RainX on Truck Windshields

[lagerman]

I have been informed that RainX on truck windshields will cause a permanent wiper mark, similar to a "wear" pattern on the windshield, has anyone ever heard of this?

I have used it on my car winsdshield with no problem, and would like to use it on my truck glass and mirrors, also works well on headlights and signal lenses...

[TK THE TRUCKER]

I put it on all my windows and mirrors. The only problem I notice is that when it wears out to the point you need to use the wipers, they leave a black mark where the wiper stops and heads back the other way. I have a hell of a time cleaning it off so I can apply rainX again. I've never heard of any permanent wear though. I'm also not sure about using it on plastic, such as some of the trucks have plastic headlight housing. That's got me curious, I'll have to look at the back of the bottle.

[Root]

Rain-x hasn't hurt my windshield/ wipers that I can detect... however, it appears to be doing bad things to the paint finish on the leading line o the cab, where over-spray and 'wiper-throw' send it off down the outside corners o the windshield. :?
I need to read that lable Too.
Granted - the paint on my truck is most likely not Factory Finish, where the Company Shop does a great deal of our body/ paint work. Could be paint quality.
But there are "tear trails" there, on the surface of the paint, and I have'nt been able to get'em off using normal methods/ products. :sad:

[littleman2]

rain-x does leave a film on the windshield that is nasty when it rains at night almost like you need new wipers. it took almost strait acid to get it off my truck. or here is a nother thought liquid deicer that they spray on the roads might be the problem too. Any way i don't use rain-x any more and I don't have a film on my windshield anymore like I used to. So maybe its rain-x or maybe a combination of both mixing on the windshield?

[Uturn2001]

I have never had a problem using Rain-X and most of the people I have talked to who have had problems it is because of not applying to correctly.

2 of the most common errors I have seen for application are:

Applying it too heavily. A little goes a long long way.

Not having the class surface totally clean and free of residue.

[freebird]

A little goes a long long way.
Not having the class surface totally clean and free of residue.

These two are VERY important!
I never had no trouble using it.
I was happier with the help in removing bugs, then in the help from a storm though!
I think it has to do with the aerodynamics of a truck, I know in my pov I am able to drive without the wipers on!
Kind of looks like water on grease!
Be forewarned....don't try to use wax on glass! :shock: :wink:

[Doc U.S. Navy]

I never thought about rain x on my international truck.I use it on my personal cars. I'll put in on my truck and report back in a month on my observations.Thanks guys and gals!

[littleman2]

The more I think about it I feel its more like the deicer that they spray on the road that causes the problem.

[Uturn2001]

The more I think about it I feel its more like the deicer that they spray on the road that causes the problem.

That liquid de-icer is some nasty stuff when it gets on your glass. Seems no matter how much washer fluid you use it ends up drying cloudy and streaky and then until you can get your windshield really flushed good the wipers like to streak big time, almost makes you think you are trying to wipe a thin layer of cooking oil.

[some_dude_in_michigan]

When I was a young kid, with my first car, I was cleaning it up with Windex and Armor-All.

So, can anyone guess what the dumb little kid did?

Yup, I grabbed the wrong bottle and sprayed the Armor-All on the windshield!

Yeah, I know this is not a good thing to do, and it was unintentional. Needless to say, I was not pleased with myself, but, I thought no big deal, I have some Windex here, I can just clean it off with that. WRONG! That stuff was a real mess to get off. I finally started throwing stuff and yelling, so my mother came out to find out what my attitude was all about. I explained what I had done and she told me to calm down and she would be right back.

She came back out of the house with a bottle from the cupboard and told me to try some of this stuff. It was just regular household vinegar! That may not sound like something you wanna clean your windows with, but it worked. That crap came right off the window (with a little effort).

I've always remembered that (from about 25 years ago). When I get too much of the spray on wax from those drive thru car washes on my windows, I will use vinegar to get rid of that too. And, mixed with water vinegar will help keep inside windows from fogging up when cold. I don't wanna post any links, but a search for cleaning with vinegar on the net will tell you more.

This may or may not work for anyone Else's needs, but it worked for me and I thought I would share it. I've been just reading things on here for about a month, and have read many good tips, as I get ready to embark on a new career. This might be my chance to offer something back.

I've never used RainX so I don't know if this would remove it or not, but I would think it might.



***COMMON SENSE WARNING: Do NOT use vinegar if you are also using or have been using bleach or a cleaner that contains bleach. (if you're not sure, read the label)

[GMAN]

I have used wax before and it seems to work the same as rainex for me.

I did not have luck with RainX on my truck windshield. blah

[mrpersons]

I've tried Rain-x a couple of times, and never had any luck with it. Left streaks everytime I used the wipers, and had a heck of a time getting it off. Same thing with the wax applied at the streaking beacon, takes about a week to get things right again. Almost like the wipers can't get a "grip" on the glass. I'll go "naked" frome here on out!

Heres a trick you might try though. Put some Dawn dish detergent in your washer fluid, cut through that "oily" film pretty good, I've even used shampoo, smells nice too!

[Geezer]

I've been prowling these boards trying to determine whether trucking is a good career choice for me when I came upon this thread regarding using Rain-X on your truck windshields.

I have used Rain-X on my various personal vehicles and have always been disappointed by the smearing and the constantly having to reapply. When I had my truck accessories business I sold a product called Aquapel by PPG. It is not silicone based like Rain-X, lasts about 6 to 10 months per application and doesn't smear. You cannot tell it's there except when it's raining. I've had huge rain drops burst into millions of tiny droplets. Applicators generally charge $15 to $20 per application. Automotive paint supply stores sell it in single application vials. Really cool stuff. The following link will take you to the Aquapel page at the PPG site.

http://www.ppg.com/gls_aquapel/default.htm

Just my 2 cents worth.

[dj4monie]

Rain X works just fine....

I have used several other products and replaced my wipes with SILICONE wipers on my last Freightliner from JB Hunt, its easy. I was the only one rockin Sylivania Silverstar blubs too - PN#9700ST just like my Dodge Neons...

Anything to help you see better is a plus.

[sheri6990210]

I've used it on my car the tip is to clean it with alcohol to cut the old film off. It works great then.

[fierce750]

You guys do realize that you can wax your mirrors and winshields with normal automotive wax and it will do the same thing that RainX does right?

I am sure most of you have a can or bottle of automotive wax laying around, try it and see for yourself.

[scooby]

I have also used it on my truck.I found it smeared and when it rained gave me more glare. I use it on my car and pickup..Works beutiful. So needless to say I just use the old stand by wipers.

[maschaubsr]

Rain X is a good product. I road race as a hobby and of course use it on the race cars. One thing most folks don't consider is this: wax for the paint works well on glass. If you don't want to do the windshield, do your mirrors with plain carnauba (NOT polish) and see how you like it. when I'm waxing the street or race car, I just treat the front and back glass like the sheet metal. Headlights and grill? Keep it free of bugs and debris: spray them with Pam. Washes right off and there won't be any animals on the surfaces.

[ben45750]

Rain-x works great in the daytime. At night time though it glares my windshield to the point it's hard to see sometimes.