Thursday, February 12, 2009

Review & Giveaway Rain-X Wipers and Car Care Kit



Right now I am angry at my car. After the infamous BK incident, it seems my car is truly possessed. Today after work I briefly stopped at home before going to pick up Deja across town at the After School Care Program. Lucky I did. After I had checked out what bills decided to cross my threshold this lucky day, I headed back outside to pick up Deja. I got to the end of the street and noticed a burning smell. And as I went to make a left turn, there was a screeching sound followed by thudding and shaking. Nope. I wasn't going there-not again. I turned it right back around and headed towards home. Hubby the car care expert came out to take a look and verified my suspicions, that I did have a funky noise going on. Since it was RAINING outside, we'll put off repairs until the weekend. I seriously think that new cars are programmed to work great for five years from the date that they are sold. After that, once the loan is paid off (mine was in December) all hell breaks loose.

Back to the rain issue. It's been pretty dry around here lately, unusual for February, but I am not knocking it. This morning when I left to take the kids to school it was pouring out. I hate driving in the rain, I just can't see good at all with fogged up windows and streaks on the windshield. Whether it be rain, snow, sleet or a wintry mix, good visibility is SO important. When the driving conditions are bad already, you definitely want to take your time and SEE where you are going. I was quite surprised to find out that nearly a quarter of all accidents happen in extreme weather conditions, such as snow and rain. Just this morning there was an accident not too far from here where a young man rear ended a stopped police vehicle, causing over $12,000 in damage to the cruiser. Luckily no one was hurt, but the young man admitted due to road conditions he just couldn't stop AND his vision was impaired, so he did not see the flashing blue lights on the side of the road until it was too late.

I can't tell you how important it is to get your car road ready for extreme weather. Your car needs to be ready to handle any situation, and you need to be prepared just in case you end up stuck in your car during a snow or ice storm. We keep blankets, energy bars, some water, heat packs (like hunters use for cold feet/hands) gloves, some extra clothing, kitty litter and a small shovel in my trunk. Also, we make sure that when it gets cold, we get our gas tank filled up-condensation can cause the lines to freeze if you don't have it at least half full-and we also add dry gas as well. The last thing you want to have is frozen lines or a stalled engine. We also check our tires regularly for signs of tread wear and make sure the air pressure is good as well. Also, check lights to make sure the bulbs haven't burnt out, keep your windshield washer fluid tank full, use antifreeze if needed and make sure you have windshield wipers that show no signs of wear or streaking.

My husband was very jealous when I received a pair of Rain-X Latitude Wiper Blades http://www.rainx.com/Products/Wiper_Blades/Latitude.aspx and a bottle of Rain-X X-treme Clean glass and plastic renewer, and a bottle of Rain-X Weatherbeater 2-in-1 Glass Cleaner + Rain Repellent to try out. Since rain was predicted last night, I made sure I had hubby install my wiper blades. They went on super easy and today driving the kids to school in the pouring rain I noticed a BIG difference in visibility. No streaks, just a clear line of vision. And you know how sometimes you have some blades that made annoying squeaking sounds when you use them? These ones had no noise at all, which was just great. Here are some some of the neat features of these wiper blades:

Easy to install-

For use on either originally installed standard or curved style wiper blades
Pre-installed with small j-hook adapter and contains multi-adapter for side pin, large j-hook and bayonet wiper blade arms
Rain-X Latitude® Version -2 wiper blades fit I&L (Insert & Lock) and PTB (Pinch Tab Button) wiper blade arms
High performance wiper

Contoured design applies even pressure along the entire blade length
Specially blended graphite coated rubber blade delivers the ultimate smooth, clean, chatter-free wipe
Built-in aerodynamic spoiler significantly reduces drag, noise and wind lift
Ice resistant frame

Prevents ice and snow build-up through the elimination of exposed metal components
Durable, rubber-encased substructure increases wiper flexibility and adherence to the windshield in harsh conditions

I haven't had the chance to use the other two items yet, but hubby has threatened me with bodily harm if I take "his" Glass & Plastic renewer because this is one product he can really use in the summer time as he works nights and he gets so many dead bugs on his headlights.

I, on the other hand, will be using the 2 in 1 Glass Cleaner & Rain Repellant on a regular basis, as it will help with rainy weather year round. Rain-X products can be found nationwide at several retailers, VIP and Walmart to name a couple in my area. It's always a great idea to keep your eyes on the Promotions page as well, since there are currently a couple of rebate offers going on. http://www.rainx.com/Promotions.aspx
Wanna win a set of wipers and car care products for your car? Thanks to the good folk over at Rain-X and My Blog Spark (www.myblogspark.com) I have a set to give away!

Giveaway starts today and will end at 11:59 pm EST Friday, February 20th. Giveaway is open to US residents only. You don't have to be a blogger to enter, but you must leave an email in your post so that I can find you to let you know you've won. If you win, keep in mind that you will need to let me know the year, make and model of your vehicle so that I can share this information with the sponsor so they can send you the correct wiper blades.

For your first entry, please visit Rain-X (www.rainx.com)and check out the products they have. Tell me the name of a product you'd like to try OR look through the Tips & Information section and come back and tell me a tip or something you have learned.

EXTRA ENTRIES: (leave separate comments for each additional entry please)

1. Follow me on blogger for ONE entry. If you already do, leave me a comment letting me know.

2. Follow me on Twitter AND send out a tweet about the giveaway for TWO entries. Come back here and leave me a comment with a link to your tweet.

3. For FIVE extra entries, blog about this giveaway with a link back to this post AND to Rain-X. Come back here and let me know you did it.

Good luck!

This wonderful giveaway opportunity was made possible by My Blog Spark!

28 comments:

Berek said...

I've used Rain-X for years. It really does a super job of coating my windshield so water beads and gets swept away quickly. There's no doubt it improves visibility in bad weather. I'd like to try their Xtreme Clean to see if it takes visibility to the next level.

Tiffany @ Lattes And Life said...

I'd like to try the Bug and Tar Pre-Wash gel. Here in the south we get COVERED with lovebugs, and they can be so hard to remove!!
give_me_a_latte at yahoo

Anonymous said...

We seem to always have a film on our windshield. I thought we had tried everything, but missed the Rain-X. We will look for it and give it a try! Thanks for the tip. charwehrle@yahoo.com

Steph said...

I'd like to try the Xtreme Clean. I'm already a big fan of their products!

Carolyn G said...

I would love to try the Foaming Car Wash Concentrate

Tim said...

I have used rain-x for a while. It really does make it easier to see in the rain. I would like to try the xtreme clean. Driving at night is the pits for me. I will take all the help I can get.

Tim said...

Hey
I am following you.

NMLady said...

We've used the Original RainX spray and really liked it. I didn't know they had Washer fluid that also helps repel bugs. I'd like to try that next.

zenbob55 said...

we get loads of sap from trees and bird doo we are always washing winshield, would be great to try rain-x

Anonymous said...

I'd love to try the Anti-fog, because I hate it when the windows get all steamy and I can't seem to get rid of it with the blowers.
rlcme at lycos.com

Anonymous said...

I have not used Rain-x YET,But after readind all the comments I will for sure.From Shirley,nh

Judie said...

we already use rain X on the windshield.it does a great job. The product I'd like to try is the Rain X bug and and tar prewash gel. Says it's also good for taking care of bird droppings Judie

Jacqueline in Atlanta said...

They suggest you change your wiper blades on Ground Hog day. I don't know that I would remember that, but it isn't a bad idea to change them when the clock changes, since I also change my smoke alarm batteries then - just do it all!

A great product - RainX, been using it for years. It is amazing.

Thanks for having the giveaway!

Rhonda Martin said...

I found a product that just might be what I need to solve my problem. I drive a lot and my headlights get dim after about a year of driving do to road grim. The NEW Rain-X X-treme CleanTM Restores headlights and clear plastic by removing haze and discoloration. If this works it will be a product that I must have on hand. Replacing Head lamp lenses is real expensive and I just can't afford to replace them every year. Thanks for Sharing~!

Rhonda Martin said...

I'm following your blog.Can you see my shadow lol

Rhonda Martin said...

I'm also following you on twitter
exotic1
you ever feel like you are being stalked lol

Rhonda Martin said...

I tweeted at twitter about your awesome site and giveaway here
http://twitter.com/exotic1/status/1225320718
Thanks Again~!

Rhonda Martin said...

I blogged about your site and giveaway here
http://exotic1.blogspot.com/2009/02/car-care-kit-rainx-giveaway.html

Rhonda Martin said...

Blogged #2
http://exotic1.blogspot.com/2009/02/car-care-kit-rainx-giveaway.html

Rhonda Martin said...

Blogged #3
http://exotic1.blogspot.com/2009/02/car-care-kit-rainx-giveaway.html

Rhonda Martin said...

Blogged #4
http://exotic1.blogspot.com/2009/02/car-care-kit-rainx-giveaway.html

Rhonda Martin said...

Last but not least blogged #5
http://exotic1.blogspot.com/2009/02/car-care-kit-rainx-giveaway.html
Thanks Again~!

Anonymous said...

I've never used Rain X, but I've heard of it. Right now my beautiful baby blue Toyota 4Runner is making a funny scrape-y noise when I use them. Good thing it doesn't rain much in Kona.
Nancy
NHaitsuka@aol.com

Anonymous said...

Sorry. Me again. New at blogging. I forgot to tell you what I wanted after I visited the Rain X site. I would like the Rain X windshield wipers for my Toyota 4Runner. Thanks,
Nancy
NHaitsuka@aol.com

Leslie M. said...

I'd like to try their washer fluid! I'm tired of buying a no-name brand that streaks on my windshield and instead of helping makes visibility worse! To be honest, I am going to take a trip to the Auto store and get some of this.. this is important stuff!
Leslie
LeslieVeg@msn.com

Leslie M. said...

I'm a blog follower
Leslie
LeslieVeg@msn.com

Leslie M. said...

I'm following you on twitter
Leslie
LeslieVeg@msn.com

Leslie M. said...

LeslieVeg just left a tweet here's the link
http://tinyurl.com/cqayqy
Leslie
LeslieVeg@msn.com