Improving side mirror visibility in rainy conditions

[pounamu]

So, this morning, I was driving through the heavy rain brought to the East Coast courtesy of a storm that isn't big enough to merit its own name, but still big enough to make life difficult for us locals. Needless to say, the side mirror visibility was close to zero. This got me thinking about possible products to address this issue. I'm guessing that the heated mirrors won't help, though I'm going to try them on the way home. I did some googling and came across this:

Car accessory... removing raindrop on side mirror - YouTube

Looks really interesting. Anyone here have any experience with this product, or maybe has a similar solution?

 

[SouthFLSonic]

It's a great concept but looks kind of bulky and may not fit all mirrors well. You could probably create your own version of this that would fit to the Sonic better and more stream lined.

 

[ChrisJ]

I've been using rainx on my mirrors for years now.
First I clean them with a good quality glass cleaner or windshield stripper (be careful on paint!).

Then use rainx per the instructions several times (2 or 3 coats). You'll be amazed at how water rolls off of the mirrors. I've also found ice doesn't stick to them either, probably for the same reason water doesn't.

 

[pounamu]

It's a great concept but looks kind of bulky and may not fit all mirrors well. You could probably create your own version of this that would fit to the Sonic better and more stream lined.

Yes, I was also thinking, how well does it adhere - what if it falls off while I'm driving at 70mph on the highway? Wouldn't the force of wind wear it down at some point?

 

[pounamu]

I've been using rainx on my mirrors for years now.
First I clean them with a good quality glass cleaner or windshield stripper (be careful on paint!).

Then use rainx per the instructions several times (2 or 3 coats). You'll be amazed at how water rolls off of the mirrors. I've also found ice doesn't stick to them either, probably for the same reason water doesn't.

Thanks Chris, I'll definitely try it. How does it mesh with the heated mirrors - to they "coexist" peacefully?

 

[ChrisJ]

Thanks Chris, I'll definitely try it. How does it mesh with the heated mirrors - to they "coexist" peacefully?

Haven't had a problem with it yet.
Remember your windshield gets unbelievably hot in the summer and that is the main place people use rainx. Well......... at least if you live somewhere where it gets hot.

 

[pounamu]

Haven't had a problem with it yet.
Remember your windshield gets unbelievably hot in the summer and that is the main place people use rainx. Well......... at least if you live somewhere where it gets hot.

Oh, I didn't even make a connection - makes sense to use it on your whole windshield, too, then? Do you have to re-apply down the line, since the windshield gets spray cleaned often? Looks like I'm going to have to read up on it - didn't realize it helped in the heat, too. I'm in Boston, and we have weather equality here: our winters are as cold and snowy as our summers are hot.

I was also thinking about some sort of windshield cover for the summer... Wonder if biting the bullet and just tinting the windshield is better

 

[Blue hedgehog]

If its the water beading up that's causing it to be hard to see, I don't think rainex will help. I have used something called bonamie spelling could be wrong. It's pronounced Bon-am-ee. It's a white powder used for polishing glass without using any type of water repellent. Just mix it with water to make a thick paste and rub it on any glass like polishing compound. The water won't bead and it won't damage the glass. The one problem is ice will stick to the entire mirror unlike with rainex but that's what heated mirrors are for.

 

[ColonelPanic]

Haven't thought of Bon Ami in that application, interesting.

I have used rainx many times before on heated mirrors with great results.

I always just turned on the rear defrost when the mirrors were wet, that seems to help get rid of the water. Of course it tends to leave water spots on the glass, so pick your poison I guess.

 

[ChrisJ]

I also use rainx on the windshield as well as all of my windows. I'm lazy and usually don't reapply it until its almost gone but it takes a long time.

Its true, water will bead on the mirrors but you will be able to see what you're looking at in them without any problem.

The thing I like about rainx on the windshield is, even though you end up using your wipers often because rainx is useless at lower speeds, if its down pouring and you're going 75MPH you can see almost perfectly clear with no wipers while others are pulling off the road because they cannot see.


Of course, it doesn't stop hydroplaning so you need to act accordingly.

 

[barch88]

rain-x is the best

you could always go with this too, http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tint-BLACK-...&fits=Model:Sonic&hash=item25852fde1a&vxp=mtr

kinda ugly though.

 

[pounamu]

Since we're on the subject, anyone have experience with this product?

Green Earth Technologies 1214 G-Clean Hydrophobic Rain Repellent - 3 oz. : Amazon.com : Automotive

the reviews are pretty good

 

[Blue hedgehog]

Vintage GM Bon Ami

Electronics, Cars, Fashion, Collectibles, Coupons and More Online Shopping | eBay

 

[KartRacer]

I haven't tried it on the mirrors but simple liquid fabric softener in water deletion sprayed on anything makes water run off. I use rainx on all of my cars windows and mirrors. It is a great product and gives better visibility without wipers than with at driving speed. Droplets run off as water beads.

 

[Scot]

Since we're on the subject, anyone have experience with this product?

Green Earth Technologies 1214 G-Clean Hydrophobic Rain Repellent - 3 oz. : Amazon.com : Automotive

the reviews are pretty good

This substance does repel water. Miracles are not to be expected, but water on the windshield and windows beads quite noticeably. Compared to RainX, GET repellent is about equally effective, remarkably more expensive and longer lasting. The latter two properties more or less balance each other.

Sounds like another rainX variant

 

[pounamu]

Yeah, I liked it because it's more environmentally friendly. I ordered it - will try and let you know how it performs.

 

[ChrisJ]

Yeah, I liked it because it's more environmentally friendly. I ordered it - will try and let you know how it performs.

Curious if that is a fact or just what the manufacture claims?
Not saying we shouldn't be as eco friendly as possible, just saying I don't believe advertisements.

 

[pounamu]

Chris, I was judging based on the ingredients and the MSDS sheet:

Grainger MSDS Lookup

Biodegradable and non-hazardous