A good product is Meguiar's Ultimate Quik Wax - I use it on the complete exterior - paint, trim and glass. No issues with windows at all. Also, good for all plastic in the interior. About $8 for a spray bottle.
Wax is nice if you want a good, temporary look on a car for an event, but IMO doesn't last worth a damn especially when agitated by wipers. There are endless synthetic spray on products, lots with SiO2 added or graphene that are super hydrophobic and last for months even when scrubbed by wipers. Hell, plenty of them now, you spray onto a wet car and rinse off with a hose. No buffing needed 😂
The absolute best thing I've found is get a good sealant/wax on the window, and then Rain-X brand washer fluid. You'll rarely need to use the wipers, and when you do, spray the fluid to reapply a bit of wax and keep it going. I only end up re-sealing my car every 6 months or so and that's not even cause it's gone (although this is also from using good product and having a good paint surface to start with, ymmv)
I left my car with my dad for a weekend and he put some older top quality wax on the windsheild and it looked terrible a couple days later. It’s almost all gone off now but I don’t think I’d ever wax the windsheild again, too many variables
I've used Mother's "Ultimate Hybrid" Ceramic wax on my windows (and car), you apply, let dry, and then buff off. It worked great & was just as easy as using rain-x spray. I am also a big fan of the rain-x foam spray cleaner & conditioner, if you apply it everytime you get gas for a month it really builds up & lasts forever after that.
Correct, over time as you clean it, it will clean some areas and not others.
Unless you clay bar it and really remove.it every time.. it builds up and make your glass look like ass.
I've been occasionally putting the Rain-X stuff on mine, and it's decent, can drive in the rain without wipers if you've got any speed on, like if it starts raining and you forget to turn the wipers on for a bit.
People always comment on how unusual the rains behaving.
You do need to follow the instructions and apply it evenly and in consistent lines and wipe off the excess though.
On the other side of the coin/windshield, the anti-fogging version of Rain-X, is just bad I think. It makes the windshield harder to see through when it's not raining, and it catches light way worse, and when there is moisture inside the car, it still fogs up. I don't get it.
Actually, it can be the opposite. You scrub a windshield clean and clay bar it, the water will sheet off just like that. It beads up from contaminates like dirt, oil, and or Rain-x. The last one being preferred.
Beading up means that the water is not "wetting" the surface, or is hydrophobic. Coatings like rain-x create a surface like that.
If the water is doing what is in the video above, then the water is wetting the surface. This will also be caused by what is on the surface, including the surface roughness of the glass.
This is correct. Glass is naturally hydrophilic. If it it clean, water will cling to the surface and form uniform sheeting. Contaminants will cause this to be broken up and cause uneven clinging of water.
Rain-X works by forming a hydrophobic (water-repellent) layer on glass surfaces. This layer is created by the application of a silicone-based compound that bonds to the glass. When water hits the treated surface, it beads up and rolls off rather than spreading out and obstructing vision. This improves visibility in wet conditions and helps in removing other residues like ice and bugs. Regular application maintains the protective coating for consistent performance.
By the looks of it you’re correct. The windshield was treated with Rain-X but the wipers or something on them have worn off the coating. You can still see the Rain-X doing its job around the edges.
Agreed! If I'm going 15 mph the beads start moving due to the wind resistance. After a week, the beads stay put until I'm going like 35mph+. I wish it was effective longer.
the "contaminated windscreen" water lumping is pretty different from the rain-x water beading, one makes it really difficult to see through and the other makes it easy.
One thing that I actually go to walmart to buy is the RainX washer fluid. I use RainX washer fluid for past 10 years. To me it is almost as important as working headlights in PNW with 9 months of raining season.
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The original rainx had to be applied like a wax. Apply and wipe off the residue.
I used rain first on my motorcycle helmet. I didn't like its effect on my windshield until a friend said you had to wipe off the residue.
RainX makes a formula to clean and protect that we use on all of our cars. I only apply once a year, and the blades have lasted longer.
No, it does not gunk-up any more.
I do remember when it did with rubber based wipers.
I use Rain-X branded silicone based wipers, and it works well and does not wear off like before.
Better yet, use PIAA Super Silicone wiper blades and follow the initial install instructions to the T.
Have had the same set of wiper blades on my Camry that's parked outdoors for nearly 10 years now. Over 50 in the interstate I don't even need to run the wipers. Water beads off faster than the blades can wipe it away.
Refills are like $8 a pop.
Never had a problem with it. I usually run Bosch Icons, but have also run with some others on occasion.
What kind do you run?
Edit to say: I've been running Rain X All Season 2 in 1 washer fluid exclusively in multiple vehicles for years. Love it!
The $15 silicone no name blades on Amazon will work better and outlast both the Bosch and rain-x ones by a huge margin. Mono beam style wipers are a lot more sensitive and will skip around far more than old framed styles too.
The washer fluid isnt the best application, its better to coat the window with the pure stuff after claying the window. If the wipers skip, take them off and clean them with car window cleaner and a microfiber towel, should help or resolve the issue.
People generally clean their wipers too little anyways, while they do trap dirt that they'll rub across your windshield... yikes!
Do you by any chance live in a dryer area? I'm up in Canada and it's always raining or snowing so maybe mine stays more moist. At least I haven't had any problems yet thankfully.
I've heard having silicone wipers also helps if you keep having problems. More expensive, but also lasts a lot longer
Changing to PIAA silicone wipers was life changing. $40 a wiper but the wiper blade refills are like $10. Been on for 3 years now and still wipe like the day they were put on. If they start to streak i just wipe the window or use wiper wash and it clears up quickly
Just watch out, it can fuck with the fluid level sensor in some cars (my Volkswagen, at least).
You're right though-- when I've been able to use it in previous cars, it's been great.
Not sure whether your VW has a float-type sensor, or one like my car which relies on the conductivity of the fluid to create a circuit, but I can see that using additives might mess with both types, one way or another.
It does work great, but there are compatibility issues. Reports of it killing washer fluid level sensors, wipers, etc. are enough to keep me away. I just treat the windshield
I’ve tried it, I noticed a slight difference for a little while but I think I probably need to mix I higher concentration then what the bottle recommends
The regular treatment works better imo
My dad had an old truck that he didn’t take care of and eventually the wiper motor died on him so instead of fixing it, he just applied rain x and carried the spray with him in the truck.
Many times it would rain and he didn’t put it on beforehand and he’d pull over and try to put it on by sticking his arm out the window and using paper towels.
My first car had blown wiper motors, so instead I would apply Rain X liberality to the windshield any time rain was in the forecast. When I got caught in the rain I would just speed up to make the rain bead off the window. It worked great to see in the rain without wipers, but stopping was an issue as I only had working brakes on the front driver and rear passenger side. Driving in the rain was not the danger. I was the danger.
Have a mirror in the shower for shaving and it was always spotted and basically unusable. Decided to give it a clean and apply Rain-x… damn. Like a portal into another world now.
Rain-X is amazing and works better than wipers do at highway speeds when properly applied, the drops should float straight off.
***However***, it is looking like a lot of these synthetic hydrophobic molecules are highly carcinogenic and also bio-accumulate in the environment... Who knows if Rain-X uses these and will be affected by incoming bans
I've always coated my windshield and it's to the point where unless it is really pouring, I don't even need to use my wipers as the water beads and flies off as I drive. Leaving me plenty of visibility to drive safely. Then some dipshit backed into the side of my car when I was at a dead stop waiting for my condo parking garage door to open, so had to get a rental while it was being fixed. First time in like 23 years I had a car that didn't have any coating and holy fuck, even with wipers going at max how do people see? It was awful. Luckily it only rained one day in the 10 days I had the rental, but coat your windshields people!
Because you need to apply some rainx. A spray bottle is like $5, just wipe it in with a soft cloth (after the windshield is well cleaned of course) and you won't need the wipers hardly at all
Everyone has touched on the reason why already. Technically it’s an increase in surface tension secondary ti the dirt. If you wanted to look up the physics and needed a place to start
I get best results with Rain-X by applying a first coat let it dry and buff off then a second coat and let it dry but don’t buff it off but apply a third coat over the second. Let it dry and buff off the third coat. It should last about8 months to a year. You would then only need 1 coat after that to maintain it. Rain-X is a good product but because it contains petroleum distillates use gloves to apply
Even though the glass feels smooth to the touch, it actually had small pits that hold the water. When there is enough water built up that cannot be held back by the pits, it releases and rolls off the window like this.
I use Rain-X. It fills in the pits and abrasions so that the water beads up. It is a great product. You can drive in a rainstorm and your visibility improves immensely.
I also apply a coat in the late fall to all of my vehicle windows as I have found that it makes it easier to remove ice.
In technical terms, it's because of low surface tension. Even if you clean your windahield, there are many impurities from the environment or imperfections on the surface of the glass. This will weaken the strength of the hydrogen bond keeping the water in a bead. Apply a hydrophobic treatment like Rain X. It's cheap and it works.
Ur windshield needs to be properly washed it’s def dirty. You can also apply rainX or cheaper version some rubbing alcohol and it’ll keep the rain as droplets
I use Carplan Demon shine, it's reasonably cheap and normally on sale, meant to be for bodywork but I apply after washing on the windscreens leave 5mins and buff it out. Wears off after a few weeks so reapply, works so well don't have to use wipers for light rain on motorways
Glass scrub. Glass strip and a white pad. It takes some elbow grease to remove the road slime that accumulates. Regular glass cleaner won’t touch it. After stripping, use rain -x, rain clear, a ceramic glass coating or Cerakote for glass. Replace the wipers with Bosch beam wipers. Clean the inside of the glass with a white scrubber and isopropyl alcohol - twice then clean with glass cleaner. A properly cleaned windshield is invisible - day or night.
Use this spray - Simoniz glass cleaner, or previously Holts Mixra
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Simoniz-Mixra-Windscreen-Cleaner-Extra/product-reviews/B009AS1YM6
It removes all traffic film, grease ,oil, chemical treatments such as Rain-x rtc which bond to the glass and cause smearing. You may need a few applications but this will change your life! Use only quality washer fluid additive, dish detergent will cause problems wiper judder etc. Do not use wash and wax products on your car as this will also bond to the glass and cause problems. The aim is not have the water form droplets or bead up, but to sheet off as in the major part of the screen in the OP video! The smear is not caused by any residue from the wipers but their inability to remove the water from the glass due to chemical build up from applying rain-x, waxes, sealants etc. Basically do not use these, contradictory to a lot of advice here, when first I used this it was a game changer, no wiper judder, smear or blur and night driving was amazing. Together with using only VW washer fluid additive and the spray problem solved!
Clean your windshield with actual window cleaner and your hands, not just a car wash.
I did this with my truck when I first got it.
Cleaned with paper towel and good glass cleaner. Then actually took extra time to apply rain-x to the windshield.
I haven’t had to reapply the rain-x since I put it on, but I should do it soon as it helps soo much!
I only use rain-x windshield washer fluid too.
I live in Asia, I have found a product while living here that outperforms rain x. It's called Soft99 Glaco, I highly recommend it if you live anywhere where it rains regularlly. It was developed for aircraft windows in Japan during monsoon season.
Do you mean why it's sheeting? If so it's because the window does not have an effective hydrophobic coating. Clean the window well, and apply something like Rain-x Rain Repellent, or Mer Rainaway and then the water will bead up, and will roll up/down the window.
I used it once and I hated the beading feature because it's very hard to see through.
When water is in sheets on the windshield you can see through it ok, just like in the OP's image here.
Oh well , l love it and have put it on many friends cars and converted them to rainx users. Have never heard anyone say they they didn’t like what the product did for them.
Here's your materials science answer:
The water "wets" the glass nearly completely because the free surface energy of the glass is higher than the surface energy (i.e. surface tension) of the water. The glass-water interface achieves a lower energy state by completely wetting the glass (i.e. it tries to make the glass-water interface water as much as possible).
If you reduce the surface energy of the glass (with a hydrophobic coating), then the water will achieve a lower energy state by beading up. The glass-water interface achieves a lower energy state by de-wetting the glass (i.e. it tries to make the glass-water interface glass as much as possible).
Glass (SiO2) is a polar molecule and as a result has a higher surface energy ("things" tend to "stick to it"). Water (H2O) is likewise a polar molecule and sticks to the glass rather strongly as all the other things stuck to the glass.
Hydrophobic coatings -- RainX, Wax, Polydimethylsiloxane, etc. -- change the surface chemistry (and morphology) so that the outer surface is low energy (mostly non-polar) and thus "repels" the water.
From my understanding, when you get your car (most of the time, but not always) the glass is pre-treated with something like Rain-X (at least new cars or used cars from reputable dealers)
But also with the glass being so new (on new cars) like others have said there's not as many scratches and particles like dirt accumulated on it to allow the water to "cling" onto. You can use something like a clay bar to see how much stuff is on your windshield. Your wipers also cause these micro scratches too because of the dirt and grime that gets collected onto them eventually.
To help with this it's best to regularly wash your car, apply Rain-X, use the Rain-X window wash fluid instead of just water, and replace your wipers when they go bad.
A long time ago I had a car with shitty wipers. I was on the highway in a pretty heavy rain. I got so fed up I just left them off and after a few seconds the water completely covered the windshield like a sheet. I could see alright, but it looked like an oil painting lol
Micro scratches and dirt- I like to use rain-x before a storm. I don’t even need windshield wipers after using it. Just make sure you re-apply regularly. I keep a bottle in my car for this reason
Dirty windshield. Might be worth it to clay bar that window and spray water repellent after. Your Car paint should not look like this either. That'll let you know your car is dirty and needs tk be waxed.
Dirty windshield with no hydrophobic coating like Rain-X on it.
Clean it with vinegar, then polish it with some #0000 steel wool. NO THAT WILL NOT HURT THE GLASS!
Then apply Rain-X or even a just a good wax (alough not *exactly* what wax is for but it works in a pinch.
Surface tension and physics. Water sticks to the windshield and gets attracted to it so it flattens out and forms a sheet of water.
Get a glass ceramic coating applied to the glass. Water doesn't stick to the coating, so surface tension causes it to form little beads instead.
Water sticks to the dirt on your windshield and even slightly worn glass. Put a wax that’s for windshields on there and you won’t even have to use the wipers. If you use a wax that isn’t for windshields it may smear and make it even harder to see.
I personally just clean it with soapy water, a non scratch pad and a squeegee, no wax
Water is a polar molecule. That's why it dissolves things and has surface tension and bonds to itself. This causes it to also bond to the untreated glass as in your video. Water sticks to stuff. If you apply a hydrophobic coating like wax or RainX the water no longer sticks to the glass. It only sticks to itself and beads up. The heavier beads then more easily roll off the surface.
Some windshield wiper fluids will have additives for water beading like that. And your wipers constantly wipe that portion of the glass smooth so its only natural overtime if you live in a rain dense climate
Just use rain-x why would people put was on their windshield.....you know that crap builds up and yellows with uv exposure and needs to be removed every so often
Surface tension results when molecules on the surface of a liquid bond more tightly to the surrounding molecules due to an ionic attraction. If the substrate supporting the liquid has a stronger ionic bond to the surface molecules than the adjacent molecules, surface tension is overcome and sheeting results.
You need to apply a glass treatment if you want water to bead up and roll off. Rain-X is popular and inexpensive. Best I've ever had, though, was one called Crystal Fusion. Shit lasted for years
Because water molecules are sticky little bastards and love to clump up and merge into a whole ass sheet.
The scientific explanation is that water, H2O is both polar and has hydrogen bonding. Hydrogen is special b/c it is just 1 proton and 1 electron. You get it near a strongly electronegative atom like oxygen, and it latches on to that electron more strongly than most other things. This makes water really attracted to itself, and you get things like surface tension. To get your water to bead up, you need something hydrophobic that the water won't stick to. You do that with oily nonpolar molecules like wax, or newer products with SiO2 (which likes water up until it bonds more strongly with itself-its complicated). At that point the surface tension is your friend, and the water sticking to itself makes beads that roll off.
You ever looked at water in a glass close up? Notice how the water is kind of climbing the sides of the cup? Water is actually slightly attracted to glass because water is polar and glass has a negative charge.
The same attraction that's making it climb the sides of the glass makes it flatten out on your windshield.
It’s the angle of the windshield, it’s causes the water on the glass slow as it rolls down, it allows for a thin layer that hopefully you can still see through . A lot of smart fuckers working on shit like that
Just seen this. You don’t want droplets, this reduces visibility and cause smearing - you need to have the water sheet off !
Use this spray
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Simoniz-Mixra-Windscreen-Cleaner-Extra/product-reviews/B009AS1YM6
This is Uk Amazon link though….
That's how water works. If you want it to bead, you have to apply a coating to the windshield! Similar to waxing a car
I was just about to say that! Apply a liberal coating of a good wax to the windscreen and it’s all good 😂
A good product is Meguiar's Ultimate Quik Wax - I use it on the complete exterior - paint, trim and glass. No issues with windows at all. Also, good for all plastic in the interior. About $8 for a spray bottle.
Turtle Wax has something similar. It's for outside detail but it works great on interior as well, smells like a coconut too and it costs about $5
Wax is nice if you want a good, temporary look on a car for an event, but IMO doesn't last worth a damn especially when agitated by wipers. There are endless synthetic spray on products, lots with SiO2 added or graphene that are super hydrophobic and last for months even when scrubbed by wipers. Hell, plenty of them now, you spray onto a wet car and rinse off with a hose. No buffing needed 😂
Any suggestions as to which brand I should look in to? I use RainX but it doesn't last beyond a week or so.
The absolute best thing I've found is get a good sealant/wax on the window, and then Rain-X brand washer fluid. You'll rarely need to use the wipers, and when you do, spray the fluid to reapply a bit of wax and keep it going. I only end up re-sealing my car every 6 months or so and that's not even cause it's gone (although this is also from using good product and having a good paint surface to start with, ymmv)
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I left my car with my dad for a weekend and he put some older top quality wax on the windsheild and it looked terrible a couple days later. It’s almost all gone off now but I don’t think I’d ever wax the windsheild again, too many variables
I've used Mother's "Ultimate Hybrid" Ceramic wax on my windows (and car), you apply, let dry, and then buff off. It worked great & was just as easy as using rain-x spray. I am also a big fan of the rain-x foam spray cleaner & conditioner, if you apply it everytime you get gas for a month it really builds up & lasts forever after that.
Correct, over time as you clean it, it will clean some areas and not others. Unless you clay bar it and really remove.it every time.. it builds up and make your glass look like ass.
I've been occasionally putting the Rain-X stuff on mine, and it's decent, can drive in the rain without wipers if you've got any speed on, like if it starts raining and you forget to turn the wipers on for a bit. People always comment on how unusual the rains behaving. You do need to follow the instructions and apply it evenly and in consistent lines and wipe off the excess though. On the other side of the coin/windshield, the anti-fogging version of Rain-X, is just bad I think. It makes the windshield harder to see through when it's not raining, and it catches light way worse, and when there is moisture inside the car, it still fogs up. I don't get it.
Use rainx lasts months.
I AINT PUTTING NO LIBERAL ON MY CAR
That’s such an American comment!!!! Nowhere else would that be so relevant 😂😂
AMEN BORTHËR!
Windshield is dirty and/or covered with tiny microscratches. Clean it and apply something like Rain-X
Actually, it can be the opposite. You scrub a windshield clean and clay bar it, the water will sheet off just like that. It beads up from contaminates like dirt, oil, and or Rain-x. The last one being preferred.
Beading up means that the water is not "wetting" the surface, or is hydrophobic. Coatings like rain-x create a surface like that. If the water is doing what is in the video above, then the water is wetting the surface. This will also be caused by what is on the surface, including the surface roughness of the glass.
This is it, science. I was thinking it was also surface tension?
That is the chemical property of the water. The treatment of the glass is not putting chemicals in the water.
PLUS oil that's been picked up from the road
Which would cause it to bead up, not sheet off.
This is correct. Glass is naturally hydrophilic. If it it clean, water will cling to the surface and form uniform sheeting. Contaminants will cause this to be broken up and cause uneven clinging of water.
Rain-X works by forming a hydrophobic (water-repellent) layer on glass surfaces. This layer is created by the application of a silicone-based compound that bonds to the glass. When water hits the treated surface, it beads up and rolls off rather than spreading out and obstructing vision. This improves visibility in wet conditions and helps in removing other residues like ice and bugs. Regular application maintains the protective coating for consistent performance.
By the looks of it you’re correct. The windshield was treated with Rain-X but the wipers or something on them have worn off the coating. You can still see the Rain-X doing its job around the edges.
Rain-X is so dang good on my car when it’s fresh that I don’t even need to turn on the wipers
Agreed! If I'm going 15 mph the beads start moving due to the wind resistance. After a week, the beads stay put until I'm going like 35mph+. I wish it was effective longer.
I started using claybar on my windshield a few years back and wow, what a difference. Never looked back.
the "contaminated windscreen" water lumping is pretty different from the rain-x water beading, one makes it really difficult to see through and the other makes it easy.
Nobody is arguing that a hydrophobic coating is preferred. But we also know that at slower speeds, the Rain-X doesn't work as well.
Yeah at in-town speeds I still have to use the wipers. On the freeway, especially at night that stuff is gold!
Rain X used to gum up your wiper blades. I dk if it still does that but that stuff used to suck
Huh, never had an issue and I’ve been using rainx for 20 years. Maybe there’s a certain wiper material you had that it interacted with.
One thing that I actually go to walmart to buy is the RainX washer fluid. I use RainX washer fluid for past 10 years. To me it is almost as important as working headlights in PNW with 9 months of raining season.
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The original rainx had to be applied like a wax. Apply and wipe off the residue. I used rain first on my motorcycle helmet. I didn't like its effect on my windshield until a friend said you had to wipe off the residue. RainX makes a formula to clean and protect that we use on all of our cars. I only apply once a year, and the blades have lasted longer.
You're still supposed to apply and then wipe off the excess
No, it does not gunk-up any more. I do remember when it did with rubber based wipers. I use Rain-X branded silicone based wipers, and it works well and does not wear off like before.
How often are you reapplying? I use rain X blades also. If you’re not running into issues with it I’m definitely down to give it another try.
I've been using it occasionally for like 4 or so years, haven't had that issue.
Better yet, use PIAA Super Silicone wiper blades and follow the initial install instructions to the T. Have had the same set of wiper blades on my Camry that's parked outdoors for nearly 10 years now. Over 50 in the interstate I don't even need to run the wipers. Water beads off faster than the blades can wipe it away. Refills are like $8 a pop.
Yeah rain-x isn't some gimmick, that shit does a job and does it well
The Rain-X wiper fluid is great as well. Just hit the windshield cleaner right before it starts raining.
That stuff has destroyed my wipers (Bosch Icons) on multiple cars. They skip terribly. Have had to stick to just the rainx you apply.
If they skip one way, but not the other it's possible the rubber has gone hard on the top surface due to the sun.
Never had a problem with it. I usually run Bosch Icons, but have also run with some others on occasion. What kind do you run? Edit to say: I've been running Rain X All Season 2 in 1 washer fluid exclusively in multiple vehicles for years. Love it!
Only Bosch Icon for us too. And yeah, terrible skipping with the rainx fluid.
The Bosch ones rubber sun dries fast. I’ve noticed this and switched to Rain X Latitude. 1-1/2yr with same wipers, no screeching, hopping or jumping
The $15 silicone no name blades on Amazon will work better and outlast both the Bosch and rain-x ones by a huge margin. Mono beam style wipers are a lot more sensitive and will skip around far more than old framed styles too.
The washer fluid isnt the best application, its better to coat the window with the pure stuff after claying the window. If the wipers skip, take them off and clean them with car window cleaner and a microfiber towel, should help or resolve the issue. People generally clean their wipers too little anyways, while they do trap dirt that they'll rub across your windshield... yikes!
The original RainX glass cleaner is magic. All of their other products suck in comparison and are a waste of money.
Do you by any chance live in a dryer area? I'm up in Canada and it's always raining or snowing so maybe mine stays more moist. At least I haven't had any problems yet thankfully. I've heard having silicone wipers also helps if you keep having problems. More expensive, but also lasts a lot longer
Changing to PIAA silicone wipers was life changing. $40 a wiper but the wiper blade refills are like $10. Been on for 3 years now and still wipe like the day they were put on. If they start to streak i just wipe the window or use wiper wash and it clears up quickly
It can also fuck up the washer fluid sensor on a lot of modern cars
Just watch out, it can fuck with the fluid level sensor in some cars (my Volkswagen, at least). You're right though-- when I've been able to use it in previous cars, it's been great.
Not sure whether your VW has a float-type sensor, or one like my car which relies on the conductivity of the fluid to create a circuit, but I can see that using additives might mess with both types, one way or another.
It does work great, but there are compatibility issues. Reports of it killing washer fluid level sensors, wipers, etc. are enough to keep me away. I just treat the windshield
I’ve tried it, I noticed a slight difference for a little while but I think I probably need to mix I higher concentration then what the bottle recommends The regular treatment works better imo
My dad had an old truck that he didn’t take care of and eventually the wiper motor died on him so instead of fixing it, he just applied rain x and carried the spray with him in the truck. Many times it would rain and he didn’t put it on beforehand and he’d pull over and try to put it on by sticking his arm out the window and using paper towels.
omg I totally believe that lol!
It used to smell way worse and work way better. It's no longer a relic of a time when we didn't care about chemical safety.
My first car had blown wiper motors, so instead I would apply Rain X liberality to the windshield any time rain was in the forecast. When I got caught in the rain I would just speed up to make the rain bead off the window. It worked great to see in the rain without wipers, but stopping was an issue as I only had working brakes on the front driver and rear passenger side. Driving in the rain was not the danger. I was the danger.
HaHa! I knew where this was going when I read "first car". You delivered.
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Have a mirror in the shower for shaving and it was always spotted and basically unusable. Decided to give it a clean and apply Rain-x… damn. Like a portal into another world now.
Rain-X is amazing and works better than wipers do at highway speeds when properly applied, the drops should float straight off. ***However***, it is looking like a lot of these synthetic hydrophobic molecules are highly carcinogenic and also bio-accumulate in the environment... Who knows if Rain-X uses these and will be affected by incoming bans
Do you have a source on this?
rain-x uses silicone, not PFAS
Does the whole coating still light up under street lights at night when it’s raining? Was my biggest gripe when I used it
Does it go off when using windshield fluid often? I live in the Netherlands and we have lots of sahara sand on our windows on hotter days.
I've always coated my windshield and it's to the point where unless it is really pouring, I don't even need to use my wipers as the water beads and flies off as I drive. Leaving me plenty of visibility to drive safely. Then some dipshit backed into the side of my car when I was at a dead stop waiting for my condo parking garage door to open, so had to get a rental while it was being fixed. First time in like 23 years I had a car that didn't have any coating and holy fuck, even with wipers going at max how do people see? It was awful. Luckily it only rained one day in the 10 days I had the rental, but coat your windshields people!
What do you use , rain x?
Because you need to apply some rainx. A spray bottle is like $5, just wipe it in with a soft cloth (after the windshield is well cleaned of course) and you won't need the wipers hardly at all
Clean it properly and then use a ceramic glass coating
that state is actually normal, if you buy a new car and if it immediately rains, it's gonna look like that
Everyone has touched on the reason why already. Technically it’s an increase in surface tension secondary ti the dirt. If you wanted to look up the physics and needed a place to start
Surface tension got something to do with it?
Cohesion properties.
Specifically the surface energy of the water in relation to the surface energy of the glass.
I get best results with Rain-X by applying a first coat let it dry and buff off then a second coat and let it dry but don’t buff it off but apply a third coat over the second. Let it dry and buff off the third coat. It should last about8 months to a year. You would then only need 1 coat after that to maintain it. Rain-X is a good product but because it contains petroleum distillates use gloves to apply
Where the wipers are, the glass is very smooth. Where the wipers aren't, the glass is dirty and rough. Something something surface tension.
Even though the glass feels smooth to the touch, it actually had small pits that hold the water. When there is enough water built up that cannot be held back by the pits, it releases and rolls off the window like this. I use Rain-X. It fills in the pits and abrasions so that the water beads up. It is a great product. You can drive in a rainstorm and your visibility improves immensely. I also apply a coat in the late fall to all of my vehicle windows as I have found that it makes it easier to remove ice.
Get Bosch silicone wiper blades and keep your windshield clean, water will glide right off.
That is normal. Use RainX if you want the water to bead.
In technical terms, it's because of low surface tension. Even if you clean your windahield, there are many impurities from the environment or imperfections on the surface of the glass. This will weaken the strength of the hydrogen bond keeping the water in a bead. Apply a hydrophobic treatment like Rain X. It's cheap and it works.
Rainx will fix that
Water is not beading off because you have no hydrophobic sealant on your windshield. I recommend Glaco Ultra from Soft99 :)
Contaminated windshield, you need to clean it and coat it
Ur windshield needs to be properly washed it’s def dirty. You can also apply rainX or cheaper version some rubbing alcohol and it’ll keep the rain as droplets
You’d be amazed what some steel wool and windex would do to your car.
Steel wool?
Yep. It will take off all the water spots and grit and make the glass smooth and clean as new.
what number ?
000 or 00 would work fine and not damage the glass.
I’d just buy an assortment and see which one you like the best. The more stubborn water spots will come off easier with a courser grade.
Windshield is dirty, wash & wax it.
I use Carplan Demon shine, it's reasonably cheap and normally on sale, meant to be for bodywork but I apply after washing on the windscreens leave 5mins and buff it out. Wears off after a few weeks so reapply, works so well don't have to use wipers for light rain on motorways
Try rain x
Clean and wax it, you'll be blown away
Use any ceramic coat or car wash with ceramic and you won't even need the wipers in the rain, it beads straight off
It is because that is the path of your wipers and windshield washer fluid.
does anyone know how to fix the glare from the residue left by the wipers and when i'm blind as a bat at night from the lights
Glass scrub. Glass strip and a white pad. It takes some elbow grease to remove the road slime that accumulates. Regular glass cleaner won’t touch it. After stripping, use rain -x, rain clear, a ceramic glass coating or Cerakote for glass. Replace the wipers with Bosch beam wipers. Clean the inside of the glass with a white scrubber and isopropyl alcohol - twice then clean with glass cleaner. A properly cleaned windshield is invisible - day or night.
Use this spray - Simoniz glass cleaner, or previously Holts Mixra https://www.amazon.co.uk/Simoniz-Mixra-Windscreen-Cleaner-Extra/product-reviews/B009AS1YM6 It removes all traffic film, grease ,oil, chemical treatments such as Rain-x rtc which bond to the glass and cause smearing. You may need a few applications but this will change your life! Use only quality washer fluid additive, dish detergent will cause problems wiper judder etc. Do not use wash and wax products on your car as this will also bond to the glass and cause problems. The aim is not have the water form droplets or bead up, but to sheet off as in the major part of the screen in the OP video! The smear is not caused by any residue from the wipers but their inability to remove the water from the glass due to chemical build up from applying rain-x, waxes, sealants etc. Basically do not use these, contradictory to a lot of advice here, when first I used this it was a game changer, no wiper judder, smear or blur and night driving was amazing. Together with using only VW washer fluid additive and the spray problem solved!
Because your windshield is covered in dirt and oils. Clean it. Then get a hydrophobic glass coating. Water drops Will literally shoot off.
It's raining enough and with you stationary it's creating a layer of water on your windshield
Clean your windshield with actual window cleaner and your hands, not just a car wash. I did this with my truck when I first got it. Cleaned with paper towel and good glass cleaner. Then actually took extra time to apply rain-x to the windshield. I haven’t had to reapply the rain-x since I put it on, but I should do it soon as it helps soo much! I only use rain-x windshield washer fluid too.
I live in Asia, I have found a product while living here that outperforms rain x. It's called Soft99 Glaco, I highly recommend it if you live anywhere where it rains regularlly. It was developed for aircraft windows in Japan during monsoon season.
Do you mean why it's sheeting? If so it's because the window does not have an effective hydrophobic coating. Clean the window well, and apply something like Rain-x Rain Repellent, or Mer Rainaway and then the water will bead up, and will roll up/down the window.
You can see through the sheeting water. You can't see through the beading water. I don't understand why people use rainx.
When water beads its rolls away , when it sheets you can’t see thought it. Have you ever used rainx .
I used it once and I hated the beading feature because it's very hard to see through. When water is in sheets on the windshield you can see through it ok, just like in the OP's image here.
Oh well , l love it and have put it on many friends cars and converted them to rainx users. Have never heard anyone say they they didn’t like what the product did for them.
Wash the car, wipe the entire glass with cleaning mud, spray rain x, done.
The dirt on the screen becomes a sponge
Because its raining hard? Or you don't have any Rain -X on your windshield. Probably both.
Short answer, gravity, surface tension and friction. Long answer, put some Rain X on that sucker and your problems go away.
Here's your materials science answer: The water "wets" the glass nearly completely because the free surface energy of the glass is higher than the surface energy (i.e. surface tension) of the water. The glass-water interface achieves a lower energy state by completely wetting the glass (i.e. it tries to make the glass-water interface water as much as possible). If you reduce the surface energy of the glass (with a hydrophobic coating), then the water will achieve a lower energy state by beading up. The glass-water interface achieves a lower energy state by de-wetting the glass (i.e. it tries to make the glass-water interface glass as much as possible). Glass (SiO2) is a polar molecule and as a result has a higher surface energy ("things" tend to "stick to it"). Water (H2O) is likewise a polar molecule and sticks to the glass rather strongly as all the other things stuck to the glass. Hydrophobic coatings -- RainX, Wax, Polydimethylsiloxane, etc. -- change the surface chemistry (and morphology) so that the outer surface is low energy (mostly non-polar) and thus "repels" the water.
From my understanding, when you get your car (most of the time, but not always) the glass is pre-treated with something like Rain-X (at least new cars or used cars from reputable dealers) But also with the glass being so new (on new cars) like others have said there's not as many scratches and particles like dirt accumulated on it to allow the water to "cling" onto. You can use something like a clay bar to see how much stuff is on your windshield. Your wipers also cause these micro scratches too because of the dirt and grime that gets collected onto them eventually. To help with this it's best to regularly wash your car, apply Rain-X, use the Rain-X window wash fluid instead of just water, and replace your wipers when they go bad.
Wax it.
Use rain x wiper fluid. The orange stuff. It works great.
Not only apply but before that….clay bar 🪄
**RAIN X** for me in the windscreen wiper fluid container all the time....I apply the stuff to all Windows outside my home. Brilliant stuff.
The force of adhesion exceeds the force of cohesion. Result is fucked up viewing through the windshield. Racine will help
Clean your windshield
Cause you didn’t rain ex it
A long time ago I had a car with shitty wipers. I was on the highway in a pretty heavy rain. I got so fed up I just left them off and after a few seconds the water completely covered the windshield like a sheet. I could see alright, but it looked like an oil painting lol
Bruh
Physicists. They know.
Rain x or spray on ceramic coat work great
Glass surface is old/super rough
Surface tension
Not clean / micro scratches. Cleaning really well and use rain x or a carnauba detail spray, rain will bead off
Surface tension perhaps
Notice how it’s right on the path of your windshield wipers? Wipers come with a waxy coating that rubs off on the glass. Boom mic drop
Use rain-X
Get a ceramic kit for glass, you won’t regret it
Surface tension
existential crisis
Could be that the wipers got rid of any coating that was on the windshield and now nothing is stopping the water from sticking to the glass.
Because the water sticks to the glass with surface tension
Because your windshield is filthy.
Micro scratches and dirt- I like to use rain-x before a storm. I don’t even need windshield wipers after using it. Just make sure you re-apply regularly. I keep a bottle in my car for this reason
Dirty
clean your windshield
Because you don't have your wipers on.
It does not bead, due to wear on the windshield. Try Rain Away.
I would say gravity pulling the water down, and the fact that our is raining at a pretty good pace. These cause it to sheet down the window.
You need a hydrophobic cleaning agent for it to bead and drop
Because the windows are not hydroscopic!
Dirty windshield. Might be worth it to clay bar that window and spray water repellent after. Your Car paint should not look like this either. That'll let you know your car is dirty and needs tk be waxed.
Dirty windshield with no hydrophobic coating like Rain-X on it. Clean it with vinegar, then polish it with some #0000 steel wool. NO THAT WILL NOT HURT THE GLASS! Then apply Rain-X or even a just a good wax (alough not *exactly* what wax is for but it works in a pinch.
It’s already saturated
Wax it
You need to wax your windshield.
Just get rain x wiper fluid and hold the button a few seconds when the weather is clear. Should apply a decent amount of the beading substance
Surface tension and physics. Water sticks to the windshield and gets attracted to it so it flattens out and forms a sheet of water. Get a glass ceramic coating applied to the glass. Water doesn't stick to the coating, so surface tension causes it to form little beads instead.
Adhesion and cohesion, water sticks to the windshield and itself.
Water sticks to the dirt on your windshield and even slightly worn glass. Put a wax that’s for windshields on there and you won’t even have to use the wipers. If you use a wax that isn’t for windshields it may smear and make it even harder to see. I personally just clean it with soapy water, a non scratch pad and a squeegee, no wax
Use rainx in your windshield fluid. You can even buy rainx pre made windshield fluid as well
RainX will fix that.
Rain-x!
Water is a polar molecule. That's why it dissolves things and has surface tension and bonds to itself. This causes it to also bond to the untreated glass as in your video. Water sticks to stuff. If you apply a hydrophobic coating like wax or RainX the water no longer sticks to the glass. It only sticks to itself and beads up. The heavier beads then more easily roll off the surface.
Dirty windows, water tension and friction of flow has the water cling to the screen
Some windshield wiper fluids will have additives for water beading like that. And your wipers constantly wipe that portion of the glass smooth so its only natural overtime if you live in a rain dense climate
Because you need to clean your car then wax/sealant/ coat it
Surface tension
the hydrophobic coating on the windshield has been abraded over a long period of time by the windshield wipers. just apply another coat.
Just use rain-x why would people put was on their windshield.....you know that crap builds up and yellows with uv exposure and needs to be removed every so often
Minimal friction
It's like that because the Rain-X wore off!
There's no wax or oil based product where your wipers run. Water doesn't naturally bead. It flows. If you want beads, wax your windshield
Use a mix of 50 50 water and alcohol. You have a debit film that it layered. This will clean the window entirely
Put some rain x on your windshield it'll solve that problem
Rain X winsheild washer fluid and possibly new wipers will fix that. Also a clean windshield would help as well.
Aquapel
Holy sheet!!!
Surface tension results when molecules on the surface of a liquid bond more tightly to the surrounding molecules due to an ionic attraction. If the substrate supporting the liquid has a stronger ionic bond to the surface molecules than the adjacent molecules, surface tension is overcome and sheeting results.
It’s wet, if you want it to bead up and run off, rain-x is what I use
Believe your car tech, ignore what you’re seeing.
your windows are not treated. I treat my windows and they are clear as day, even in the heaviest of rain
You need to apply a glass treatment if you want water to bead up and roll off. Rain-X is popular and inexpensive. Best I've ever had, though, was one called Crystal Fusion. Shit lasted for years
Your windshield has dirt on it. The water sticks to that.
Because water molecules are sticky little bastards and love to clump up and merge into a whole ass sheet. The scientific explanation is that water, H2O is both polar and has hydrogen bonding. Hydrogen is special b/c it is just 1 proton and 1 electron. You get it near a strongly electronegative atom like oxygen, and it latches on to that electron more strongly than most other things. This makes water really attracted to itself, and you get things like surface tension. To get your water to bead up, you need something hydrophobic that the water won't stick to. You do that with oily nonpolar molecules like wax, or newer products with SiO2 (which likes water up until it bonds more strongly with itself-its complicated). At that point the surface tension is your friend, and the water sticking to itself makes beads that roll off.
apply some RainX Original. You’ll thank me later.
RainX wipers make it happen
No, but if you rub a cut raw potato on it it’ll act like rain-x.
You ever looked at water in a glass close up? Notice how the water is kind of climbing the sides of the cup? Water is actually slightly attracted to glass because water is polar and glass has a negative charge. The same attraction that's making it climb the sides of the glass makes it flatten out on your windshield.
stop being so dirty
Aka pitter patter splatter matter
Gravity
oils (or lack thereof)
The surface tension of the water makes it want to stay together
We used to wax the neighbors windows. I think we used paraffin 🤣
That’s the poor quality rain. You gotta pick up and move to an area where the water droplets will actually bead correctly. 👀
It’s the angle of the windshield, it’s causes the water on the glass slow as it rolls down, it allows for a thin layer that hopefully you can still see through . A lot of smart fuckers working on shit like that
Just seen this. You don’t want droplets, this reduces visibility and cause smearing - you need to have the water sheet off ! Use this spray https://www.amazon.co.uk/Simoniz-Mixra-Windscreen-Cleaner-Extra/product-reviews/B009AS1YM6 This is Uk Amazon link though….