Disclaimer: This review is independent and not sponsored by Rain-X. All opinions are based on personal experience and research.
I’ve been using Rain-X Rain Repellent for a few years already, and since I already mentioned it in my article on whether rain repellents are good or not, I thought it was the perfect time to finally publish my in-depth and honest review of it.
Rain-X Rain Repellent is claimed to be one of the best windshield water repellents out there, with simple application and great hydrophobic properties.
But is that just a marketing trick? Let’s find out!
If you’re looking for quick info about Rain-X, check the table below:
| 🟢 The Good | 🔴 The Not-So-Good |
|---|---|
| ✅ Very simple and quick to apply | ❌ Short lifespan (approx. 15–20 days) |
| ✅ Affordable compared to other solutions | ❌ Only works effectively at higher speeds (80 km/h+) |
| ✅ Immediate water-beading effect | ❌ Reduced lifespan after each car wash |
| ✅ Reduces the need for wipers (at speed) | ❌ Requires frequent reapplication |
| ✅ Easy to use on both windshields and wipers | ❌ Not a permanent solution; lacks durability |
| ✅ Performance was consistent across conditions | ❌ Effectiveness diminishes quickly at lower speeds |
| ✅ Windshield remains easy to clean |
Basic Info about Rain-X Rain Repellent
Rain-X Rain Repellent is the most popular glass treatment which improves visibility during rainy conditions by making water bead up and slide off your windshield.
Rain-X creates a hydrophobic layer on the windshield, which allows water to form into droplets which are then quickly carried away by airflow, especially at higher speed.
Since water goes off the windshield so easily, there is less need for windscreen wipers.
Rain-X isn’t the only water repellent for cars; there are many other products, such as Gtechniq G1, Aquapel, and others.
However, I think that Rain-X is the most popular because it’s one of the first windshield-repellent coatings on the market, and it has an extremely affordable price.
How I Applied Rain-X to My Car
The application process is extremely simple and straightforward. I was just following manufacturer guidelines, and it was done in a couple of minutes.
Here’s how I did it:
- I thoroughly cleaned the windshield with automotive glass cleaner and some rags. Of course, I let it completely dry.
- Then I took the bottle of Rain-X and shook it well.
- For applying it to the windshield, I used wax applicators. I thought of using microfiber cloth at first, but then I realized that a wax applicator is simpler to use and will cost less of a product since it doesn’t soak so much.
- I just poured some product on the applicator pad and then applied it to the windshield in circular motions. I divided the windshield into four parts and poured more product on the applicator pad for each pad.
- Then, you have to wait for a few minutes to allow the product to bond with the glass. Here, you’ll feel its pretty intense smell, so don’t inhale too much while applying the product hehe.
- Then, I took a microfiber cloth and thoroughly buffed the whole windshield, again in circular motions.
- Lastly, I decided to also apply Rain-X to windshield wipers because that way they’ll work better as well. (just follow the same procedure as above)
- When finished, I thoroughly washed the applicator pad and microfiber cloth to prevent the product from hardening.
And that’s it. It took me less than 10-15 minutes for the whole application.
If you want, you can also follow the guide in the video below, it’s slightly different than mine.
The Test: How Did Rain-X Perform on the Windshield
After trying it in all weather conditions, here are good and not-so-good things about Rain-X.
What I liked about this product:
- It’s extremely simple and quick to apply (As you can see above).
- Its pricing is extremely competitive and budget-friendly.
- It has great water-beading properties.
- I didn’t use wipers so much like before.
- I realized that I was spending my windshield washer much slower.
- Performance of Rain-X was consistent in day, night, rain, snow, etc..
- You can buy it in so many shops because it’s a worldwide known product. I bought it at a local grocery store, hehe.
- I started regularly applying it to side view mirrors so I can clearly see what’s going on no matter the weather
Things that I didn’t like:
- I realized that this product only lasts 15-20 days, depending on weather conditions and how often you wash your car. This means that you’ll have to re-apply it very often.
- Below 80 km/h, it barely has any effect. From 60 km/h, you see it starting to work, but nothing special.
- It’s not so durable on improper washing techniques. If you scrub it, it’ll quickly strip off.
Who do I Recommend Rain-X Rain Repellent To?
I think that Rain-X Rain Repellent is best for people looking for a quick and easy-to-apply windshield water repellent that’s also affordable and beginner-friendly.
It really does help with water beading up and leaving your windshield even with the wipers turned off, which helps a lot, especially if you live in a rainy country such as the UK.
But if you’re looking for something that’s really the best on the market, with the highest longevity, durability, etc.. Rain-X might not be the ideal product for you. In that case, refer to the heading below.
Ceramic Coatings Are Still Better, in My Opinion
If you’re looking for something much better, and money isn’t a problem, ceramic coating for glass might be your best bet.
Ceramic coatings are extremely durable, have incredible hydrophobic properties, and last long.
Two disadvantages are the price and ease of application (it’s pretty hard for beginners to do it). But again, if you’re looking for something that’s the best of the best on the market (at least for now), I really wholeheartedly recommend ceramic coatings for glass.
Otherwise, Rain-X Rain Repellent will serve you just fine, and you’ll be more than happy with the results, especially when we take price into consideration.
FAQs
Yes, I’ve been applying it to multiple types of cars and windshields, and I’ve never had a single issue.
In real-world situations and scenarios (driving a car every day, mixed weather, etc..), you can expect it to last anywhere between 15-20 days.
While I didn’t have such problems, it can happen due to improper application. That’s why it’s important that you clean the glass before application, apply a thin coat of rain-x, and then buff thoroughly to remove any residue from the glass.
Windshields with Rain-X applied will always perform better (better visibility) than the ones without anything applied. It will work in heavy rain, but from my experience upward from 60km/h.
Yes, and I’ve been personally using it on all glass surfaces on my vehicle.
Rain-X will not damage the wiper blades. Actually, it’ll prolong their life.
You can buy Rain-X Rain Repellent below:
