In applying Rain-X to a windshield, there is the step which requires buffing the glass after the initial application of the fluid. The buffing involves applying a little water to the window. Afterwards, Rain-X is reapplied and polished again, but this time without anything added. What does the water do in connection with the buffing? I've always assumed that Rain-X works by filling all the little imperfections in the windshield surface and creating a sort of finish glaze (probably the wrong word), but how would water help it do that in that intermediate step?

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David

His:
2003 Dodge Durango SLT
2002 BMW E39 530i Sport
1988 Mercedes 300TE
Hers:
2003 Chevrolet Suburban
1999 E430

I think water helps to even out
the application and eliminate streaks.
I could be wrong.

My experience with Rain X is that on an old glass that has sand pits it does keep the water off BUT at night I think the actual visibilty is reduced. So I stopped using it.

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Ricali

03 C240 4matic wagon
95 300E 234,000
7 prior 240;s 5 still going
81 300sd gone
65 230sl gone
49 Studebaker Champion
90BMW convert.167,000
60 Dodge D-100

I have always wondered about that too. I tried the rain x both with and without the water and I really couldn't tell the difference.

As long as you are doing it, do the back window as well. It will help water sheet off the back window.

Alon

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'92 300CE - Sold
2004 C240 - 744 - C7 Wheels - Android Radio
2002 C320 - 816 - Sport Wagon

Has anybody tried the Rain-X Anti Fog stuff on the inside of the windshield?

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Palangi

2004 C240 Wagon 203.261 Baby Benz
2008 ML320 CDI Highway Cruiser
2006 Toyota Prius, Saving the Planet @ 48 mpg
2000 F-150, Destroying the Planet @ 20 mpg



TRUMP .......... WHITEHOUSE
HILLARY .........JAILHOUSE
BERNIE .......... NUTHOUSE
0BAMA .......... OUTHOUSE

On a side note; About three years ago, Andy Rooney on 60 Minutes railed against "Products that just don't work", and cited RainX as a prime example. He tried some on his car, and said it worked about as well as...water.

They sued CBS, 60 Minutes, and Mr Rooney. The parent company threatened to pull all of their advertising. The following week, Andy had to use his five minutes at the end of the show to apologize the the "good folks at RainX", and explain that this is "probably a good product".

I'll NEVER buy it.

Just my two scents...

I have used rain-x on the exterior rearview mirrors, rear and also side windows and it helps to keep the windows clean. Good for one or two months.

I don't trust using it in front worrying that it may not work well.

For the record, Andy Rooney's job is to be pissed off and moan about life. He doesn't often get on the air with a smile and tell you why he's happy, does he?

I've used Rain-X with great success, but I've also discovered the secret. Start by cleaning the windshield really, really well. Once the glass is clean, get an old cotton sock or two. One sock is for the application of the Rain-X. Rub it in thoroughly like the directions state, then let it dry. This means 5 - 10 minutes.

Now put another coat of Rain-X over the first one. Let that dry for another 5 -10 minutes. When you're sure you can see a white haze on the window, it's dry. Now take the unused sock and buff out the window. If the sock starts to smear the glass, find another one. If you do it this way, you get an incredibly clear windshield that will blowoff the rain without the windshield wipers for at least a month or two.

Most complaints with Rain-X are with the streaking and smearing. This is an application problem. I learned this secret from a friend in the MBCA, but I've proved it to myself several times. It can be a PITA to apply, but it really keeps your glass clean. I've been know to apply it to my side windows and headlights as well. Keeps them cleaner between washes.
HTH,

someguyfromMaryland

I'm also a big fan of Rain-X and have been using it for about 15 years. I find that it is not nearly as effective on my ML-320 as it is on my sedans. The windshield clears of water at about 10 to 15 MPH sooner on the sedans. I have to get to about 40 or 45 MPH with the ML to get a clear windshield.

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Tom H.

I have used Rain X on several of my cars....but ONLY on the rear window, mirrors, and headlights. This stuff is great on the rear window as I find myself not using the rear wiper on the SUV, and my wife's C 280 rear window stays quite clean during the rain. I also find that snow will not stick to the rear window and the headlights will clean very easily. The one note of caution however, is that whatever is on your windows BEFORE you seal them with Rain X, will be there for life in not totally removed prior to the treatment. I'm also very careful about keeping this stuff away from the paint!

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Dale, R129
W202

i dont know about rain -x but i am sure there are polymer products out there that are really effective.

I apply Rain X the way that Dude in Maryland
does but I use heavy duty paper towel.No smearing.
It really works.Clean windshield,side mirror and
rear window.The only problem is sore armpit the
next day.

I've been using Rain-X for about 5 yrs and love it. I highly recommend it! Most of the times I never have to even use the wiper because it does such a great job of repelling water.

Regarding the water issue, I think the directions say its to get rid of excess Rain X or something like that. I never apply a second coat and i'm satisfied with the results.

Only concern is on cold mornings the windows are kind of foggy when I first start up the car. After that its fine.

Fog-X, never worked for me

Ren

I have used Rain X for over a decade and I swear by it. I use it on the sides windows and outside rear view mirrors.

I used to drive a taxi many years back, and when the wipers were broken using the RainX saved me. And maybe the lives of others! The water just beaded up and flew away. Ah...its magic.


I just saw RainX brand winshield washer fluid. And its a real funky color. Has anyone tried it out yet??? I cant inagine that it works as well as the polish and dont know how it would get applied evenly to the areas of the windshield that the wipers dont get to.

Any Thoughts??

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Patrick Leber
'84 190E 2.3
'83 Porsche 944 (track car)
'84 Porsche 944 (parts car)
85.5 Porsche 944 (sled)