What’s the best rain repellent for windshields?
There are some good treatments designed for repelling liquid and other contaminants when it comes to automotive glass. If you’re wondering which one is the best and most effective for your glass surface, this article will help answer that question. Aquapel and Rain-X are the top rain repellents on the market that I’ve had an opportunity to use. This article will compare the two products and their effectiveness to help you determine the best rain repellent for windshields. I’ll also cover the recommended application process for each, which isn’t very difficult.
Let’s Talk About Rain-X
Is Rain-X the best rain repellent for windshields? Rain-X is a very popular brand that many people swear by, but it comes with one major caveat: You have to reapply it every time there’s heavy rainfall or your windshield needs cleaning. This can be costly over the long term.
Rain-X Pros:
- Least expensive
- Packaged in either a spray bottle or squeeze bottle
- The best version can be applied with a sprayer which has an applicator built into the cap. This makes it easy to know exactly how much product you’re applying.
- Rain-X is easy to apply. You just have to spray the product on the windshield and wipe away any excess with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel.
- All you need for Rain-X are two coats and then wait ten minutes before driving into rain again.
Rain-X Cons:
- Once applied, it can only be used 40 hours.
- Extra applications are needed when driving in rainy conditions or if you want to clean your windows.
Let’s Talk About Aquapel
Is it the best rain repellent for windshields? In my experience, Aquapel glass treatment is an excellent solution for the windshield! The application process for this product only takes a few minutes and the results are amazing. I was shocked at how well the water was repelled after applying Aquapel to my windshield. I literally didn’t need to turn on my wipers during a downpour. The best part was getting splashed by another driver and still being able to see the road. In my opinion, Aquapel actually makes driving a lot safer due to how quickly it repels water.
Aquapel Pros:
- Aquapel is the longest lasting product on the market which can last up to six months.
- Compact packaging is easy to store in a car’s glove compartment or under the seats.
- Completed in one step.
- You don’t have to apply Aquapel every time your car gets wet, which means you will use less of the product and spend less money in the long-run.
- Aquapel not only repels water really well, but it also makes it easier to remove dead bugs and bird droppings (poop).
- During winter months, the coating will help repel snow, ice, and frost so it doesn’t bond to the windshield.
Aquapel Cons:
- More expensive for one application
- Aquapel can leave a foggy film or haze on your windshield if you apply it too thickly.
- It’s best to apply Aquapel before the car gets wet, so it has time to dry.
- Once it’s applied, it’s almost impossible to remove it if you’re unhappy with the way it works.
- It’s not available as an aerosol spray which means it’s harder to apply compared to Rain-X.
The Application Process
It doesn’t matter which model vehicle you drive, the instructions for each formula are extremely easy. There are two options when applying either of these protective repellents to the glass windscreen of cars. DIY or simply contact a local auto center to handle the service. Shops will cost more than doing it on your own, but the convenience is nice. I typically have it put on when the local carwash is detailing my paint with a fresh new coat of wax. I like to have a fresh coat of wax every 3 months since that seems to be how long the protection from both lasts. Check out my car care guide on waxing to see why I do this every 3 months.
- Step One: Clean the glass of the windshield really well
- Step Two: This step only applies to Aquapel. Squeeze the handles found on the special plastic blade to crack the glass so the liquid inside coats the application pad.
- Step Three: Apply the products
- Step Four: Dry the window and reapply frequently if needed
Cost Comparison
- Aquapel Price – One applicator cost around $8.99. However, a 2 pack will save you money and cost around $12.99.
- RainX Price – The price for
Wrapping Up The Best Rain Repellent for Windshields!
In closing, It’s hard to pick a winner and recommend both since the performance of each when testing worked very well to improve visibility in bad weather. However, I highly prefer Aquapel since it creates a longer-lasting barrier for repelling water. Plus it prevents bug splatter and bird poop from sticking which makes it easier for the wipers to clean it off. If you drive across a bridge on any lake at night, you’ll definitely understand what I’m talking about. Having Aquapel on your windshield when you turn on the wipers will help the wiper blade easily remove all the dead bugs. For this reason and a few others, I feel Aquapel is the best rain repellent for windshields.
