Back in November, I applied aquapel to my windscreen and since then I've had massive issues with wiper chatter/judder.

- Initially I assumed the old blades were shot so I replaced them with no improvement.

- I've tried cleaning the screen with AG glass polish which hasn't helped either.

- It's fine when the wipers are lubricated with screen wash but when it's raining this doesn't last long and the judder returns.

 

Any other ideas how I can sort this? I'm very impressed with it's rain repelling ability but the judder is shocking.

Could be worth giving the wipers either a deep clean with a detailing brush and all purpose cleaner or applying some Aquapel to the blades themselves.

One of the downsides of using Aquapel i found - you're right it's fine whilst the screen is well lubricated with screenwash.

 

It's almost as if the screen is "dry" without the screenwash.

 

I've not re-applied my Aquapel since I've had my windscreen replaced as it's been too cold, but do intend to do it.

Have heard of these issues, but not experienced it myself over the years with Aquapel.

 

How was the screen prepped before application?

Before application the car was washed with AG shampoo, the screen was then cleaned using AG glass polish and probably also wiped it down with 99% pure IPA afterwards. After it had dried I applied the aquapel using clean kitchen roll and buffed until it was clear.

 

I thought it might have been the wipers Karl but nothing changed when I replaced them brand new bosch areotwins.

 

Coops description fits well, despite being covered in rain, the screen appears to act as it's dry without the lubrication of road grime or screenwash.

I've never had an issue to be honest.  I have found wiping the screen down with 0000 grade stainless wire wool a very good thing to refresh the surface.  I can't say I've ever noticed a problem, even when doing an accidental wipe when its dry.

This is a side effect which can happen with any glass sealants applied to windscreens....too many variables to give you the exact reason.

 

I've experienced it with RainX, Gtechniq G1, Duxback and Aquapel on different cars.

 

If it was cold when you applied the product did you warm the glass up beforehand using the heater on max for 5+ minutes?

Did the glass get rained on shortly after application?

Did you wipes the blades with the excess product left in the application towel/tissue/cloth?

 

My first suggestion would be to wipes the blades down with some vinegar, buy something like Rainx or halfords own brand glass sealant and wipe down the freshly cleaned blades with a cloth liberally soaked in the aforementioned product.

 

Another option would be to use the wipers on a dry screen (after you've washed the car) to 'bed in' the blades.

 

cheers

 

Chris

Edited 16 January, 20179 yr by Chris_VRS

It was probably about 12°C so cool but within the suggested range.

I didn't warm the glass up.

It did get rained on shortly afterwards.

I didn't wipe the blades with the product.

 

I would imagine the blades have had plenty of time in the last 2-3 months to bed in. The new ones probably went on about a month and a half ago.

 

Given the conditions when I did apply it, is it worth reapplying with a warm windscreen, in a garage and coat the wipers?

 

Is it a product that I can just reapply or will I need to remove the old coating first? If so, any suggestions on how to get it off?

If/when you do and have any spare, try the side windows too. Helps to reduce the frost/ice build up :)

 

I recall when I had mine, I didn't use the wipers that much. So where setting 1 before, I'd be off or intermittent and then 2 would be 1. Great stuff, shame the price is so high over the US duxback is UK importers IIRC.

It was probably about 12°C so cool but within the suggested range.

I didn't warm the glass up.

It did get rained on shortly afterwards.

I didn't wipe the blades with the product.

 

I would imagine the blades have had plenty of time in the last 2-3 months to bed in. The new ones probably went on about a month and a half ago.

 

Given the conditions when I did apply it, is it worth reapplying with a warm windscreen, in a garage and coat the wipers?

 

Is it a product that I can just reapply or will I need to remove the old coating first? If so, any suggestions on how to get it off?

 

Yes definitely recommend reapplying after warming the screen, in a garage so it stays dry for at least a couple of hours but ideally overnight.

Something like Gtechniq G4 glass polish, ipa wipe down and reapply should suffice.....

 

cheers

 

Chris

Yes definitely recommend reapplying after warming the screen, in a garage so it stays dry for at least a couple of hours but ideally overnight.

Something like Gtechniq G4 glass polish, ipa wipe down and reapply should suffice.....

 

Excellent advice, much appreciated.

 

Final question, given the choice of aquapel and G1, which would you use?

In contrast, I've never experienced this with Gtechniq only Aquapel. But I generally don't get the durability and longevity from GTechniq.

Excellent advice, much appreciated.

 

Final question, given the choice of aquapel and G1, which would you use?

 

Aquapel or Duxback for windscreen, Gtechniq G5 or G1 for side windows depending on if client will be topping up themselves.

 

cheers

 

Chris

In contrast, I've never experienced this with Gtechniq only Aquapel. But I generally don't get the durability and longevity from GTechniq.

 

its the longevity which impresses me most.  I sell the Aquapel too, and have (to date) not had any bad feedback from anyone who has used it.  I use it on all my cars and roughly tend to say about 1 year is the lifetime of one good application (good as in, good prep etc)