Wipers And Rain X

A

AndyS

Member
Gloucestershire
I've just recently applied Rain X to all of the windows. It's the first time I've ever used it.
It seems absolutely fine in rain or heavy spray but when there's a small amount of moisture on the windscreen or if I need to use the washers to clean the screen then the wipers don't seem to clear it at all. I just end up with streaks made up of very small water droplets which don't clear but eventually dry leaving the screen dirtier than before.
Can anyone advise whether this is a result of the Rain X or whether it's the wiper blades.
Is there something else I can try to improve things?
Any advice much appreciated.
 
Probably the wipers, I've used rain-X for years and love it in the summer. The bugs just wipe right off and the rain blows off at highway speeds.
 
Rainx sponsors the BRAKE organisation, enough reason for me never to buy it.
 
I use it on the side and rear windows but have never applied it to the windscreen for the very reason mentioned above. I guess new wipers might be worth a try... ?
 
Z4 Beemer said:
I use it on the side and rear windows but have never applied it to the windscreen for the very reason mentioned above. I guess new wipers might be worth a try... ?
Click to expand...
Strange, when I started using it I only put it on the windshield and didn't do side windows . I can't remember ever having any problems, it acts like a fine film of wax (it probably is just wax) When I put it on I polish it on then sprinkle a few drops of water on it and wipe them off and can never see a film or reflections and it works great. Without the water drops it always leaves a film that is visible, perhaps that is what's different?
 
Maybe I have bought the wrong thing.
There were two Rain X products, one was just a water repellant, the other was a glass cleaner too.
I bought the glass cleaner/rain repellant one. Perhaps that could be a problem too.
Maybe I'll have to try the drops of water when applying before I try new wiper blades - after all, that's free!
 
This is the stuff I use, simple and basic. As for the delete button (other post) it looks like it you might need a moderator type member to delete it now.

P1000123.jpg
 
That was the other product which I didn't buy - maybe that's the difference.
Mine is in a larger bottle with a trigger spray top.
On the RainX site it's called 2 in 1 Glass Cleaner and Rain Repellent.
Thanks also with your help with the other mis-post.
 
pvr said:
Rainx sponsors the BRAKE organisation, enough reason for me never to buy it.
Click to expand...
Didn't know that - I think I'll be buying the Halfords own brand in future then...


Sounds like the OP's wipers are knackered. I've used Rain-X for years on all windows (front, back and sides) and have never had a problem with smearing after I'd replaced my wiper blades not long after buying my Z4. I've posted up info about good replacement retrofit flat-blade style wipers for the Z4 before - think it's www.wiperblades.co.uk funnily enough.
 
Hmm, interesting. I found the same problem, having used it on both cars. Not effective at all. The anti-mist product they make for the interior was worse imo. Made no difference except slight smearing. Applied them both twice btw.
 
Me thinks you're not doing it right :wink:

I've had nothing but great results using Rain-X, but I know it's very much a love/hate thing. I applied it to my dad's car and he cursed me for it, he hated the way the water beads upwards off the screen.
 
Not sure! Hard to say really.

I don't follow the advice on the bottle completely:
- apply a thorough layer of the stuff as directed, using a good amount of pressure
- let it dry a bit
- without buffing off the first coat, reapply another layer
- let it dry a bit
- remove the residue using a water sprayer to moisten it up along with wads of kitchen roll (Tesco Value...)
- I find it easier to remove using a tiny bit of water and kitchen roll than using a yellow duster or a microfibre, seems to come off easier and cleaner

I do find your wiper blades need to be in good condition otherwise it WILL just smear water across the screen rather than clear it completely, so it's likely that could be the problem.
 
Ok thanks. I suspect trying to use it in the cold weather doesn't help. I'll try your advice when it's a bit warmer, thanks.
 
AndyS said:
I've just recently applied Rain X to all of the windows. It's the first time I've ever used it.
It seems absolutely fine in rain or heavy spray but when there's a small amount of moisture on the windscreen or if I need to use the washers to clean the screen then the wipers don't seem to clear it at all. I just end up with streaks made up of very small water droplets which don't clear but eventually dry leaving the screen dirtier than before.
Can anyone advise whether this is a result of the Rain X or whether it's the wiper blades.
Is there something else I can try to improve things?
Any advice much appreciated.
Click to expand...

I had this, you will find that the more you use it, the better it gets. I don't get the misting up now and don't even need my wipers at speeds above 65mph.
 
Glad to know I'm not the only one having problems with Rain X.
I'm thinking I might change the wiper blades too.
I bought the car a month ago so have no idea when the blades were last changed.
Seems like it could need several applications of the stuff for it to become fully effective.
As I said in the original post, in heavy rain or mist it's brilliant but not good in lighter drizzle.
Hopefully it'll improve soon!
 
The only time Rain-X is a problem for me is when you get spray, as it contains a lot more than water.

The Rain-X will get rid of the water (assuming there's enough) but the dirt & oil from the road still sticks.

Also, it has never worked very well below 50mph.
 
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