Windshield technology ?

[Debra in Cali]

Okay, I have not have a new vehicle in 24 years. When I purchased my truck, it was like going from the Dark Ages to the Space Age.

 

So yesterday we had the first significant rain in California since I purchased my truck. While driving I noticed that I barely needed my wipers. The rain just blasted off the windshield no matter how fast (freeway speed) or slow (surface streets) I was traveling. Is there new technology with windshields that keep the rain off? I know that there is that compound that you can purchase that will help keep the rain off your windshield (ie Rainex) . Do the newer vehicles come from the factory with this already on it? Or are the new windshield have some type of rain repelling compound embedded in them?

[Rawyzf]

Not sure if you use car wash services, but a lot of the time they put a repellant on as well.

[agentf]

Okay, I have not have a new vehicle in 24 years. When I purchased my truck, it was like going from the Dark Ages to the Space Age.

 

So yesterday we had the first significant rain in California since I purchased my truck. While driving I noticed that I barely needed my wipers. The rain just blasted off the windshield no matter how fast (freeway speed) or slow (surface streets) I was traveling. Is there new technology with windshields that keep the rain off? I know that there is that compound that you can purchase that will help keep the rain off your windshield (ie Rainex) . Do the newer vehicles come from the factory with this already on it? Or are the new windshield have some type of rain repelling compound embedded in them?

 

One reason may be that over time older vehicles wind shields will get pitted from sand and rocks, they wont crack but the surface will be rough. This allows the water to "stick" to the wind shield more. A brand new vehicle will have a nice smooth surface that wont allow the water to "stick".

[FLHRSI04]

The dealer probably applied some rain-x when they cleaned up the truck. I have a Sierra and its no different than any other windshield. If I put some rain-x on it, it will act exactly as you described it.

[tnchevy]

The windshields on these trucks are also slanted a lot more than they used to be for better aerodynamics which probably also helps to push the rain off a little more.

[Debra in Cali]

Thank you all for your answers. I will ask those at the car wash I use about applying anything to my windshield. I did notice that the wind did blow the rain up so it appears that the shape of the windshield was shaped for that purpose. Perhaps it is a combination of many factors.

[chuckl1218]

I noticed the same rain sheeting action on mine. I thought they all came from the factory this way, but perhaps my dealer put something on at prep time...

[Debra in Cali]

Went to the car wash today. The guy that was doing the interior and finish work said that they don't usually add any Rainex type product.

[Tek74]

Okay, I have not have a new vehicle in 24 years. When I purchased my truck, it was like going from the Dark Ages to the Space Age.

 

This makes me laugh because I went from a 2004 Trailblazer LS to my 2015 Silverado LT.

My Blazer didn't even have power side mirrors or a water squirter for the rear wiper.

Upon 1st driving my Silverado, I felt like I was in the cockpit of the Starship Enterprise with its Computer Screen, USB ports, XM Radio, etc.

But on your windshield question, I have not noticed any special rain repellant qualities to the windshield.

[Debra in Cali]

 

This makes me laugh because I went from a 2004 Trailblazer LS to my 2015 Silverado LT.

My Blazer didn't even have power side mirrors or a water squirter for the rear wiper.

Upon 1st driving my Silverado, I felt like I was in the cockpit of the Starship Enterprise with its Computer Screen, USB ports, XM Radio, etc.

But on your windshield question, I have not noticed any special rain repellant qualities to the windshield.

Well my previous vehicle was a 91 with 338,000 miles. It hauled scouts, exchange students, not to mention my family and friends. It towed scout trailers, utility trailers, and both of our RV trailers. My washer fluid pump failed many years ago, so that windshield did not get washed very often. Toward the end, the engine and trans were great, but there were many interior problems that were frustratingly inconvenient, like windows that did not want to go up or down, doors had to be manually locked, leaking door gaskets, velour seats that had seen better days, and the headliner was starting to droop.

 

My old vehicle was a bit narrower and easily not as long. It took me a while to adjust, but think that I have it down. Now when I drive my hubby's car I feel low and small, but my mom's little car feels like a deathtrap.

.