Rain-X . . . Not a Fan!

[expidia]

Now I remember why I stopped using it years ago . . .

Usd it on my X5 windshield several weeks ago.
Yes, it beads the water when it rains.

But when a bug hits the windshield it now its leaves a huge splatter where as with no rain-x it tends to hit it and bounce off or leave a small bug mark.

Just got back from a two hour drive into the mountains over the 4th holiday and my windshield is disgusting with splattered bug guts. Looks Like I've been hit with a machine gun of bug gut bullets

This Rain-X is nasty stuff and now I have to use some more of my time using a non abrasive cleaner to remove it

I'm telling ya, forgo the beading water and toss Rain-X in the gar'bage.

[Rotzy]

I'm the other way: I can't stand do drive without it! I've put it on service loaners, rental cars and even friends/family vehicles when I'm forced to drive them in the rain. I hate driving in the rain without rainx.

[Flying Ace]

thanks for the review. I had an unopened tube of this sitting around. Wasn't sure about whether I wanted to apply it.

So your biggest gripe is bug splatter?

[expidia]

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

thanks for the review. I had an unopened tube of this sitting around. Wasn't sure about whether I wanted to apply it.

So your biggest gripe is bug splatter?

Yes, its the splatter it's brutal as compared to no rain-x.
As for it beading water, its great. You dont even need to turn your wipers on.
But I find myself using the auto windshield button anyway. Great feature.


I just got through scrubbing it all off with no scratch bon ami and a nylon pad.

Just google "how to remove rain-x". and see all the threads that opo up. If its so great, then why are there so many threads telling you how to remove it?

Try this . . . only do 1/2 your window say the right side with rain-x and report back after you come off the highway on a warm night and tell me which side is all splattered up?

[Flying Ace]

^ but I take it that the pain is if the bug splatters on the rain-x coating, it's hard to simply remove the bug splatter with a swipe of the wiper?

[bcb1]

I love RainX myself, I've been using it on all my cars for years. I guess everyone has their own idea of what they like or don't like

For me, the RainX beading the water and hardly ever needing to use my wipers far outweighs the bug splatter. But I'm a clean car fanatic and I wash and wax my cars at least once a week so cleaning the windshield is just part of my routine.

My daughter got a crack I her Touareg windshield and had it replaced this week, and the same day she called me and said Dad, I need RainX on my windshield! lol I guess it runs in the family.

[KennySRFElite]

I use Aquapel, longer lasting than Rainex, same performance. I would never be without it. If the bugs bother you, use your wiper fluid and clean the windshield. In my opinion the windshield cleans better with either Aquapel or Rainex while using just fluid.
KP

[expidia]

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

^ but I take it that the pain is if the bug splatters on the rain-x coating, it's hard to simply remove the bug splatter with a swipe of the wiper?

for some reason rain-x makes the size of each splat 3 times larger. Turning on windshield fluid removes some but mostly smears the stuff that remains making it even worse especially at night.

Like I said, I used to use it, but stopped for that reason. Its been around for like 30 years from my best recollection. Just googled it. Introduced in 1972 or 45 years ago.

Some luv it. Maybe they have no bugs in their area?

Ya, it would be great if just turning on the WW and squirting the spray would clear the glass, but when the windshield is rain-x'd I find it makes a mess in the warmer months. Maybe ok for the colder weather months.

On another note . . . whats the last thing that goes through "a bugs mind" just before he hits your windshield???
^
^
^
^
^
His asshole!

[ronmexico385]

Pretty sure rainx is supposed to be used as an alternative to wipers....not both.

I put it on my side/back windows and sunroof for visibility and have never had a problem.

[iconoclast]

Originally Posted by expidia

I'm telling ya, forgo the beading water and toss Rain-X in the gar'bage.

Go for Aquapel. Much better product.

[Alan l.]

one thing that stopped me from using rainx a long time ago was that it makes the wiper blades chatter (skip) over time. Once i stopped using it my wiper blades never chattered and seems to last for years instead of months.

[expidia]

Originally Posted by iconoclast

Go for Aquapel. Much better product.

Thx for that tip. Aquapel was touted in this post earlier too. I checked the amazon reviews on this product. scrolling through for the less stars most say their beef is its a horrible product to remove the haze in the final step after applying as you have to apply real quick or the haze removal with paper towels is brutal.

Says it does last 4-6 months.

One reviewer said he dripped some on his paint and it ate into his clear coat leaving a permanent drip mark (make a note of that for those who use it and be careful).

Also costlier than rain-x, but it does last up to 6 month where rain-x lasts a month.

After this last bug splattered trip I scrubbed rain-x all off (but bug splats do clean up easier off the windshield with rain-x) but its during the trip having to look though a total mess of a windshield that turned me off to the product once again. rain-x been the same formula for 45 years, no wonder Aquapel was able to make inroads into rain-x's market share with a better product.

My X5's windshield glass will continue now . . . "commando"

[expidia]

Originally Posted by Alan l.

one thing that stopped me from using rainx a long time ago was that it makes the wiper blades chatter (skip) over time. Once i stopped using it my wiper blades never chattered and seems to last for years instead of months.

I can see that happening. A little twist to the arm probably would have corrected that, but then also make the blade edge a little less effective on the windshield.

I like one posters suggestion that he uses it on his sunroof side windows and rear window. At least no bug splats on those windows. I might try it again just on the rear window maybe it will stay a tad cleaner.

They should design an airflow system that blows down the tailgate. I really hate how suv tailgates get so dirty so quick. Like in 1 day even with no rain.

[alphaod]

I used to believe in Rain-X, but after clogging up my washer system I went with a coating. I also use those PIAA silicone wipers which seem to do a good job. As for removing bugs, I just use steel wool.

[expidia]

Originally Posted by alphaod

I used to believe in Rain-X, but after clogging up my washer system I went with a coating. I also use those PIAA silicone wipers which seem to do a good job. As for removing bugs, I just use steel wool.

you are kidding about the steel wool . . right

I just use windex and a plastic no scratch scrubby pad for my first pass.

[Florida-X3]

He's right on the steel wool .... go to any RV forum (Google it too), using 0000 steel wool on your windshield will clean it fantastically and does not scratch.

[rybocf]

Originally Posted by alphaod

I used to believe in Rain-X, but after clogging up my washer system I went with a coating. I also use those PIAA silicone wipers which seem to do a good job. As for removing bugs, I just use steel wool.

Does the rain-x washer fluid mess with your washer "sprayer" system? Uh oh.

[artem123]

Originally Posted by expidia

you are kidding about the steel wool . . right

I just use windex and a plastic no scratch scrubby bad for my first pass.

I have been using steel wool (0000) for many ears on many of my cars. Results are fantastic.

[expidia]

Originally Posted by artem123

I have been using steel wool (0000) for many ears on many of my cars. Results are fantastic.

I use q-tips git it? . . . many ears!

[KennySRFElite]

Originally Posted by rybocf

Does the rain-x washer fluid mess with your washer "sprayer" system? Uh oh.

I have been using washer fluid with RainEx in it since I bought my X6, which was November of '16, no problems.
KP

[SilverRevlis]

I think the increased confidence during wet weather travel outweighs the bug splatter for me.

[artem123]

Originally Posted by cautjit

I have been using washer fluid with RainEx in it since I bought my X6, which was November of '16, no problems.
KP

Do not quote me, but i am sure that BMW is against any other product for windshield fluid but regular "blue stuff". There is a long thread here somewhere with great explanation of "why". I know i even called to ask, and the mechanic from the dealer told me so.
Also, on the other note, i use aquapel, rather than rainex, although i barely notice the difference, except the fact that aquapel stays longer.