What about just using wax or spray wax on the exterior glass?

I've seen a post where a guy said whenever he waxed, he did all the exterior glass and it worked great just like Rain X and it didn't get streaky or whatever.

Update:

I've been doing a lot of googling and as a result, I won't be using any "treatments" on my exterior or interior glass (no Rain X, Aquapel, spray wax, anti-fog... nothing).

As I understand it Stoners Invisible Glass is quite good for cleaning glass inside and out, and Stoners recommends using it on your wiper blades too.

The wipers on my Fit work beautifully now so I'll simply be keeping my glass (inside and out) and wiper blades clean with Stoners Invisible Glass, and of course I'll replace the wiper blades as necessary.

If you're curious about what info I googled that turned me off glass "treatments"...

...while Rain X no doubt works, it only works at highway speeds with the wipers off, and at slower speeds when you do have to use your wipers, things get smudgy. Also it is apparently very difficult to remove if you ever want to clean it off, but ironically to keep it working effectively (only at highway speeds remember) you have to apply it regularly.

 

Don't know where you got that information from but that is all false.

1. I HATE using my wipers. After a while you get those dirt lines where the wipers didn't reach and it looks terrible.

2. When applied right the water flies off at around 20mph for me. Even without moving the water just beads up and slides down. If they are having trouble removing it then they are applying too much. This should be applied so thin that you can't see it. 1 application of aquapel will last me about 3 months and things do not smere if I absolutely have to use the wiper. Again if it smeres they are using too much. I think I've used my wipers about twice since I've had my Fit. And that's with the crazy down pours we get here in FL.

 

you can use Hydro over glass as well. It will not smear unless it's super humid outside and your waffle weave can't absorb all the moisture (in which case anything other than water and alcohol will smear).

it works like rainx. it's a magic product, really. you can use it over paint, glass, plastics, rubber, seals, etc.. will not turn white, lasts over a month.

 

for glass, try Prima Clarity and the glass MF towel. also sold at that link i posted above.

ive tried them all pretty much. clarity bundle by far is the best followed by Griot's WindowCleaner and the prima glass MF towel.

then you got the rest...

 

On my prelude I use to use Meguire's spray wax and it worked pretty good and lasted long too. It's so easy to use.

 

qb, Nobody was posting much bad about Aquapel, it's certainly a superior product to Rain X, but it works in the same way.

I'm just not interested in the extra work, and I don't like the idea that there is no effective way to remove these products if you don't like them.

Clean glass, clean unworn wiper blades, and when it rains I'll use the wipers, that's what they are there for and they work beautifully.

I'm going to plan for the following and I suspect it will keep my Fit looking it's best:

1. Regular washings (using the right techniques, tools and products).
2. Regular spray wax (I'll finish up the Mothers then try some of the superior brands recommended in these posts, thanks everyone).
3. Regular interior/exterior glass cleaning with Stoners Invisible Glass (everyone agrees this stuff is the best and it's easy to find).
4. Regular wiper blade cleaning with Stoners.
5. Worn wiper blade replacement as needed.
6. Clay and polish between the wash and wax as needed.

Thanks to everyone for the great links and recommendations, there are plenty of great tools, techniques and products out there (follow the excellent links in this thread) you can use to keep your Fit looking it's best and if you don't want to do the work yourself, take it to a pro.

 

Polish should only be done once a year, and never by hand. Polishing by hand will cause fingertip marring and wont remove any defects. Also polish is an abrasive that removes a microscopic layer of the damaged clear coat. Do it too often and youll get rid of your clear coat. Also claying should not be done more than twice a year.

As to removing the product you put on the glass. It is very easy to remove. Clean with isopropyl alcohol and then clay the windshield after a wash and its gone. Very simple.

Again if anyone is more interested in detailing or just washing questions in general check out www.autopia.org

 

Sad part is that it's still not 100% fixed - I'm waiting on my Porter Cable 7424 to get rid of it all once and for all.

Although highly ineffective, I've been doing repeated hand polishing with various products and grades. There's been some improvement (I've targeted the hood, which was the worst) but it won't be gone until I can take a porter cable to it, along with the Sonus 3-step polish.

 

Porter cable is great, its what I use. Try not to hand polish anymore. It usually creates more swirls due to the pressure of your fingertips. It doesnt provide flat pressure which is what levels the clear coat. Also polishing too much will destroy your clear coat faster.

I highly suggest menzerna polishes. Here is a great video on how to use the porter cable if you havent seen it already

How to polish your paint with Menzerna super intense polish and PO106FF using the Porter Cable 7424

 

Thanks, I'll stop. Don't think I've done damage, because it looks better, but no more hand polishing. It kills my hand anyway.

 

Check this out, this amateur used meguiars ultimate compound by hand on his car.

Ultimate Compound messed up my paint - Car Care Forums: Meguiar's Online

 

Just a quick follow up on Stoners Invisible Glass...

...The excellent reputation and recommendations are well deserved. I bought some today and used it with a microfiber rag to do the interior glass, exterior glass and wiper blades. Excellent results.

 

I love the gbmurderer13's Fit, wowsa Im gonna make mine look like that when I get it
what # tint is that?

 

Just to add my 2 cents.
Another great product thats a little cheaper then Menzerna to use with the PC is Poli-Seal. Great all in one polish. It finishes nicely and doesn't dust. I seal it with Opti-seal after and keeps the finish protected but with clarity and deep gloss.
If you have heavy swirls M105 and M205 work good but do dust alot.

Don't forget about the trim and interior people. For interior and trim surfaces that need conditioned and protected I use Wolfgang or Pinnacle rubber and vinyl protectants. Keeps the vinyl and rubber serfaces look good and protected.

Ok I'm done

EDIT: just realized I already posted a while back sorry to repeat.

 

for interior Prima Nero. ive been using this for a while now and works great for a nice matte finish. rubber and plastics. i dillute it 50/50 with water but you can use it straight if you prefer.

also available at amazon or www.detailersparadise.com

 

from everything i've ever read...(i've been in various auto forums for years), a high pressure wash is a really bad idea. it helps embed smaller particles into your soft paint. my current method is to just use my hose's spray/mist setting so that i can get the car wet gently. (that's what she said!)

 

Very true. More pressure is NOT better.

 

Hey Neil Patrick Harris, do people still think you're a doctor in real life?
And
QBM13, your Fit is gorgeous. What shade and type is your tint?

 

Thanks Its 15% pinnacle formula one tint all around.

 

once in a while. little do they know that i love doing blow on a firm booty while rocking out in a stolen toyota camry.