I can't seem to find aquapel except to have an installer to it. Anyone else find an alternative to RainX?

 

I haven't used RainX or anything else similar to that, b/c I'm afraid my glass-cleaning regimen might hurt it. If you keep your glass nice and polished, your wipers will work about 60% better. I use Zaino glass polish, and it does a fantastic job in keeping your windshield (and the rest of your glass) smooth as silk. The smoother it is, the better the rain-clearing properties of your wipers. You won't believe the difference.

 

What about BUGS? My MINI is a bug magnet! Everyday it's SPLAT on the windshield, and right after I clean it too. I noticed how perfectly clear the windshield was when I brought it home from the dealership, but it's really been slammed with bugs and isn't so sparkly clear anymore. It's so strange because in my Mustang I never once had a bug splat- the aerodynamics of the car just threw them up and over. Or maybe they're just so attracted to the MINI they can't help but take a closer look, then splat. Anyway, my question is: will the Zaino glass polish make bug residue easy to remove and prevent damage to the windshield? Is it worth ordering? Can Zaino 2 polish be used on glass since it's non-abrasive??? Would that work just as well? Thanks!

 

CMINIGO, I've owned two Mustangs and never had a bug splat on the windshield. They were always over the front bumper though, so I guess you're right - it is about aerodynamics.

 

yes, the polish makes the glass so smooth, that clean-up is a snap after a bug slaughter. Think about how easy it is to clean a car that's well-detailed and diligently waxed... The same effect applies to glass. Just use your favorite glass cleaner to get the bugs after the fact (I use the stuff from Griot's Garage; sorry, not trying to be an ad man, just explaining what i've found to be easy to use). I hear ya, the MINI is not a wind-tunnel machine...it's drive-in movie screen-type windshield is going to start a bug genocide, but, hey, that's pretty cool in itself, right?

 

What product would you recommend for cleaning the headlights??

 

Just curious as to why your looking for an alternative to RainX? I love that stuff! Is there a downside that I've missed?

 

I've had Rain-X gum up on me, thus wearing out the wiper blades early. The film from it deflected the lights from other cars at night-a big problem. Perhaps they've changed their formula since then. I hope so. Other MINIites in other forums report the same problem. Now I'm using Klasse All-in-One on all windows except the front windshield, and using AutoGlym (sp?) glass polish on the front. This works great! :smile:

 

>>I haven't used RainX or anything else similar to that, b/c I'm afraid my glass-cleaning regimen might hurt it. If you keep your glass nice and polished, your wipers will work about 60% better. I use Zaino glass polish, and it does a fantastic job in keeping your windshield (and the rest of your glass) smooth as silk. The smoother it is, the better the rain-clearing properties of your wipers. You won't believe the difference.


The zaino polish does work great - but you need to limit how often you use it as it is abrasive. It is not intended to be a weekly cleaner for your windows...once every few months at tops is the most you should be using it.

I pick up my S on saturday and can't wait to zaino her up.

 

Will Zaino glass polish, or any automotive glass cleaner such as Armor All Auto Glass Cleaner, damage the painted surfaces or remove waxes if hit with overspray?

 

>>Will Zaino glass polish, or any automotive glass cleaner such as Armor All Auto Glass Cleaner, damage the painted surfaces or remove waxes if hit with overspray?

Zaino IS NOT a cleaner...it is a glass polish intended only to be used every so often.

For a good glass cleaner get Stoner Invisible Glass - doesn't streak like others do...it will not damage your paint - just don't sit and spray a crap load on it(though even that i doubt would hurt anything)

 

I've been using Armourall car wash solution on my MINI. It seem to apply some sort of Rainex sort of treatment to the glass. It's great to have this as a side effect of simple washing.

 

I buy AquaPel on eBay. It is easy to apply and I like it much better then RainX. It last 6 months and does not gum up.

If you can find the repackaged AquaPel by STP called VisonBlade it is even cheaper.

Rich

 

Einzette Glas Polish is also great stuff. SUPER easy to use and provides excellent results.

www.autopia-carcare.com