I have no idea about the coating you are referring to, but I use Rain X all the time and have had no issues.

 

+1

 

I use rain-x on mine, and I find it beads nicer than any new windshield out there. and it won't harm anything. I would recommend using the rain-x Cleaner, as well as the water repellent treatment, and stay away from the rain-x washer fluid.

 

I use Rain X on my wind shield as well. Love it, it even beads the water right off at high speed, using the wipers become optional.

Btw what's wrong with the washer fluid?

 

I find that when you use the washer fluid, it makes the window blurry. Maybe its just me..

 

+1 it makes it blurry for a split second. Then disappears clear. I got it just for the insane amount of bugs this summer in the Northeast.

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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=41.699588,-73.925048

 

I've replaced my windshield twice so that coating no longer applies to me if there was one in the first place

I use rainX and also had rainX wipers and they both worked great.

 

rainx is awesome I put it on every window on both my cars. Sometimes if I don't have any I will wax windows, does about the same but rainx is still better. Don't really every use my wipers anymore.

 

Dont use Nanosafeguard, it's horrbile.

 

I hate the Rain-X washer fluid. It gets mixed up with bug guts and creates this horrible streaky, foggy mess that will not go away.

I have not tried the separate Rain-X.

 

For some reason, I haven't had positive results from using Rain-X on my R's windshield, but had exceptional results on my old Toyota Tercel... On the Tercel, I used to get massive beading at speeds above 40, but I only manage to get tiny beads at speeds above 60. I simply spray it on, use a towel to spread it around, and wipe it clean with a different microfiber towel. This technique was used on both cars. Maybe its because of the special glass on the R's windshield?

 

Here are some links in reference to the coating I am talking about..
http://www.carpages.co.uk/volvo/volvo_water_repellent_glass_20_10_04.asp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water-repellent_glass

and from the manual:
Side windows with the water repellent glass coating-option

Do not apply wax, degreasing agents, etc to this glass. This could damage the coating.
Clean the glass surface with care to avoid scratching.
Use only suitable plastic scrapers to remove ice or snow from the windows.
NOTE: The water repellent coating is subject to natural wear.

 

I'm the original owner of my 'R' and I chose that as an factory option. The water repellent glass is only on the sides. It doesn't cover the windshield. I've always hit the windshield and sides with wax when doing the car. No problems.

 

I use the rain x window washer fluid. It's awesome. I don't get the blurry thing the others mentioned. I bought the rain x blades too. Terrible. Straight to the trash. The main one doesn't stay down at high speeds and the other side needs to be smaller since the oem curves.


Sent from my iPad on the toilet

 

I bought the rain x blades too. Terrible. Straight to the trash. The main one doesn't stay down at high speeds and the other side needs to be smaller since the oem curves.

Sent from my iPad on the toilet

Bosch ICONs are the way to go !

 

Aquapel - FTW...

The closest alternative to the OEM water repellant glass

 

+1 for Aquapel. Stuff is awesome and it lasts 2-3x longer than RainX. Also helps quite a bit with snow and frosted-over windshields.

 

I was introduced Aquapel by a friend about a year or so ago. The stuff is awesome and last forever/much longer than RainX

 

Right but RainX seems to be the better performer, being able to glide off water at 40mph whereas Aquapel needs around 50-60mph. I agree that Aquapel lasts much longer, but RainX is relatively easy to apply, and it's part of my repertoire when I wash and quick wax my car. Using both the washer fluid (I mix it with regular, and I don't experience the blurriness), and with proper prepping, it seems to last much longer.

 

So it is or isn't ok to use this on the water repellant glass?

 

iirc the front windshield doesn't have the water repellant glass. look at your side windows and there will be a little icon that represents the rain repellent glass. the front windshield will not have the water droplets icon but side windows and side mirrors do. I looked into it when my original front window cracked. I have the rain repellant windows listed as an option for the car and wanted to make sure replacement glass had it. the local glass guy who does all the glass for 2 dealers in town mentioned there is no front glass that has it.

if your front window does i'd like to see a picture of it and any part numbers.

edit: you will also notice the link you provided above for volvo doesn't mention front windshield. just side mirrors and side window.

 

+1 for Aquapel. Stuff that works. I have it on all windows, the sunroof water turns into $ coin sized beads.

 

Thanks for the help guys.. I bought used and had to drive home in a storm.. guess they just rainX'd it before i bought it.
Appreciate all the help..