Rain-X on a 2010 Prius II

Yes, go ahead and apply the Rain-X.

The IV and V models have the rain-repellent glass only on the front side windows. All others are normal glass. I wish all were rain-repellent as they make washing and drying the car so much easier.

 

This hydrophobic film that they put on the Prius IV and V has been around a long time. I remember my 2002 4runner Limited had it on the front side windows. My 2005 Corolla did not, nor my 2008 Sienna Limited. It is not on the windshield because the wipers will eventually destroy the film. It is not on the rear side window because it is not that important i guess for driving. The rear window is no go for the same reason as the front windshield (wiper will eventually destroy the film).

So, to the OP, yeah, use Rain-X because Toyota is pretty specific that ONLY the IV and V have this film.

 

I was really happy with Rain-X this winter. Only after one application last fall, I still have a little shedding effect from it now. Will put another layer on soon.

 

Yeah, this explains why the windows won't clear when rolling down unlike in older cars, to prevent stripping the film.

 

Past experience taught me to NOT apply Rain-X to the windshield. If you do, the windshield wipers deteriorate and leave a black sticky deposit where the wiper reverses on it sweep across the windshield. I guess you'd need Rain-X resistant wiper blades, if there is even such a product made.

 

Yes, there are Rain-X blades as well. I have them and the rain-x washer fluid. I am quite happy with the beading effect in the rain.

 

Personally,I'd rather have rain 'sheet' on my glass rather than 'bead-up' as it does with Rain-X. Does anyone know of such a product?

Thanx.

 

Since the first question has been answered, I'll answer this one that wasn't really asked.

There is no need to wait until it "wears off." Just reapply, and the old will be effectively removed and replaced with the new. The stuff disolves itself handily.

I'm not sureyou'll find such a product since I can't imagine how the layer or "sheet" could ever be smooth enough to see through effectively. Every time there IS a sheet of water over my windshield, I'm blind.

 

rain x is nice, water just goes away.

 

+1, love Rain-X. Its makes it easier to see out you windows when its raining.

 

one of the first things done to my Prius when I got home.......Rainx

great stuff.....then use rain x in washer resevoir and it keeps on keeping off the rain.

 

I have mixed feelings about Rain-X. I used it for years on older vehicles I owned, as I liked what I perceived as better visibility. I put one treatment on my new vehicles front windshield but since have not re-applied.

I did not re-apply because on my new windshield with new wipers the Rain-X seemed to negatively affect the way the wipers worked against the glass. Seemed to me the wipers labored and grabbed a little more, with momentary streaking that would disappear.

But I'm not sure, maybe it was my imagination. Maybe once the wipers wear a little that affect will diminish. I'm not throwing out my Rain-X. I have used it for years. In Oregon? With windshield wipers on the front the benefits wouldn't last long. Maybe a week at most. That was the drawback/advantage. If I don't like the way it's working? At least it's not going to be permanent or last long....if I do like it, then a few minutes a week is all it takes to maintain the results.

 

maybe I haven't used it properly but I can't stand the stuff....It seemed to make my wipers do well nothing....And the beading on the side windows was so bad (but good looking) that I couldn't see out...

Tried it on another car and the T-Spirit with LED Pack has the repellent glass...

 

The washer fluid is supposed to be Aquacel which is very much like Rain-X. Gott. Love Rain-X!

 

+1 for Rain-X as a product and I love how it actually cleans / polishes the windshield and keep rain drops off of it.

Now, I never mentioned this before in any other forum and I was kind of reluctant, but here is what I am finding from last few years. Now this can be my personal experience but glad to hear yours.

I feel that Rain-X makes windshield brittle. Right after application I will start hearing stone hitting sound being changed (seems like amplified).

I have had cracks in windshield after 2 to 3 months of applying Rain-X, not because of rain-X but because of stone / pebble hitting windshield. I have experience this on four different cars. 1997 Camry, 1999 corolla, 2002 odyssey, and 2003 corolla. Not every season but 2002 Odyssey being my primary car and I treat it the most often with rain-x, it is on its fourth windshield.

It seems like when you apply rain-x it fills these micro pores in the glass and water has no place to stick, but why we have those pores in the first place, and by filling these pores it seems like it is making glass less flexible.

Now I didn’t care much about changing windshield till last year because normally it comes out to be FREE with comprehensive insurance, but I think insurance company have revised their rules with glass installers and now I have to pay my deductible of $100.

 

I thought as a standard practice, the deductible is waived if you get the cracks repaired but the deductible still applies if you actually replace the windshield?