Rain-X Application Tips

One of the biggest inconveniences faced by Canadian drivers can be seen on early winter mornings in the form of a thick layer of ice frozen onto the windshield. Nobody wants a vigorous scraping session as a precursor to a stressful morning commute. Fortunately, products like Rain-X exist to ward away excessive moisture in the winter.

More than a winter solution, these products have year-round utility, providing enhanced visibility during stormy weather conditions, and minimizing windshield wiper streaking. Some car owners are unsure of the best way to apply these products, but by following these simple steps, you can keep your windshield clear and your driving safe in the worst of conditions. 

Wash your car.

The first step in a proper application is to wash your car normally. Any grit or grime that has accumulated on your windshield is a liability for an even coating of Rain-X, so take care to wash your windshield thoroughly. Once you have finished the wash, a thorough dry becomes equally important, as any lingering water will impact the application process.

Pull into the shade.

You should apply Rain-X on a mild day when possible, and ideally in the shade. Rain-X has a tendency to evaporate, and hot windows in direct sunlight will cook up the solution before it has a chance to set.

Apply Rain-X.

It is best to attack half of the windshield at a time. Use a soft cloth, preferably a microfiber piece, and use firm, circular wiping motions to apply the solution to your windshield. After you have finished, a haze should be visible.

Buff it out.

Moving from bottom to top, gradually buff away the haze using a different cloth that is soft and clean. Repeat this process a second time with another clean cloth, mirroring the firm and circular motions you used during application.

How did I do?

If applied correctly and in appropriate quantities, Rain-X or similar solutions should cause any water to bead onto the windshield in perfect circles. If they form into irregular shapes, you have either applied the solution incorrectly, or are beginning to experience signs of wear. In either case, another application will be required. 

Sunroof Survival Guide for the Canadian Winter

Sunroofs are an undeniable luxury. Is there anything better than cruising down the street with the sun on your face as clouds hover overhead?

A sunroof gives any car a sporty veneer, and the open-concept feel adds both room and breathability for the driver. Sunroofs offer superior ventilation and are an excellent alternative to blasting air-conditioning on warm days. 

For Canadians used to wading through bitter-cold winters, the sunroof is an even greater indulgence. Unfortunately, many people are left unsure of how to care for their sunroof during the winter. Read on for some simple tips on how to avoid common winter sunroof problems.

Do not open your sunroof during the winter.

While most people would not make this mistake for fear of being snowed on, many car owners will try to open their sunroof occasionally while parked to demonstrate the feature to friends or for maintenance. You must be sure to never attempt to open your sunroof when the temperature is below freezing. The sunroof's seal can freeze to the frame so that any attempt to open it damages the assembly. The freezing process is similar to that which many car owners have experienced when trying to wedge open doors or windows in the cold, except the sunroof's assembly is much more delicate.

Beware of winter car washes.

Car washes are tempting during the winter months as salt begins to calcify on your car's exterior. While you do not need to deny your car its cleaning, you should be mindful of your sunroof drain tubes afterwards. Drain tubes are included to prevent your sunroof from leaking, but sometimes icing can occur towards the bottom of the tube, especially if it is obstructed by snow build-up. It may not occur right away, but as water continues to build up and the drain tubes remain clogged, you may find yourself taking an icy-cold shower during your morning commute. Be sure to clear out any drain tube obstruction, and to monitor your sunroof closely before and after any winter washes. 

Substance Over Style: The Benefits of Tinted Windows

Showcased everywhere from limousines to Mafioso-movie get-away cars, tinted windows have always been edgy and stylish add-ons. As cool as they may be, many people balk at the idea of investing in tinted windows, thinking them to be about as useful as a flame-job graphic streaking down the side of your vehicle.It may surprise some to learn that that tinted windows have a number of practical uses.

Read on to learn how tinted windows offer more substance than style.

Theft Prevention and Safety

Tinted windows obstruct the vision of thieves trying to peer into your car and assess the value of its contents. A thief will often only take the risk to break into your vehicle if they spot something that is worth the effort.

Legally tinted windows can still be seen through up close, but their theft prevention benefit does not end here. Windows treated with a security tint are much more durable. Even when broken, the thief would be left facing an intact panel of glass and film, and a great deal more work than they anticipated. In the case of a collision, tinted windows' durability offers an added level of safety, minimizing the risk of injury as a result of shattered glass.

Heat Control and UV Blocking

Unsurprisingly, tinted windows offer protection from the sun in the way that sunglasses shield your eyes. Tinting blocks over 90% of the sun's UV radiation, seriously reducing the driver and passengers' exposure to these cancer-causing rays. Tinted windows also means that you will cut down on air conditioning costs, as they are able to block around 70% of the heat generated by solar energy.

To learn more about tinted windows from Speers, click here.