Greetings:

I came across this review http://www.toyoland.com/trucks/4runner.html (2003 4Runner Major change - Interior - 2nd paragraph) stated that 4R has Hydrophilic (water repellent) windhield and side windows. Is this true? If so, is it stated anywhere in Toyota brochure, web-site etc?

 

yea i read that... and also that this has caused a weird 'wavy' effect in the glass when you look at it in certain directions / angles / lights.

 

i thought my 2k 4runner sort of came with that at least on the front side windows

 

yes my 2000 has that treatment on the side windows and mirrors. Not on the front window though, i just rainx all my windows, works great. Anyone ever use the rainx windshield washer fluid? does it compare at all to regular rainx or hydrophilic glass?

 

I'm using the washer fluid stuff and it certainly isn't as good as a fresh regular treatment but it still works good.

 

I will NEVER put rainx on my windshield again! It works great if its raining hard but if its light rain, the water just beads and doesn't drip down - its very irritating.

 

Hydrophilic - is water loving inferring a charged state that a water molecule can bond to

Hydrophobic - is water hating and infers a nonpolar state that repels water.

So what toyota MEANT to say is that it's windshield is hydrophobic....

Nothing beats RainX. If applied properly NOTHING stays put - small beads of water or big ones. Here in FL, where it's constantly raining, I use nothing else the stuff rules!!

 

how do you apply it "properly"?

 

I have been using Rain-X since it first appeared on the market. The best way to apply it is right before a rain. I carry a small bottle in every vehicle and if I see rain ahead I stop and apply some. If it is raining I add some before leaving the garage. Two coats using a circular motion when the windshield is squeeky clean, then one coat works fine on the road. If it is raining I don't rub it off. Don't add it to a wet windshield as it doesn't adhere very well.

Windshield wipers rub it off, so go as long as you can before using them.

For night driving in the rain nothing beats it. I can see right thru any amount of rain. During the day one needs to be driving fast enough to blow the water beads away. The steep pitch of the DeLorean I drove allowed even slow speeds to move the water off.

The coating on the 4th Gen does help a lot, but it doesn't compare to Rain-X for the windshield.

 

In '99 Toyota starting using treated glass on 4Runners which also included the side glass.
Rain-X is a great and simple product and it also help ice from freezing hard on the windows which makes it easier to scrape off.

 

I agree with that. I really notice the hydrophobic effect on the side glass more than the windshield- but the windshield gets alot of junk on it fast that water can stick to.

Also the 4th gen glass is also UV resistant to help protect the interior and people so besides quality, there are alot of features built into OEM glass.
I would insist on OEM glass, it's bad enough you have to replace it (and worry about getting a proper installation), don't compound the problem with cheap glass.

Goold luck!

 

I'm glad someone said something about the hydrophilic/phobic...

 

I use RainX applied directly, and dumped some int he windshield washer fluid..

 

Yea, the washer fluid stuff helps reduce the problem of the rainX getting rubbed off in the wiper path. Kinda maintains the coating.

 

Thank you all for your inputs and comments.

I used to use RainX. However, I drop it since I experience some condensation (foggy like) when I use AC, when the weather is humid and cool... It happens often during Fall, Winter and humid summer. It seems to come from the air layer sandwiches between the RainX and windshield layer and when the ventilation hole from the dashboard blow up the windshield. I have to constantly use the wiper even though it isn't raining or snowing.

 

does the rainx washer fluid just adhere to the glass, or does it adhere to paint too? I just dont like the idea of that stuff getting on my paint, and making that water repellant too, thats what wax is for,.lol

 

its really diluted and probably a totally different forumla...the effects of the rainx is minimal compared to the hand applied rainx....its does a pretty good job though for what its worth...

 

How did that work for ya? Ive heard of adding ammonia D or alcohol to the washer fluid...


hahahaha being a microbiologist with a chem minor and being ever so slightly anal retentive, I couldn't let that one go.....lol

 

Anyone try Rain Clear Gel? I have not seen it in a local store yet.

http://www.properautocare.com/raclrare.html

It is from the guy who patented Rain-X.

 

Yes, I have it in the garage next to the Rain-X. I found that it works the same. Not as easy to use though as it is quite thick. Since it is solvent free, it would probably be better for my motorcycle goggles.