I don't know if someone already suggested this, and I apologize if it has been mentioned. The other day someone was talking about the glass piece underneath the rear hatch spoiler on The Prius and how it seems to be a dirt and spot problem. Many posters replied that using Rain-X or a similar glass repellant product was helpful in making the piece a little more resistant to dirt and dust. That got me to thinking. The new Prius 4,5 offer Driver front window and passenger side window water repellant glass. From what I read it's an attached film that makes the window act very much like it was treated with a Rain-X like product. Only you need not apply anything and it lasts for years. Well did Toyota blow it? Sounds to me like if they are going to offer water repellant glass the most important piece that it should be offered on is the small lower rear hatch piece. Based entirely on what I hear, that's the glass piece that a water repellant coating would be the most beneficial. It's just a little thing, but perhaps one of those "tweaks" that can be adressed in future models that make life just a little better. I live in Oregon and use Rain-X on my automobile. I think it is a very affective product. However, especially in Oregon with the amount of rain we get, I maybe get 2 to 2-1/2 weeks of affectiveness per application. Less on the front windshield which is wiped constantly with the windshield wipers, a little longer on side windows. In anycase, maybe if Toyota is listening they would consider making the piece below the spoiler out of the water repellant glass? Be extra nice if they did it across the board and not make it only a luxury of the top models.
There are two features on some models of the Prius (incl mine) that I could easily live without. The headlight washers and the front side window water repellent glass. I've been through quite a few rain showers in my Prius so far, and the side windows -at best- shed water slightly better than the back sides (not treated). And, at speed the side windows don't seem to get much rain anyway. I treated my windshield with Rain-X and it works very well - MUCH better than the Toyota-treated side windows IMO. As far as the lower hatch window, I have treated that with Rain-X as well. In my experience, it doesn't seem to get very much rain, but more splash-up from the aero swirl or kickup from the lower bumper area. Seems to be more dirty water which eventually grimes up the glass.
Hmm...so it's only the driver and passenger side windows that get the water repellant treatment anyway? Yes, that hardly seems worth it. I was thinking I might like the water repellant windows because it would mean less time applying and re-applying Rain-X. But the major benefit I get from Rain-X is when I apply it to the front windshield, which doesn't last too long but helps for a couple of weeks. If Toyotas' water repellant glass is only the 2 side windows of driver and passenger then IMO that is hardly a benefit or draw for me. Under any rain conditions I hardly have a problem with the side windows. It's the front and the direct rear windows where for me water repellancy makes a potential difference. Guess I'll just put this in the column as another reason to consider NOT upgrading to a pkg 4 or 5.
It was my understanding that this is not a treatment on the outside of the glass on the drivers and passengers doors, but rather the glass itself is made water repellent throughout. Basically, its not a coating on the outside... I've been using Rain X for many many years now and honestly, once its applied to windows that do not have wipers on them it lasts a LONG time, so while water repellent glass is a cool new tech, if its not on the front windshield I can live without it...
One unusual design feature of the side glass -from this illustration from the Toyota.com site. The glass seems to be the only thing attracting water in the picture. No rain on the sheet metal or window gaskets. Perhaps this will be a groundbreaking feature of the '11 model - water absorbing paint and rubber. Amazing! 3rd Generation Toyota Prius - 2010 Pictures and Photo Gallery The Model IV & V front side glass is coated on the exterior with some sort of water repellent coating. I saw that it is patented and assume it's simply more than just a waxlike product. Hopefully impregnated to some degree. Again, no big deal for me either way as I notice little difference. IMO it's a nice thing for Toyota to include in brochures and marketing campaigns. In practice, save me the $$$ and let me apply Rain-X.
I do have to stand corrected, I just reread the info which was posted about it and it is indeed a film albeit an advanced one... US05424130__.tif Page 1
It's pretty much rained every day since I got my Prius and the front two windows seem to be doing their job quite well. It's very evident when comparing between the front & rear windows at a stopsign which ones are treated & which ones are not. Longevity will be an interesting thing to see.
It's been raining and dreary here in NJ for the last couple days, and I have to say I'm not sure I see any difference in the rain on the front glass vs the back glasses. I'll have to look closely later. The wife drove it today.
Is there any window-washer fluid based systems that work? Ones that would cause the front glass to be more water repellent? Are the Rain-X brand wipers any more effective? I like Rain-X and when going on an out of town trip, one of the preparations is to treat the windows. But in town trips, I tend to get a little lazy. Bob Wilson
Perception...Perception...I have the Water Repellant Windows and can sure tell a big difference from the front side to rear side windows. When driving in a heavy rain they are as clear as can be, in fact, I can't tell it's really raining...but one glance at the rear sides and you can see it, instantly! Makes it a lot easier to see the side view mirrors hands down..
I've noticed that that small back rear window, and in fact, the entire area under the spoiler REALLY picks up a lot of road grime. Is this mud something that mudflaps can help with? (I've yet to install mine.) I'm sure it's the aerodynamic design that must create some kind of a pocket of air back there that catches stuff and, unfortunately, deposits it on the hatchback's @ss..now how can we mitigate it???
Bighouse, I too have noticed it as well. I think it is due to the aerodynaimcs of the vehicle causing it. I myself am going to do what one of the earlier posters suggested and that is to RAIN-X the rear lower window area. I don't have a problem at all with the upper Hatch Window, but the lower one does seem to collect the road spray/tire spray. I don't know that the mud flaps would help, since it would still cause spray outside of them and it would swirl back to the rear. But I suspect the RAIN-X will give us some relief...My weekend project coming up now.
I've noticed that the front side windows are clearer and less affected by precipitation than the rear two windows. I don't think the results are any better than what you get with Rain-X, but it does work and hopefully it will truly be permanent.
Ah, I see. I was thinking rain drops wouldn't stick at all to the front even when the car is parked, but what it does is keep the glass relatively clear when driving and under even heavy rain.
I have a Model V with ATP and nowhere on the Window sticker does it mention anything about Water Repellant Windows. Is this perhaps a dealer applied add-on? Update - nevermind, I found it on Toyota's website. Funny it isn't mentioned on the window sticker.
What about: can I still go thru those shops that offer hand car wash service, they wash with some soap, and then apply some thing to clean the windows....will it affect or damage this repellent windows durability?
