Improving Water Sheeting on Your Jeep Wagoneer Windshield

Improving Water Sheeting on Your Jeep Wagoneer Windshield

Driving in the rain can be a nightmare, especially when your windshield wipers aren't properly clearing away the water. This leaves streaks and beads of water obscuring your view of the road. Not an ideal situation when operating a several-thousand-pound vehicle. Luckily, there are some simple tricks you can use to improve water sheeting and visibility on your Jeep Wagoneer's windshield when driving in wet weather.

Use a Windshield Water Repellent Spray

One of the easiest ways to promote water sheeting is by applying a windshield water repellent spray. These sprays leave an invisible hydrophobic coating that causes water to sheet and roll off your windshield rather than bead up. Brands like Rain-X and Aquapel are available at most auto parts stores and generally affordable.

Be sure to clean your Jeep's windshield thoroughly before application, as dirt and debris can reduce the spray's effectiveness. Apply the product using vertical then horizontal motions while avoiding your wiper blades. Let it haze and cure for a few minutes before buffing off any residue with a clean microfiber cloth.

Recondition Your Windshield Wiper Rubber

Over time wiper blades become hardened and slick with contaminants picked up from the windshield. This prevents them from effectively wiping away water. Luckily most aftermarket replacement rubber refills are pre-treated with graphite or silicone to restore this grip and flexibility.

Carefully remove your old wiper inserts using a flat head screwdriver or release tab. Replace them with fresh rubber inserts and ensure they are clicked firmly into place. This small upgrade can significantly renew your blade's water clearing abilities.

Adjust Your Wiper Speed

In addition to high quality rubber, the other key to effective windshield wiping is matching blade speed to the current conditions. Your Jeep Wagoneer likely has variable wiper settings ranging from intermittent to low and high speeds.

When driving in light rain use a lower wiped speed to reduce skipping and chatter. For heavier rainfall bump up the speed. You can also activate the intermittent or auto settings to automatically adjust pace depending on sensed moisture.

Hard Water and Mineral Build Up Issues

In some areas with hard water, mineral deposits can accumulate on the glass over time degrading hydrophobic properties. This leads to reduced visibility from beading and sticking. Prevent build up by periodically using a dedicated glass cleaner containing vinegar or ammonia to dissolve these water spots and scales.

Consider a Ceramic Coating

For the ultimate in water beading technology, consider getting your Jeep Wagoneer’s windshield professionally ceramic coated. This uses a liquid polymer cured into a durable transparent layer. The slick glass coating causes water to instantly bead up and blow away while driving, even during heavy storms.

Ceramic coatings last for several years and make nighttime driving easier as well since they reduce glare from streetlights and headlights. Just be aware that improper DIY applications can lead to visibility issues from residue or sealant clouding, so professional installation is recommended.

Perform Frequent Cleanings

One of the best ways to promote water sheeting on your Jeep’s windshield is by keeping it as clean as possible. Dust, dirt, contaminants and dead insect buildup disrupt hydrophobic properties leading to beading. Get in the habit of using a dedicated glass cleaner to wipe down the outside and inside of your windshield whenever you fill up on gas.

Be extra thorough when cleaning any areas where wiper blades make contact to prevent streaking. Also clean wiper blades themselves using isopropyl alcohol applied to a cloth then run the wipers a few times to distribute it evenly.

Safely Deal with Heavy Rainfall and Hydroplaning

While these tips will help shed water in most conditions, extremely heavy rainfall can still overcome your windshield. If you notice water build up or hydroplaning while driving, do NOT slam on the brakes as this can cause further loss of control.

Reduce Speed

Instead, slowly reduce speed while avoiding sudden steering inputs. This lets your tires regain traction and mainting steering responsiveness as you slow. Once at a safer reduced rate of speed you can increase wiper speed as needed.

Pull Over If Needed

If visibility remains too poor to drive safely, activate your hazard lights and carefully pull over out of traffic lanes once able. Allow the storm to pass or conditions to improve before attempting to resume driving.

Stay safe out there during stormy weather. And remember to share these Jeep windshield water sheeting tricks with fellow Wagoneer owners.

FAQs

What type of coating should I use?

We recommend a hydrophobic windshield spray such as Rain-X or a professional ceramic coating for best water beading and sheeting properties.

How often should I clean my windshield?

For optimum visibility, you should clean the inside and outside of your Jeep Wagoneer's windshield at every fuel fill-up using a designated glass cleaner.

What should I do if heavy rain reduces visibility?

Slowly reduce speed while avoiding sudden steering inputs to improve traction. Activate your hazard lights and carefully pull over if visibility remains too poor to drive safely.

Can I apply these sprays in cold weather?

Most aftermarket water repellent sprays can be applied evenly between 40-100°F. Be sure to buff off any excess residue before it dries.

How do I clean my wiper blades?

Use isopropyl alcohol applied to a cloth to regularly clean your wiper blade edges. This removes grease, dirt and debris buildup.