Windshiled Care Question

S

sixty7mustang22

New member
I have just replaced my windshield wipers with brand new Bosh Icons. On top of that, I used some vinigar and water mix with some steal wool to make it really smooth. Then, I added two coats of Rain-X using the directions on the bottle. However, I still get streaking or film when I use the wipers.



I do like how the rain beads off and how not much sticks to the windshiled, but the wipers still streak or leave a film on the windshield. I have had this problem with most all the wipers I have tried. I usually always use Rain-x.



What can I do to help my wipers function better. Anyone care to share how they detail their windshiled and maybe offer advice on what I am doing wrong?
 
Rain-X has turned to Bunk about 5 years ago... I've never had good experiences with Rain-X.



PPG's Aquapel, however, is perfect for about 3-4 months. Rain-x lasts a few weeks before it starts to streak.



Best option? Brand-new windshield.



I would recommend polishing it as you would paint, and don't use anything else. Anything you put *ON* the windshield will give you the opportunity to streak. Best bet, let the wipers do the work!
 
I think Rain-x could be your problem. I use aquapel, it last logner and works better. The Bosch Icons are supposed to be awesome, and the windshield was cleaned well by you so my guess is the Rain-x. But if the winshield is old, and pitted that could cause the problem as well if so then you are SOL. I only clean my windshield when I wash the car and sometimes with IG if it's nasty and I can't wash it right away. Before I apply the aquapel I use IPA to clean it well.



There are also glass polishes you could try, but if you used steel wool then it probably won't make a huge difference.



Others have great luck with Rain-x. YMMV. Sorry it doesn't help much.
 
The car is only 3.5 years old. There is no need for a new windshield at all.



I guess I just need to find a way to get rid of the existing Rain-X residue and start over. There is no pitting or anything. Trust me, the windshield is completely clean and smooth.



I guess my problem is the Rain-x. Anyone got any idea how to remove it? Dawn dish soap and some glass polish with steal wool?



Where do you get Aquapel? Any local type stores carry it? Oh, and what is IPA?
 
Just chiming in with another vote for Aquapel. To remove the Rain-X use a liquid wax remover or paint prep, it'll literally just wipe off.
 
IPA= rubbing alcohol. Tirerack sells aquapel so does topoftheline dot com



I don't think you will get it local.
 
Well, I use the 303 washer treatment that I purchased off the Autopia site. Is that good enough?



Also, what kind of liquid wax remover or paint prep are we talking about here? Can you name a few? Will Scratch-X work? Are there any I can find at Advance Auto/Auto Zone/O'Rieley's?
 
I think Klasse AIO should work. I haven't tried it though, but intend to.



In fact, apparently if you put AIO on your windshield, you won't even have to use Rain-X anymore.



I have tried the IPA+Water mixture to try to clean the rain-x off my windshield, but its still there a bit (the water still beads sort of when I wash the car). It's not too effective... in fact, I think its really slightly more effective than using Stoner's IG on a Rain-X'ed windshield. Even tried clay, and heck, even goo gone!



Time to step up to something more powerful.
 
Someone please let me know how I can achieve a chemical free windshield.



I just want the rain-x gone.



Would bag and tar remover work? I even heard that lighter fluid would take it off.
 
Rain-X is just a dimethyl silicone suspended in an alcohol carrier. If you are still having trouble completely removing it after trying straight IPA, you could use any solvent like 3M's Prepsol, Meguiar's Body Solvent, etc.



The bug & tar remover or lighter fluid may work if it has a strong enough solvent base.
 
chml17l said:
Rain-X is just a dimethyl silicone suspended in an alcohol carrier. If you are still having trouble completely removing it after trying straight IPA, you could use any solvent like 3M's Prepsol, Meguiar's Body Solvent, etc.



The bug & tar remover or lighter fluid may work if it has a strong enough solvent base.
Click to expand...

Thank you. :xyxthumbs



qballjr13 said:
Just dont light a cigarette while you use it! :angry
Click to expand...

lol, I don't smoke, but thanks for the advice.
 
I use the 303 washer tablets and I have used the 303 wiper swipes. The wipers move across the glass with ease. That isn't my problem. The problem is that there is streaking and hazing when the wipers cross. They are relatively new wiper. Bosh Icons at that. I just think my problem is rain-x and I have to find a way to get rid of it.



Some people online are saying that it can never be removed and some people say just to use a wax cleaner and it will come right off. I'm just tryin to find the truth and get this problem taken care of.
 
sixty7mustang22 said:
......Some people online are saying that it can never be removed and some people say just to use a wax cleaner and it will come right off. I'm just tryin to find the truth and get this problem taken care of.
Click to expand...
Any good solvent, as suggested, should do the trick.... but here is how Rain-X says to do it: "Rain-X® Glass Treatment can be removed from exterior glass by using either Rain-X® Glass Polish (Under "Glass Cleaner") or Bon-Ami Cleaning Powder or Soft Scrub cleaner. (Bon-Ami Cleaning Powder is sold at True Value Hardware Stores and Ace Hardware Stores. If you cannot find this product, Bon-Ami Cleanser - a different product - can be used, only if you add enough water to make it a "soapy" solution)."



The above was found on this link:



http://www.windtrax.com/featured_products/25_rain-x.asp
 
I once read a paste solution of cream of tartar + water smeared over the windshield with a sponge would remove every single trace of dirt and I assume rain-x... I tried it once, but I honestly don't know if it worked.



I tried it on my sister's Altima, and then applied Rain-X. I never had any rain-x problems with her car, only with mine, and mine is brand new, unliek her three year old car! ugh
 
I applied Aquapel on my BMW a year ago and it is still repelling very well. I will reapply before the winter. For some reason it did not last as long on my 4Runner, maybe the windsheild was not as clean.



I bought about 10 or so applications of aquapel on ebay.



Steve
 
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