Rain-X on a 2010 Prius II

Before Glass replacement companies were charging more money to insurance companies and had enough margin to wave customers $50 or $100 off, infact to have you as customer they offered to wave your deductible, but last windshield I had replaced, I talked to 4 or 5 different companies and they all said no more, I have to pay my part now.

 

I carry $1K comprehensive coverage on my auto policy, to lower the payments (later my financial adviser also recommended it). So unless windshields have become really expensive, replacement (not so frequent) is all on my nickel anyway.

Re Rain-X, I've used it on three cars without damage to windshield wipers. Here it seems to last at least 6 months--time to apply again before a road trip.

 

I'm a huge rain-x fan...been using the stuff for years. Typically, I apply it 2-3 times/year to the windshield, rear window, and outside mirrors of each of our vehicles. I've never noticed any detrimental effect on my wiper blades. But, heck, with rain-x I don't use my wipers much!

On the insurance issue, I carry high ($1k) collision and comp deductibles (It's a risk I'm willing to take. Don't do it if you can't afford to take a $1k hit). My agent tells me that glass companies' willingness to waive deductibles is fading away because the large insurance companies are making noise about insurance fraud. As much as I think big business generally bites, this makes sense to me. If Acme Glass waives your $100 deductible and jacks up the price the insurance company pays for your windshield to make up for it, then they are playing loose-and-fast with the facts. But don't lose any sleep. GEICO is going to go after Acme, not you.

 

I have used Rain-X for year and it has been great. The only negative is you had to re apply it all the time.

Rain-X now has windshield wiper fluid that applies Rain-X every time you use wiper fluid. On the Prius I have never had to apply Rain-X the old way. I just use the wiper fluid and I get the same bedding effect. It is worth the money.

 

I am not sure why your windshield wipers deteriorated after using Rain-X. I have used that product for 7 years on 3 different cars without any effect on windshield wipers.

 

Is this really true? The windows don't get cleared to prevent stripping the film?? But I only have a Model II, so I don't have the film!!

I find this really annoying now that we are getting dew every morning. I have to open my windows as I get to each intersection!

Anyone have a fix for this?

Also, it seems that the 2010 passenger blade leaves a big smudge right in front of the driver. I don't remember seeing that on our 2008.

Thanks,
Jeff

 

My III doesn't clear it either but it's perhaps a design that is universal to the Prius, and the windows are either coated or not.

Get a rubber squeegee from the auto parts store, one that's used to dry a car after you dry it. Keep it on the floor of the backseat area (or in the cargo area somewhere) and squeegee the dew off before you leave in the morning.

 

4 years ago my boss had this put on his windshield. he said you didn't need to put the wipers. it does required maintenance.


Diamon Fusion® International: Automotive Applications

 

I live in Oregon, we get plenty of rain. I've used Rain-X. I never noticed any deteriation of the wiper blades. It does change how water reacts on your windshield and how it beads off, thus I think it also changes how your blade wipes against the glass. (Seems to wipe cleaner...but maybe with more friction due to the Rain-X itself on the surface) ...just a personal observation.

You either like it or not. It's biggest negative to me, is that during the winter or with frequent use of the wiper blades, I need to apply almost weekly. The side windows last longer.

Greatest benefit, is I think the wipers work better and the windshield stays clearer better with Rain-X. I have found it lasts much longer on side windows and rear hatch windows that aren't exposed to windshield wiper useage. I really like it for the rear hatch window of my Honda Fit...seems to help it repel dirt better.

Front windshield? It's a judgement personal preference call. In Oregon we get so much rain, and there are so many times when it's just "barely" raining...and thats when I like having Rain-X. I often do not have to even use my wipers...and I think that an advantage. When it's raining heavily...having it helps but IMO if your wiper blades are in good shape, in heavy rains just using your wipers on normal untreated glass is just as beneficial.

I use to use Rain-X year round...I have found myself now, using it less..especially in the summer...

I have posted before, that in a way I like the non-permenant nature of the Rain-X treatment. Some films or other chemicals might last longer, but I like that if for whatever reason I don't like the Rain-X, I know that it's going to be gone in just a few weeks or less if I wash the window frequently. So if I don't like how the windshield wiper is "acting" or if I think it's smearing....I just don't re-apply.

 

I apply Rain-X on my Prius III without troubles but surely it must exist similar heaps of products.

 

My clear bra installer, Premier, worked with another company to develop a similar but more durable product:

Diamond Fusion Windshield Protection Film on Spyder! - Rennlist Discussion Forums

I am curious how much it is, but it's probably very expensive.

 

Rain-x is less effective on the windshield after a few weeks of rain storms. The wipers wear it down. But it's really great when it's freshly applied. I can often leave the wipers turned off.

Has any tried the alternative treatments? For example, this one from Aquapel. It's about $4.00 per treatment on Amazon, and that's just for one windshield, not including the side glass.

I saw a web page for another company, that claims 6 months before reapplying. It was about $9.00 each.