Does RAIN-X type products limit range?

[LittleOverPSL]

Rain-X is not metal, it won't stop radar waves from going thru. Lidar is a different story, maybe someone with a lidar gun can test/verify whether it increases or decreases reflectivity of IR.

Per my understanding, Rain-X (or similar products) work by increasing the surface tension of water wrt the surface. If you remember chemistry labs in school, when you pour water into a test tube the top surface of the water is concave.

When the rain drops (or droplets if it's a drizzle) hit the windshield, they shatter into small droplets that 'stick' to the windshield and reduce visibility - hence the need to be wiped off. Coating the windshield with Rain-X basically creates a surface that has has higher water tension - the droplets cling back together to form larger drops. The amount of water on the windshield (at any given moment) hasn't changed, it's just clumped together in larger drops. Visibility between the drops is retained and significantly reduces the need to 'wipe off'. Depending on the rake of the windshield and the vehicle speed (assuming no wind), the wind pressure on the drop forces it up the windshield (yup, against gravity) and causes that cool effect and even further reducing the need to 'wipe off'.

In the cars I've driven (owned or rental), I've found the drops to roll up at 40+ MPH.

Whether Rain-X (or other products) corrode the glass, I don't know. However, I've found the windshield get compromised by sand and/or rock chips far before the Rain-X.

Don't believe me? Try this experiment: Get a 1/2" dia. (or close) clean test tube, fill with water and note the 'height' of the concavity. Then coat it's inside with Rain-X, fill with water and measure the 'height' of the concavity/convexity. The height should reduce or even become convex.

[ELVATO]

Hehe, gotta love that stuff. The bug formula is awesome during love bug season here in FL. Every so often, just spray the stuff, and the bugs will come off instead of smearing It was kinnda funny cuz it was raining pretty hard a couple weeks ago here in Orlando, and I didnt need to turn on my wipers becuase of the stuff, but my roomate was freakin out cuz I wouldnt turn them on. It was hilarious.

[Arashi666]

Hehe, gotta love that stuff. The bug formula is awesome during love bug season here in FL. Every so often, just spray the stuff, and the bugs will come off instead of smearing It was kinnda funny cuz it was raining pretty hard a couple weeks ago here in Orlando, and I didnt need to turn on my wipers becuase of the stuff, but my roomate was freakin out cuz I wouldnt turn them on. It was hilarious.

some people just dont know the joys of Rain X, im using some pretty expensive blades right now (The bracket-less $25 per blade stuff) and all it seems to do is rub the Rain X washer fluid on, thats it

[jimbonzzz]

Moved to Car Talk.

[LittleOverPSL]

Hehe, gotta love that stuff. The bug formula is awesome during love bug season here in FL. Every so often, just spray the stuff, and the bugs will come off instead of smearing

What is this stuff? Do you add it in addition to Rain-X or is it mixed with Rain-X?

... but my roomate was freakin out cuz I wouldnt turn them on. It was hilarious.

x10 that

Regarding lidar. Now that I think about it a little bit more, I think lidar reception could be the same or a tad bit better in the rain. Why?
1. Less stuff to go thru because more of the windshield is 'clear'
2. The drops focus the little IR they get and the drops in front of the lens help. Driving at night with this stuff can be a little nasty from the headlights of oncoming vehicles (each drop sorta becomes like a shining light)

But this is all prolly moot cause LEOs are likely to stay in during rainy weather. Maybe have some donuts and coffee. :wink:

[Arashi666]

Hehe, gotta love that stuff. The bug formula is awesome during love bug season here in FL. Every so often, just spray the stuff, and the bugs will come off instead of smearing

What is this stuff? Do you add it in addition to Rain-X or is it mixed with Rain-X?

... but my roomate was freakin out cuz I wouldnt turn them on. It was hilarious.

x10 that

Regarding lidar. Now that I think about it a little bit more, I think lidar reception could be the same or a tad bit better in the rain. Why?
1. Less stuff to go thru because more of the windshield is 'clear'
2. The drops focus the little IR they get and the drops in front of the lens help. Driving at night with this stuff can be a little nasty from the headlights of oncoming vehicles (each drop sorta becomes like a shining light)

But this is all prolly moot cause LEOs are likely to stay in during rainy weather. Maybe have some donuts and coffee. :wink:

if youve got the Rai-X brand washer fluid like me, it has a bug off type thing already in it, so I use it for that, or when I see some rain coming, just spray it on and im good to go

[tvbi]

This thread reminded me to use my rain-x..haven't reapply for like a year :shock:

[ELVATO]

Yea, its Rain X wiper fluid with a bug solution. It costed a full dollar and a half more than the generic Walmart brand. Best 2.34+tax Ive spent in a while :P

[LittleOverPSL]

Yea, its Rain X wiper fluid with a bug solution. It costed a full dollar and a half more than the generic Walmart brand. Best 2.34+tax Ive spent in a while :P

I see, thanks. I bought some big bottles from Costco a year or so ago - still have the stuff. Need it only for long distance trips, doesn't do much good during commute (short distance), plus the light drizzle we get in Seattle doesn't need it.