Why I won't be using Rain-X All-Season washer fluid anymore

[Vercingetorix]

I remember years ago reading it’s not the Rain-X itself, it just does not always play nice with other windshield washer fluids.

 

[shortyb]

Are you using the washer fluid variety or the small bottle that you apply like wax ? I've used the washer fluid a couple times over many, many years and saw no difference from regular washer fluid. I do use the type you apply and if you do it right, you literally don't have to use your wipers, especially over 30-35 mph. Even below those speeds, I rarely ever have to run my wipers other than on interval mode.

Bottle Rain-X. Always left a haze like an oil sheen in direct sunlight no matter how much I buffed it. The chatter was horrible and would ruin wipers in a few months. Guess I didn't apply it right . Aquapel never did any of that. Now I just Zaino ZCS it. Water literally flies off almost completely when I get going.

 

[Aredeeem]

I’ve used Rain Ex all season for 12 years. Never a problem. Of course I have a 2012 Versa. My bar is set lower than others

 

[Elkins45]

I don’t recall ever having any problems with the fluid. I’ve been using the rub-in treatment for over 30 years now.

 

[CarbonSteel]

I remember years ago reading it’s not the Rain-X itself, it just does not always play nice with other windshield washer fluids.

I always ensure the factory fluid is all used before switching. Perhaps that's why I haven't had any issues.

 

[nate379]

Yes, I noticed this years ago and never ran it again. If I want rain x I’ll apply it to the glass.

I use a gallon of blue windshield cleaner maybe every 5 years though… between all of our cars…

Dang. We sell it in drums at work!

I go through maybe a case or two a year between the 7 or 8 vehicles I run.

 

[wlk]

Used for years, no issues in any of my Volvo, Mercedes, Mazda, GMC, Chevy, Honda, Oldsmobile, Dodge, Pontiac or Ford's ever.

 

[72C10]

Never used this stuff but I go through so very little washer fluid that I would probably get deposits also. Good to know.

 

[vavavroom]

I only know the regular Rain-X isn't what it used to be. Some 20 years ago it started smearing when it lost its original scent. I haven't used Rain-X since. No idea if there's a rain repellent additive for the washer fluid that works well. I apply Invisible Glass Clean and Repel to all windows and use 303 washer fluid booster tablets in the washer fluid.

 

[Nukeman7]

Never had any orange residue in any of my vehicles washer fluid reservoirs (Honda and Toyota). I've been using the All Season Rain-X for years. Must be the plastic your reservoir is made out of.

Like Owen, I have used the orange All-season Rain-X windshield washer fluid since it came out and have had no problems or residue at all in numerous (non-European) vehicles. As suggested by others, the residue may be a result of a reaction with a different washer formulation that was previously in the reservoir. We have evidence that it happens with certain incompatible antifreeze chemistry such as DEX-Cool. Hmmm...is it coincidental that both fluids are dyed orange? LOL

 

[Mewbs]

I've used Rain X Green bug remover for years and haven't deposits like that.

 

[KrisZ]

I only use the normal rainx you apply to the windshield, makes driving in Texas torrential rains a lot easier.

I make my own washer fluid from a concentrated glass cleaner I got at Home Depot. Works really well at removing bug splatter.

 

[Nick1994]

I always use the green Rain X and in the winter I pour a bottle of the de-icer stuff in. No problems.

 

[Astro14]

The original post was about the orange gunk. And the orange gunk is what gave my car problems. I’ll never use it again.

 

[Nukeman7]

I have been using Rain-X all season washer fluid for about a year in our vehicles. Today was the first time I put fluid in the Charger for many months. When I pulled the cap, this is what I saw. If Rain-X leaves a build up like this in the reservoir, think about the pump, hoses, and nozzles.

Just curious, did you find the residue build-up in any of the other vehicles? Or just in the Charger's reservoir?

 

[wwillson]

Just curious, did you find the residue build-up in any of the other vehicles? Or just in the Charger's reservoir?

I haven't looked yet..