the 'little tricks you've learned' thread

fogertyt said:
I think RainX is a terrible product! :down I DO NOT like the way it causes wiper chatter and skipping. It may work fine at high driving speeds, but at low speeds the generated headwind isnt sufficient to carry the water droplets off the glass. The water beads TOO WELL on the glass leaving distinct wet and dry areas. The droplet build-up necessitates wiper use which causes blade chatter on the dry areas. Unfortunately, glass treated with RainX will never again behave like untreated glass. Nothing removes this stuff. I've spoken with the manufacturer at length about this effect. They offer little help and seem genuinely unconcerned. Frankly I'm suprised the product has had the success it has.
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I disagree:up



Some people get the chatter and some don't. I love the stuff.
 
I have acquired several of my wife's "demoted" make-up brushes!



They are great for interior work. Soft brissels. And they come in a variety of shapes and sizes.



You can usually find them at Dollar Stores also.



Like these. (these are more expensive, but you get the idea)...



mmart54106_1742_3201063
 
stanger99 said:
I disagree:up



Some people get the chatter and some don't. I love the stuff.
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I love the stuff too! as long as you go about putting it on right and that means a ton of buffing, it works amazing and lasts for ever.



I have never had a problem with wiper chatter on any car, truck or van that I have used it on, thats with both new and old wipers.
 
Footy said:
Have you tried Naphtha (as in Zippo lighter fluid) ? I tried it on the advise of Ron K, and it seemed to remove the Rain-X completely (well the wipers stopped chattering, anyway)
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Thanks for the suggestion, but I've already replaced the windshield. :xyxthumbs



From what I've been told RainX is a proprietary silicone formula suspended in a carrier alcohol. Appied, the alcohol flows the silicone into the microscopic pores in the glass and then evaporates, leaving the silicone behind to fill the pores.





For what its worth, here's a list of chemicals I've used with no success: mineral spirits, acetone, laquer thinner, unleaded gasoline, isopropyl alcohol, a pressure washer, Tide, Dawn, and per RainX tech support - Bar Keeper's Friend. I havent been able to find anything to remove it. (In retrospect I shoud have tried denatured alcohol, but I didnt think of it at the time.)





I suppose many people must find RainX a useful product; otherwise it would have dissappeared long ago. Personally I do not.



Future users should use caution because its a one way trip. Personally I dont think its worth the risk.



Sidebar--- Since naptha is a petroleum based product, could the petroleum residue left behind from the naptha be acting as a lubricant for the wiperblades? Has your success with the lighter fluid been long term?
 
For applying my favorite vinyl protectant vinylex.I bought 6 foam paint brushes from the hardware store. They soak up the protectant so a little goes a long way. Let it sit for 30 minutes then buff off the remaining. ALOT easier than spraying it on a towel!
 
PeanutButter for your exterior trim pieces! I've tried it and it does work. It works better then Back to Black and doesn't leave streaks. Oh, and throw some jelly on your tires, makes them shine real nice :D



I was kidding about the jelly ;)
 
This is such an awesome thread, I have to keep it going.......



If you haven't read it.....go back and read all of the LITTLE TRICKS WE'VE LEARNED!!!



Here are a couple more:



1. After cleaning your engine bay, use Tire Foam for the plastic and rubber parts, (hoses, fuse boxes, etc). Leaves them with a nice satin sheen.



2. If you can reach through the "holes" in your wheels, be sure to clean all the way to the back side of the rim. It gives your car a real finished look! It's a little work, but worth it.



3. Wax your door jambs! Makes them so easy to clean next time.



4. Under-hood pads always collect dirt and look terrible. I painted mine with latex "fabric" paint. Dirt doesn't collect in it now.



5. Rolling stool for low body panels, bumpers, wheels........easy on the lower back!



6. TIRE FOAM in the wheel wells makes them shine like new.......and it's CHEAP!



7. Before waxing or polishing, spray your applicator pad thoroughly with QD. Makes wax or polish application very slick (less friction)....



8. For interior glass.....use a small bucket of warm clear water and two MF towels. One to wash and one to dry. No chemicals needed......and completely STREAK-FREE.



9. For you Car-Show guys........When your car is all set up and show-ready, the final touch is to dress the TIRE-TREADS. It's final finish in making your car look like a winner!



Keep this going guys!!!!



I've picked up some very cool tips from this thread!
 
I just thought of more........I'm on a roll!!!



For extremely dirty MF's or terry towels (engine bay, wheels, etc)...PRE-SOAK them in hot water and Oxy-Clean before machine washing.



The sink water will be black, but your wife will be happy!!!(no black ring in the washer)...
 
Luster said:
9. For you Car-Show guys........When your car is all set up and show-ready, the final touch is to dress the TIRE-TREADS. It's final finish in making your car look like a winner!
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Luster,



I've seen a few cars at shows that have the treads dressed, and you're right, it does look good. I have to ask, though, what product should be used? I'd be scared to use even a water based dressing like Vinylex on the tread because of traction issues. Granted, it should wear off within a few blocks of driving, but I'm haunted by visions of needing to do an emergency stop in those few blocks while the tires are still slick, and just sliding right into whatever I'm trying to avoid.



What have you used in the past, and have you ever noticed traction problems on the drive home from the show? Maybe I'm just being paranoid, but I tend to be that way about brakes, tires, and suspension.



Tort
 
I'd be scared to use even a water based dressing like Vinylex on the tread because of traction issues
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I'm with Tortoise on this one. At shows I usually wiped the treads down with a damp sponge. If there is a product that won't make the treads slick let me know.



It would be a pain to be slipping and sliding trying to get the my show car on the trailer....:D
 
TortoiseAWD said:
Luster,



while the tires are still slick, and just sliding right into whatever I'm trying to avoid.



What have you used in the past, and have you ever noticed traction problems on the drive home from the show?



Tort
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I understand your concerns!!!



I use Hi-Temp (brand) Grape Tire Dressing on the treads.



You mentioned a few blocks of driving. It's really more like a few rotations. Usually, by the time you reach the street, it's all worn off. Even better in the grass, and it's bio-degradable. (I guess that means I can drink it!);) :cool:
 
To remove bugs from your car get an old pair of nylon stockings and slip a soft sponge inside of it. Use with your carwash soap and scrub lighlty. The bugs will come right off with no scratches or marring.
 
I've learned that "buffing" does not mean "scrubbing".



For instance, going over a bug lightly several times while QD'ing will not leave scratches in your black paint like scrubbing the bug vigorously will.....



Don't ask me how I know this.....:o
 
Thanks for the great tips. If I dont have a claybar handy while washing windows, I will use steel wool.



Wet, spray cleaner, steel wool to remove all the crap on the window, paper towel dry. I have never seen a single streak, and it cleans it very well.



I had always thought that it would leave little scratches... but I havent seen any ever so is that not true?
 
When you have a stubborn spot of dirt, polish or wax on your MF towels, wet the spot with water and use the little blue soft plastic nail-cleaning brush that comes with the Gojo Orange Hand Cleaner, it scrubs the stain right out and is very gentle on the fibers. Plus it is right on the sink I use to rinse all my toweling in and to wash up after detailing!



That's another tip, rinse and inspect your toweling before you wash it. Gets out a lot of the lint and your washer won't have a dirty ring on the agitator when their done, plus you can pretreat any trouble spots. I know, sounds anal, but those towels get expensive.



Use #0000 steel wool and a glass polish on stubborn water spots on glass.



Clean your glass with a glass cleaner dampened MF then buff with a dry one...no streaks.
 
I find that when I spray my wheels with A2Z and let them soak for 30 sec and rinse, by the time I get to the third and fourth wheels, the A2Z is dry. I spray some more A2Z on my wheel brush directly, and scrub away with it. Works good for those hard to reach places . . .
 
I use STONERS INVISIBLE GLASS on chrome and alloy rims.



I dont mess with time consuming gunky polishes for chrome rims instead

I spray on Stoner's Invisible Glass Cleaner and wipe off.

it doesnt get easier than that.

and the rims shine like they never have before.

Great stuff!
 
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