Rain-X versus PPG Aquapel: Grudge Match
Autoblog reader Josh Wardell, who loves his MINI Cooper very much thank you, has posted an interesting comparison test between the well known windshield treatment called Rain-X and a lesser known competitor named PPG Aquapel that's usually used by service professionals rather than vehicle owners. We hadn't heard much about PPG Aquapel so we were interested to learn which product Wardell found to more effectively whisked away rainwater over a period of time.
The results from Wardell's unofficial comparison test were surprising. After having applied both products to separate sides of his MINI's windshield, Wardell waited for rain and then taped the results at various stages, all the way from day one to day 72. What we learn from Wardell's accompanying video is that both windshield treatements need speeds above 40 mph to whisk rain away effectively, but that the windshield wipers dramatically reduce the effectiveness of Rain-X over time, whereas the PPG Aquapel side was still effective after 60 days.
How many of you out there have had the chance to try Aquapel and were your results similar? Any Rain-X defenders out there who'd like to speak up?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
nv 11:14PM (1/27/2008)
+1 on Aquapel. I've been using since 1998 and it is bar-non the best out there, no wonder the aviation industry uses it.
If you're applying it over glass that has had RainX, be sure you clean the glass of all silicone residue.
We use on our fleet of 6-vehicles, and in the Florida rains, it is IMHO a safety accessory.
Reply
Ray Sands Glass 3:32PM (2/09/2008)
We have carried Aquapel at our Rochester shop for a while http://www.raysandsglass.com/Product-Services/aquapel.htm and we also have it availiable online. I have used it on all of my vehicles as do most of our employees and I absolutly love it. I have been telling customers (and friends and family) for years that it outperforms RainX, but have never seen them put to the test side by side.
We also get a lot of customers like Ben D. - they get the Aquapel treatment while they are here then a few weeks later are back in with a spouse's car. Almost all the customers I've spoken to that have tried both Aquapel and RainX prefer the Aquapel hands down. We even got a glowing review from the Dayton, Ohio Sheriff"s Department - one of our internet customers, and newly converted Aquapel users.
http://raysands.wordpress.com/2007/10/31/aquapel-windshield-treatment-gets-rave-reviews/
Reply
Jrod 7:58PM (2/25/2008)
Been using Rain-X since my uncles recommended it after the wipers died upon leaving Chicago. Indiana gas station attendant told them about Rain-X. Treated windshield and they made it back home to Tuscaloosa, safely.
Rain-X does need 35mph wind to move water. If this does it a slower speeds will try. ALL my vehicles use Rain-X. Siblings as well. Rain-X plus Meguiars Soft Wash Gel Car (hotpink) best combo I've found. More T-Storms headed for Gulf Coast, will try!
Reply
Jrod 7:58PM (2/25/2008)
Great...
Aquapel is not available from retail stores as a do-it-yourself product but is professionally applied. The product comes packaged in a Professional Installer Kit with 24 Aquapel Glass Treatment applicators, static cling stickers to record the application date, consumer sales brochures, mirror hangers and the application instructions. It can be used as a promotional item for your customers and insurance agents.
Reply
Charlie C 10:48AM (3/27/2008)
I work for a company that has a windshield treatement that works great. This product was developed for the military. DuraBlade Glass System. This product should be available in store this year. Some lube centers currently offer this product. It last for months.
Reply
Deb Larson 9:02PM (3/30/2008)
My husband has treated my windshield with the product Charlie C mentions and it works well because it does not require speed to move the water. The water sheets off versus beading. This is much better than RainX or Aquapel and it is supposed to be as durable as Aquapel. A similar product will be available soon as Valvoline Clear Performance.
Reply
Laszlo 10:52PM (4/23/2008)
Very useful test.
I purchased Aquapel though I'm a long time Rain X user and love it. I intend to use the Aquapel as a base coat and add the RainX because I've found that freshly applied RainX (with one hour) is the best for repelling rain and does work at slow speeds (approx 20 mph) when it's fresh.
Yeah it's a drag to have to replenish the RainX so frequently but that's life. Maybe with the Aquapel base coat, I will always have some repelling action.
Reply
Jennifer 10:25AM (7/29/2008)
I lived in Michigan, and I had Aquapel applied to my windshield at a Victory Lane Quick Oil Change store probably 8 years ago. It was incredible. I drove from Chicago back to Michigan in a torrential storm where 2PM looked like 10PM but with a green sky. The storm was so bad it resulted in tornadoes and a major power outage. I never even had to turn on my wipers the whole time.
I looked for Aquapel in retail stores and never found it. So, I decided to give Rain-X a try, since it had to be better than nothing. It was, but it did not perform anywhere near as well as the Aquapel. The Aquapel was effective for at least 6 months for me, and Rain-X is pitiful in comparison.
Reply
Ronmeister 7:55PM (8/31/2008)
Aqualpel, when applied correctly, on a completely dirt and film free surface, will last all winter long and keep your windshield from having those morning of strenuous ice scraping. Water will not only bead, it'll repell from the surface. If ice cristals do for beads of ice during the negative degree days, turn your defrost on for two minutes and go. Rain-ex is the ex-product of choice. You can buy a 24 pack on EBAY for $85 and with each application lasting 4-6 months ( depending on area climate and usage) it last... well you do the math. It does work out to about 4.25 and application. Can't beat it.
Reply
James Fabin 7:52PM (4/17/2006)
Good video - this guy really put in the effort to show the performance of each over 2 months. I've been using Rain-X since the early 90's when I first learned of it and have had great luck with it. I'll give the Aquapel a try - from the video it is the winners choice for long lasting protection. Living in Southern California, one application should last a year (we get so little rain).
James
Reply
AutoFan 7:55PM (4/17/2006)
Golly. I wonder why Rain-X rubs off. I mean, it's almost like they want you to keep buying the stuff over and over again!
Reply
Steve C. 8:06PM (4/17/2006)
Haven't tried PPG's product (I tried Rain-X -- not impressed), but every car I own (5 of them) wears PIAA silicone blades. They constantly lay down a microscopic film of silicone which causes rain to bead and stream off the windshield like crazy. I highly recommend them.
Reply
Styl 8:10PM (4/17/2006)
Steve C (#3), where did you find PIAA Wiper Blades? I currently live in Florida and have not been able to locate a vendor that carries them.
Thanx.
Reply
Udayan Tripathi 8:14PM (4/17/2006)
2. Golly. I wonder why Rain-X rubs off. I mean, it's almost like they want you to keep buying the stuff over and over again!
I second that (with the sarcasm).
Reply
Jason Chan 8:23PM (4/17/2006)
the best rain repellant i bought was actually some generic brand from walmart, it cost $1. it repels rain a lot faster than rainx. however they do not sell it anymore. also it was neon yellow... haha. rain x works fine for me since im in socal. ill try the aquapel once i run out of rainx.
Reply
Alex 8:24PM (4/17/2006)
I use the windsheild washer fluid from rain-x (not sold in CA, so I stock up when I leave the state). A layer of rain-x gets applied everytime you use your windsheild washer (which is a lot living next to the ocean). It is not that much more expensive than the regualr windsheild washer fluid.
Reply
Old Saaber 8:31PM (4/17/2006)
I do like Alex, Rain-X windshield washer solution. The washer gets plenty of use in the road-salted winter, and in the summer, I just wash the windows occasionally for touch ups--works great.
Reply
SKluck 8:32PM (4/17/2006)
I never tried these treatment things until I found an old bottle of the rain-x stuff stashed away in my garage. I am really impressed. I don't even use my wipers when I'm driving on the highway (70mph+), even in very heavy rain.
Everyone should use some sort of treatment, the difference is incredible.
Reply
Jason Chan 8:40PM (4/17/2006)
oo i do have a question, did josh test the rain x and aquapel in 72 days of rain or 72 days total rain or shine?
Reply
Vexorg 8:47PM (4/17/2006)
I tried using Rain-X for a while, and it does work, but I found that when I would apply it, no how much polishing I did to remove the residue, it would always result in glare on the windshield in the sun. Since I am particularly sensitive to light, this causes me more problems than the rain does, so I haven't bothered using the stuff in quite a while.
Reply