The Original i30 Owners Club
GOT PROBLEMS OR ISSUES? => GENERAL => Topic started by: eugene188 on October 01, 2012, 01:52:40
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I recently bought a couple of packs of Aquapel from ebay (http://www.ebay.ca/itm/251141145304?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 (http://www.ebay.ca/itm/251141145304?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649)) after I saw some videos of it. From the reviews of some of the youtube videos, Aquapel works just as well as Rain-x and last longer.
I have never used Rain-X before, however after one drive in the rain after I put Aquapel on the windshield, I can honestly say that it works very well in keeping the windshield clear of water when compared to nothing applied. The water droplets bead up on the windshield VERY well, and automatically start to slide up and off the windshield once you reach past 60km/h. When I was on the highway, I didn't even need to turn the wipers on and it was ok. When I did turn on the wipers in city driving, it cleared off the water like I've never seen before, you could even hear the water swish sound!
Aquapel works especially well during night driving. I found even on the new windshield with new wipers (car is less than 4000km old), I found every time the wipers went by, they left a thin film of water which diffused the lights from the oncoming cars and make it harder to see at night. There was more light bouncing within the water and windshield layer than passing through the windshield. With Aquapel, the thin film of water was much less noticeable, additionally, the water quickly formed into small beads instead of being spread out.
The major problem with Aquapel is the application process. First you must thoroughly clean the windshield with glass cleaner which isn't so much of a problem. However, after you apply the Aquapel fluid, you are supposed to wipe it off with paper towel. I put so much elbow grease to wipe the ALL fluid off. I also used about half a roll of paper towel for the whole process. I think one applicator of Aquapel can probably do all of the windows on a car, or the front and back windshield twice.
If you guys live in a place with lots of rain, I totally, positively, absolutely suggest that you try it out. I was surprised at how well it worked.
In a couple months time, it will start snowing, I wonder what it will be like now.
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Thanks eugene I will check it out :goodjob:
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Nice report. I've used Rainex before but a long time ago.
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I use these type of products all the time, currently on Rain-X which is good but not as good as the cheapy one from Lidl!
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The main downside of the application process of Aquapel was that it is REALLY hard to wipe the fluid off the windshield, the paper towels just don't absorb it. It took much much longer than I thought it would take, around 1 hour to do the windshield, 2 front windows, and part of the rear hatch window. It reminded me of trying to clean oil off of a surface, but it took longer! You have to completely remove the fluid or it dries up and then you are screwed as it will leave streaks.
How long does it take to put rain-x on?
I was initially going to try a generic coating from Wal-mart but read on some place that some of them leave streaks. And the reviews found that Aquapel lasts longer than Rain-x, although the water starts running off of rain-x at lower speeds.
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Rain-X is a wipe on/wipe off product, the one I use is a cleaner with the product included so it works very quickly.
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I have used RainX since 1994 when I first "discovered" it during the few months I lived in the USA. I find it best to use RainX glass cleaner before applying it on the windscreen for maximum life.
I would not be without it now.
I recently tried a similar product from Turtle Wax (which was a lot less expensive) - but it isn't anywhere near as good.
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It has been over 6 months since I've applied Aquapel on my windows, and since then I've put it on the 2 other cars at home.
I would like to update that Aquapel is really an AWESOME killer product. It is supposed to last 6 months per application, I am going on my 7th month on my front windshield and the water still beads up like it did at the starting! While other drivers have their wipers on the high setting, I'm just cruising away turning them on when I really need to.
The back windshield however doesn't seem like it has any Aquapel left. I believe it is because there is just SO MUCH MORE dirt on the back because of the aerodynamics of the car. The air is turbulent, and there is always a lot more crap stuck on the back. I bet whenever i wipe the back, all the dirt scratches the Aquapel off.
I am going to buy another bunch of Aquapel applicators. At about 8USD per applicator, it works out to just over 1USD/month and has GREAT water beading/repellent results.