I've been reading some of the old threads concerning Rain-x as I am thinking about applying it to the windshield, windows and mirrors of my S. Most people seem to like it. From what I've read, it seems to work well. I have 4 questions.

1. Is there any down side to using it? I have normal eye sight (no cataracts, etc.), and normal night vision so that is not an issue.

2. Can I use it elsewhere such as on the headlights and taillights? Will it do any good?

3. Can I use it on an older vehicle that has never before been treated? I have a 1998 4Runner that I'd like to apply it to. This windshield has a ding that has been filled with epoxy. Does this have any effect?

4. In general does it really make a difference? I hate using the windshield wipers, will rain-x elliminate the need. I've seen that on the commercials but it seems too good to be true.

Thanks.

I put this in this forum because I want answers from as wide a cross section of users as possible. Thanks.

 

1. Not that I have seen, other then missing it when it not there.
2. No, it is made to treat Glass and not plastic.
3. Yes, it still have glass on the windows right?
4. I live in TX, and when it rains it rains. And I hardly ever have to use my windshield wipers. It is true.

 

I second what Stratocaster said, in fact I just came in from applying RainX to my daily driver, as we're expected to get poured on today and tomorrow!

Some have had bad experiences with it, I can only guess those people put it on wrong or in some way didn't follow the directions. I LOVE RainX. It works just as shown in commercials, though you need to re-apply it almost monthly for it to maintain the sheeting action shown on TV.

Do NOT use RainX anti-fog for interior glass, I've found that to be more trouble than it's worth.

 

Rob, I have been Rain-X since it came out years ago and can say nothing but good things about it. I will say that you do need to have GOOD rubber in your wipers, if you use them. The only thing I have seen that could be called a negative point is that with less than good wiper blades, you will see a haze left on the windshield. If that happens, clean the wipers and the windshield and reapply the Rain-X. If you still have problems, change the wiper blade rubber.

For the most part, you will not need the wipers. It's a personal call, sometimes I don't use them, but if it's really coming down, I will. The reason that I will use the wipers is the streaks left behind from the rain drops as they scoot up the windshield. Try it and you will see what I am talking about.

The bottle tells you not to use it on plastics unless it has been pre-approved (by the manufacturer?). They also mention that you should keep it off painted surfaces.

I like to use Rain-X on the windshield, the side windows and the rearview mirrors and that's all.

Give it a try. I think that you will like it,
Bob

 

I've used it on plastic and it does the same thing as it does on glass. However, it is alcohol based, and you should try it first to see if you have compatibility problems. I have never encountered this, however. In regards to your old windshield, to make sure you get all the old film off your glass before you sandwich it under the Rain-X, thououghly clean the glass with methyl ethyl ketone.
Don't sniff this stuff! It is avaible at paint stores, Home Depot, etc. If you haven't tried the new silicone wiper blades, you will be stunned! One set was all it took for me to change everything over. In combination with Rain-X, it's as though you have no glass at all.

 

1. No downside, except maybe if you get a stone chip that needs repaired... don't use Rain-X until the chip is repaired. The beading makes it difficult to see with street lights, but that's only a significant problem for people with cataracts from what I've heard and experienced.

2. Although it may work on headlights, I've found on my previous cars that it makes the surface funky after a while. Not yellowed or anything, just an uneven texture to the headlight. I stopped doing it.

3. YES!

4. YES!

PS- I also use Rain-X washer fluid in my other cars (The S doesn't see rain). It is supposed to help keep the treatment fresh in the wiper's path after heavy wiper use between applications. I like it because it seems to also lubricate the windshield so the wipers don't skip. There is varying levels of freeze-protection available (see their website)

 

Thanks to everyone for the info.

A little while ago, after reading your responses, I went to Wal-Mart and bought some. I applied it to the windshield and rear window of my 4Runner. Its raining now so I'm soon going to find out how I like it.

Chipperman

Where did you get the silicone wiper blades? It sounds like a really good idea.

 

clean the windshield with MEK? make sure you dont spill it on the paint!

 

i throw in some rain~x windshield washer fluid to the washer fluid tank..duh.
can buy it from wall-mart, ect. works like a rain~x boost.
after using the wash fluid i have never put the real rain~x on the window.
no haze problems.

 

I got the silicone blades at Auto Zone. They are made by Trico. I think it was about $14.00 or so. Use these once, you won't change.

Skynet is correct about MEK on the paint. Use it on a rag. This is a common practice in the glazing industry to make sure silicone caulk will bond to the glass. You won't believe the crud that will come off the surface. We use it when installing replacement windows to get that "new shine" look.