Do I Really Need Aquapel?

[JazeeJ]

Been a home detailing wonk for many years. I learned through experience and mostly the forums, best thing on the windshield is NOTHING. Use a good glass cleaner/polish with a rotary/orbital and heavy cut foam pad + then window cleaner + replace blades when necessary = best performance. Windshield wipers were put on your car for a purpose. All these videos of people raving about Rain-X driving around with their wipers off just crack me up. So I HAVE used Aquapel for my mirrors, side windows and rear window. Lasts longer than Rain-X. In my older age I`ve turned more into a penny pincher. I`ve had this bottle of Klasse SG I use for years now as the stuff just lasts so long and you need so little.

I was about to order some more Aquapel and thought, what am I thinking? Why not just SG the mirrors, side and rear window!? (I`m assuming the hydrophobic properties are at least close to Aquapel and Rain-X judging from how well it beads on the car.) My only concern is the small wiper on the rear getting chatter or smearing. I guess worse case scenario I just use cheap Rain-X on the rear or everything except the side windows. I live in a dry climate with little snow and rain and always garaged and drive 7K miles a year so SG lasts a year easily on my car. I also use rinseless car wash so the coatings just last forever on my car.

Just curious if others have found it a good alternative for mirrors, side and rear as opposed to buying a specialized rain repellent product. It`s nice not only to save a buck but be able to simplify.

[Dan]

I`m all for simplicity but nothing beats Rainx in repelling water. If you don`t use your wipers often it lasts a really long time. Sealants like KSG don`t have the same effect for me.

[Billy Jack]

Personally, I like the Rain repellants and enjoy avoiding the wipers above 35 mph or so. After trying Rain-X and Aquapel among others, I`ve settled on Griot`s Glass protectant for now. It`s effective, lasts longer than Rain-X, no wiper chatter and application is easier, while still being quite inexpensive.

Bill

[dwaleke]

Good video with testing.

The Best Glass Sealant | Detailing Product Mega Test Comparison - YouTube

Some more in depth information on the products.

Everything you need to know about glass sealants - YouTube

[Older]

I got tired of wrestling with Aquapel a few years back. It works great, but too much effort for me.

[PA DETAILER]

I keep it simple. Glass cleaner with repellant.

Pinnacle Crystal Clear Glass Cleaner with Water Repellent

[Desertnate]

I`m in the naked glass camp.

I`ve noticed on my last three or four cars the glass was already treated with something that did a really good job or repelling water, especially the windshields. When water hits the glass, it beads up really small and rolls up with the air flow. I know it isn`t something added after market because two of those four cars I bought new and no work was done to them prior to me taking delivery. When you use products on the glass it actually was a detriment and not a benefit. In misty/foggy/drizzly conditions it actually made it harder for the wipers to clean the glass and at night made visibility pretty bad.

Of course this is with Japanese and German cars. I have noticed glass on American vehicles is totally different and the water just lays/sticks to the glass.