It’s a chemical that bonds itself to glass surfaces to create a hydrophobic/water & snow repelling surface. They say it lasts 6 months on windshield and one year on all other surfaces but I’ve felt it is fine from a year to two years on the windshield.
I clayed just to remove any baked on bugs or road grime so I can have a greater glass surface for Aquapel to adhere to.
When people are driving in the pouring rain with sheeting/streaks and wipers that can’t move water away fast enough , Aquapel has helped me see through all that effortlessly. Even if a puddle is splashed on me I can still see while my wiper would take 1-2 seconds of time for me to see. At speed, a lot of distance can be covered in that amount of time and I just don’t want any surprises. It makes driving high speed in torrential downpours, stress free!
--Trevor--
Vancouver, BC
Ah ok that makes sense. I used the silicon wipe that came with my PIAA silicon wiper blades and that helped a bit. You're right though, the difference it makes driving in the rain is huge. At certain speeds I don't even need to use my windshield wipers anymore to see, the water just beads right off.
I found my cause of water leaks when parked outside in rain or pouring rain is because the window seal is kinked somewhere. Under light, examine yours. Your finger will also feel it. I make sure with a towel I run it through and clean it out very well. Then on the kink I’ll massage it back to normal shape and then when I close the door I’ll press against the window and push it against the car firmly so when the window cinches up, the window will seat itself correctly in between the seals and make a good water resistant seal. You’ll need to keep that correct seating position in check for the next few weeks as the seal recovers and hopefully goes back to original shape.
Also use some kind of rubber care solution to keep the rubber moisturized. I use some made by Wurth.
--Trevor--
Vancouver, BC
I see what you're saying, but my seals are fine. I also recently conditioned them with some gummi pflege. What I meant was the gap between the shadowliner and the side of the car. There's about a centimeter gap between the shadowliner and car when you look at it from the top, so I have been wanting to spray some sort of hydrophobic compound in there to keep it water tight. I hope that makes more sense.
Got it! The only thing you can do it keep the seal in good condition and/or position the door latch striker a bit closer so the door is more snug.
Insurance gave me a new $1000 door seal from my recent vandalization. So I have my door striker positioned out just a bit because the new seal is still very tight and puffy. LOL I’m not OCD enough to worry about the alignment gap. As the seal seats more and more I’ll align it to be tighter.
--Trevor--
Vancouver, BC
I’ve found cheap rainx works really well for windshields. Apply every few months or as needed.
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