this method in one of the discussions as well.

95 R129
98 W163

The recommended re-application is either 3 months or 2,000 km, whichever is the earlier.

Applying it everytime might be a little excessive but promotes good discipline when detailing (I suppose).

There are a few in the market shelves nowadays. I saw another - Rain Clear.

Great feedback.


PS. Apparently, its application extends to planes, or so I was told by my AeroNa. Ing. pal.

[Edited by ymsin on 03-22-2001 at 05:25 AM]

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... Kerry

126 tailed by a 203, 129 leading the pack.

hmm, so I had to refresh the rain X coating every week (or two) to get the best out of it...

I only wash my car once per 15-35.000km...

Nevertheless; that stuff is great as long as it is just brought on; no need of wipers anymore. Unfortunately it is too much fuzz to keep the coating in good condition when you drive a lot.

greetingz,

__________________
1990 300SL-24
1993 C250D with a minor 600+k kilometer
www.MBenzNL.com(the Netherlands)

I used it many years ago. I like it then but didnt bother to use it for years now. I still have a couple bottles that are 2 years old.

I plan on starting to use it again. The reason why I stopped was because they were hampering with the wipers. Not only did they squeek, but they were kind of smeering or something. I tried it again a few months later and same thing.

I am going to apply them next time I detail my car.

Perhaps if its used REGULARLY, and I meant maybe like once a week - it may not be that bad to squeeking as hard as it would?

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... Kerry

126 tailed by a 203, 129 leading the pack.

I've had good luck with RainX on the windshield, though you have to clean the hell out of the windshield before applying. You also have to reapply anywhere from every 1-3 months or visibility goes in the can. Actually, I love the product from STP called "Vision Blade" but I can't find it anymore. It did last over 6 months with no problems. Since I can't find it anymore I generally use RainX here in hot/wet-lanta.

Hope this helps,
Lee

PS I find it VERY helpful to do the "bon-ami" or toothpaste treatment (then drying very thoroughly) before applying RainX, especially for the 1st time.

Water just blows right off the windshield.

I use Rain-X and have done so for years. If applied 3 or 4 times a year it works great. When old, it makes infinitesimally tiny drops on the windshield that hampers vision under certain conditions. I went so long without using my washers that I had to replace the washer pump and lines when I finally tried to use them. I think it relates to using rain-x and not using the washers and wipers. Maybe? Whatever, I recommend the stuff.

Steve
’85 500SL (Euro)

I love Rain-X. I use it on everything, rear window, windshield, side mirrors, and headlights. Rain-X is really good on bathroom tile too, it eliminates a lot of scrubbing. If you doubt me try it for yourself I've found that keeping the wiper blade rubber helps more than Rain-X.

Kuan

I don't clean the hell out of the windshield before applying coz the application by itself would clean the hell out of anything sticking on the windshield.

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... Kerry

126 tailed by a 203, 129 leading the pack.

I have to agree with Lee that cleaning the windshield with "bon ami" removes all the road oils that will build up causing streaking and poor wet visability. Don t tell my wife about those other uses mentioned or I ll be spending more time indoors.

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98 E430(sport), 99 ML 320 (sold) , 05 C 230(sport) Mark

Rain-x works for keeping water off the windshield. However, my experience is that it leaves a thin film that almost blinds you when sun light or head lights are shining directely through the my windshield. The same effect as having a dirty windshield.

What are your expiences. Am I using it wrong.

__________________
Silver Honda Accord, 2006
Silver G500, 2003
Silver SLK-320, 2002
Black ML-320, 2000
Bule Porsche 993 Targa , 1997
Silver Merkur XR4Ti, 1987