Hydrophobic Coating

[Stuart_D]

I was driving to work this morning and a warning bleep went off and scared the life out of me. The symbol was a round circle surrounded by dashed lines. Having looked in the handbook, it says it is the brake warning light and that the front disc pads should be checked.

So I haved booked my A2 in for a brake check and first service this Thursday (it's due for a service in a few thousamd miles anyway). They say that the first service is about £280 incl parts and labour (is not a bit steep??).

I noticed in the service manual, it says that every 2 years, the rear windscreen Hydrophobic Coating should be replaced. Anyone have any idea what this is, how much it costs, and if it really is needed?

Thanks,

Stuart.

2001 TDi SE | Cobalt Blue Metallic | Open Sky Roof | Kenwood Mask CD | Front Centre Armrest
www.Audi-A2.co.uk | www.A2Forum.net

[lilt]

Hehe I know what you mean about the beeping.

As for the coating, because there's no rear wiper, the hatch glass is coated with a hydrophobic (water repelling) coating designed to disperse water. My A2 is in it's 2nd year so I'll be able to tell you how much it costs at the next service... :)

[Ade]

Is this some kind of variation on 'wax', except it is from Audi and 3 times the price? Anything we can do ourselves?

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/a2ade.gif[/img=left]Audi A2 1.4SE (2003): Build Wk40/2002
Delivery Options: OpenSky [img]http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/s.gif Azure Blue http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/s.gif Climate http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/s.gif DIS http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/s.gif APS http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/s.gif Lumbar
Retrofitted: Rear Drinks Holder http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/s.gif Floppy Wiper http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/s.gif Rear Door Blinds
On the Web: http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk24.htm http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/s.gif http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/

[Rob Earl]

I vaguely recall a thread a good few months back with a similar theme to this. If I'm correct, Rain-X was mentioned as a possible alterntive. Might be wrong tho'.

Perhaps Smartie could shed some light on possible products?

http://www.robspage.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/A2%20front%20side_small.jpg1.4SE petrol. http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk14.htm

[Ade]

If there's something to put on glass to disperse rain (and its not too expensive) then I'd probably try it on all the windows, not just the rear.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/a2ade.gif[/img=left]Audi A2 1.4SE (2003): Build Wk40/2002
Delivery Options: OpenSky [img]http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/s.gif Azure Blue http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/s.gif Climate http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/s.gif DIS http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/s.gif APS http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/s.gif Lumbar
Retrofitted: Rear Drinks Holder http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/s.gif Floppy Wiper http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/s.gif Rear Door Blinds
On the Web: http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk24.htm http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/s.gif http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/

[runboy]

Yep, use Rain-Ex. You can get it from Halfords or sometimes QVC.

It's great-I put it on all windows, mirrors (and I put it on lights too as it repells dirty rain). Once it's applied the water just magicaly runs off like a very high gloss. You can get away with less use of the wiper too.

Costs about £6 a bottle. You can also get anti-fog for the inside windows from the same range, and a screen wash.

Steve - 2002 1.4SE petrol, Silver, black/black interior, Then an identical replacement 2003 A2. Now a Toyota Corolla 1.6 T-Spirit

[Ade]

Is applying this thing yourself like waxing the bodywork (put on and rub off, etc.), or a spray or what? Work OK on the front grill also?

Ta

Ade

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/a2ade.gif[/img=left]Audi A2 1.4SE (2003): Build Wk40/2002
Delivery Options: OpenSky [img]http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/s.gif Azure Blue http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/s.gif Climate http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/s.gif DIS http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/s.gif APS http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/s.gif Lumbar
Retrofitted: Rear Drinks Holder http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/s.gif Floppy Wiper http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/s.gif Rear Door Blinds
On the Web: http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk24.htm http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/s.gif http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/

[lilt]

To answer your 1st question Ade: In principle wax is an hydrophobic coating. It's basically designed to form beads of water on the surface instead of sheets/streams to improve visibility in the rain. But if you ask Audi they'd probably tell that what they use is unique in some way.

For all I know they could be feeding me porkies but I've read that the coating they use is called 'diamonfusion' (http://www.diamonfusion.com/us/products.html) though I can't be entirely sure. In any case, diamonfusion claim their product does all sorts of wonderful things, but I can't find anything to say that it's any better than Rain-Ex. As long as Audi don't expect me to pay any more than a tenner for it then I'll cough up and take their word for it.

[Stuart_D]

Thanks for all the explanations. My A2 is over 2 years old and so is due to have this new coating. I'll mention it on Thursday and see what they say, but to be honest it sounds to me a little like a waste of time.

I have for the past 18 months always used rain-x on all my windows & lights and would say that it makes all the difference - without it, the rear windscreen still has plenty of rain drops on it and I have never noticed any 'beading'.

2001 TDi SE | Cobalt Blue Metallic | Open Sky Roof | Kenwood Mask CD | Front Centre Armrest
www.Audi-A2.co.uk | www.A2Forum.net

[smartie]

Never heard of the coating but a good glass cleaner preferably a polish not a liquid spray will leave a coating which will make water bead. Failing that I use a rinse aid which I put on the car after washing. It has been know in the trade to use polish but not on the front screen.

2002 1.6 FSI Azure Blue DIS Blue Interior

[msmorley]

I like the sound of Rain-X - my 127 mile commute ends in the Costwold quarries which, with all the crud on the road, leaves both rear screens nicely caked in mud if the road is wet

I could do with something similar inside - in both my cars I get a rapid build up of a greasy film on the inside of the windscreen. Aside from doing something about my kebab-breath [:I] does any one have any recommendations for products to keep the inside of the windscreen clean?

p.s. Apologies to Ade for stealing the idea for his signature avatar...

[img=left]http://www.santorini.dsl.pipex.com/a2_avatar.gif[/img=left][b]m.
2003 Azure Blue 1.6 FSI SE

OpenSky | Climate Control | DIS | Isofix + brat | Space-Floor-Box
ERW | Symphony II | Winter Pack | Auto-Dimming Rear View Mirror

[lilt]

The furthest my thinking takes me is good old Halfords. They stock more or less all the car care stuff you need... but I suppose you could also try breathing through your nose ("You cheeky bas..." :D)

[Ade]

quote:Originally posted by msmorley

Isofix + brat

I don't remember seeing that on the options list...

:D:D:D:D:D


http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/a2ade.gif[/img=left]Audi A2 1.4SE (2003): Build Wk40/2002
Delivery Options: OpenSky [img]http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/s.gif Azure Blue http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/s.gif Climate http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/s.gif DIS http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/s.gif APS http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/s.gif Lumbar
Retrofitted: Rear Drinks Holder http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/s.gif Floppy Wiper http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/s.gif Rear Door Blinds
On the Web: http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk24.htm http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/s.gif http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/

[Rob Earl]

Apparently, the met paint/cc option was such a roaring success, that the latest offer is get isofix and a brat for only £50.[:o)]

At present this offer is only valid until the end of April, so be sure to have a look in November and see if it's still running[}:)][}:)]

http://www.robspage.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/A2%20front%20side_small.jpg1.4SE petrol. http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk14.htm

[Ade]

I wonder what the annual maintenance is like for a car with 'brat' [:0]

Ade

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/sig_ade.jpg

[msmorley]

The isofix + brat offer does expire in April - but unfortunately it's proved so popular there's a 9 month waiting list at present - first deliveries in 01/04... by which time the car will be delivered by your friendly local SEAT dealer :(

The additional annual maintenance cost is merely determined by the number of times you need to reapply SuperGuard to the interior following... um... accidents of the sort you don't need to notify to your insurance company [:0]

[img=left]http://www.santorini.dsl.pipex.com/a2_avatar.gif[/img=left]m.
2003 Azure Blue 1.6 FSI SE

OpenSky | Climate Control | DIS | Isofix + brat | Space-Floor-Box
ERW | Symphony II | Winter Pack | Auto-Dimming Rear View Mirror

[msmorley]

quote:Originally posted by lilt

but I suppose you could also try breathing through your nose ("You cheeky bas..." :D)
;) I think kebab juice gets transpired through the skin though - should have gone for the heated seats: my very own mobile rotisserie.

What was the topic again? :D

[img=left]http://www.santorini.dsl.pipex.com/a2_avatar.gif[/img=left]m.
2003 Azure Blue 1.6 FSI SE

OpenSky | Climate Control | DIS | Isofix + brat | Space-Floor-Box
ERW | Symphony II | Winter Pack | Auto-Dimming Rear View Mirror

[Ade]

I also heard that some lucky couples, upon application, can for a limited time only have bonus brats thrown in at random, 2, 3 or more for the price of one (not!).

The brat is of course detachable and can also be retrofitted by the industrious owner at a later date by anyone who is good with their tool. :D

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/sig_ade.jpg

[Johann]

I bought a bottle of Rain-X even before my car was delivered! Put it on and it lasted all of two days!!! So the bottle is still under the sink hardly used... and the makers state is for the windscreen! This has wipers that will take the stuff off even faster IMHO... if it lasts 2 days on the rear wiperless screen how long will it last on the front? Or did I just apply it incorrectly?

__________________________________________________ __________________________________
[img=left]http://image1ex.villagephotos.com/180225.jpg[/img=left]
2001 A2 TDI SE Crystal Blue with Open Sky, 6CD Symphony II, BOSE upgrade, DIS and HALF a winterpack!

iPAQ 3970 with Sat-Nav sleeve, rear cupholders, luggage net and floppy wiper!

http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk23.htm

[Mal2002]

While were on the subject of rear windows I thought I would let you know that my car is currently off the road due to the rear window being shot out with an air rifle whilst parked in my driveway on friday night:(. Luckily the insurance will cover the cost otherwise Audi wanted £400 for a new one. The police questioned someone but are taking it no further.

On a plus side though at least they ddin't aim at the bodywork:)

p.s. It happened whilst I was posting a message on the forum so I never got a chance to finish my post. :(

2002, 1.4, azure blue, 2 tone leather, concert II single cd. Member of A2OC site.
http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk12.htm

[lilt]

[:0] That's the last thing you'd expect... except for perhaps a meteor crashing head on with the car. Hopefully you have no claims protection[?] Would be a shame if you lost a years bonus on something so annoying.

[Mal2002]

The rear window is covered by the windscreen damage clause so it's only costing £50. My win on the Grand National should cover that:D

P.S. Will post some pics soon

[2002] | 1.4 | azure blue | 2 tone leather | concert II single cd.
Member of A2OC site.
http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk12.htm

[Stuart_D]

Malcolm - that is absolutely unbelieveable! So many people are buying those BB guns now. I wonder why he took aim at your A2 and not Joe Bloggs' Ford Mondeo?!

2001 TDi SE | Cobalt Blue Metallic | Open Sky Roof | Kenwood Mask CD | Front Centre Armrest
www.Audi-A2.co.uk | www.A2Forum.net

[deheld]

I checked my service manual and mine doesn't mention re-applying the coat. I remember a previous topic about his.

Must have something to do with the constant rain in Britain....

Dennis de Held

Amulet Red 1.4 Tdi

[maersk]

Does the ankle-biter HAVE to be conceived in the A2 to get the £50?
Can you do it in your own or does it have to be in the showroom?
Do the seats have to be treated with scotch guard?

images/icon_smile_cool.gif

[Ade]

Malcolm, like you say, lucky they didn't aim at the bodywork, but it's one of the reasons I keep resisting using the garage as an extra room, I want to keep the cars safe in there as there seems to be little or no consideration of people's property these days, destruction and watching other people's misery just seems 'fun' to some these days.



http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/sig_ade.jpg

[andrew simmons]

regarding the rear windscreen
i have just used autoglm polish on all glass and that has been perfect no probs rain just runs off
maybe give that a go

cheers

Andrew A2 TDI SE Cobalt Blue
















A.D.Simmons

[Mal2002]

Thanks for all the replys, quick update on the situation.

Day 1 - wrong window ordered
Day 2 - wrong window ordered
Day 3 (today)- Window broken upon delivery

The company carrying out the repairs on behalf of the insurance company is RAC Auto Windscreens.

Stuart - There were 2 other cars in the driveway at the time, unlucky for me mine got it.

[2002] | 1.4 | azure blue | 2 tone leather | concert II single cd.
Member of A2OC site.
http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk12.htm

[runboy]

Mal

You shoot back?. You should do. People of today!.

Steve - 2002 1.4SE petrol, Silver, black/black interior, Then an identical replacement 2003 A2. Now a Toyota Corolla 1.6 T-Spirit

[Mal2002]

If I'd seen who did it I probably would have lol:)

What about the system that the Africans use ie if somebody tries to break into your car when you're in it you press a button and flames shoot out from under the car, thus burning their legs to bits.

p.s. the windows fixed so I can now drive it again :D:D

[2002] | 1.4 | azure blue | 2 tone leather | concert II single cd.
Member of A2OC site.
http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk12.htm

[hollyrescue]

Can Martyn supply it? The flamer that is.

[Ade]

quote:Originally posted by hollyrescue

Can Martyn supply it? The flamer that is.


If he can I'm sure Lee can do a fitting guide for us :D


http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/sig_ade.jpg (http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk24.htm)

[hollyrescue]

I assume the fitting guide will contain the usual final test. Should be fun.

[Ade]

Perhaps the salesman from Lomond Audi can test it for us [}:)]


http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/sig_ade.jpg (http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk24.htm)

[Mal2002]

Dont give me ideas Ade [xx(][xx(]

[2002] | 1.4 | azure blue | 2 tone leather | concert II single cd.
Member of A2OC site.
http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk12.htm

[Ade]

Or how about the rear window 'sharp shooter' if we got hold of him...


http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/sig_ade.jpg (http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk24.htm)

[Foghorn]

Speaking of TWO year intervals. Do you know that the brake fluid should be changed every TWO years. I can't understand why we have three year service intervals if we have to take it back for the window coating and brake fluid - the latter costs around £70 I believe. But I'm holding back as they haven't ret reminded me!

Regards - The Foghorn

2001 TDI SE Atantic Blue, Open Sky, 16" 6 spoke alloys, Satellite cloth & space box system. The "Dogs Twitchers"

[shezlee]

I'll write the guide if you supply the Salesman and sharp shooter :)

Lee and Sheridan,
TDI SE, Build 11/01, Dolphin Grey,
50% Brighter Bulbs : Original Audi 6 CD Changer (Fitted in proper location by me) : Rear drinks holder : Floppy Wiper : Centre Tray : Elasticated Belt System - Nearly.
http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk18.htm

[Mal2002]

Done, they'll be with you some time early next week[}:)]

[2002] | 1.4 | azure blue | 2 tone leather | concert II single cd.
Member of A2OC site.
http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk12.htm

[Ade]

quote:They'll be with you next week

I'd love to see their faces....


http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/sig_ade.jpg (http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk24.htm)

[shezlee]

All we need is someone to take pictures, Before and after...

Lee and Sheridan,
TDI SE, Build 11/01, Dolphin Grey,
50% Brighter Bulbs : Original Audi 6 CD Changer (Fitted in proper location by me) : Rear drinks holder : Floppy Wiper : Centre Tray : Elasticated Belt System - Nearly.
http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk18.htm

[Ade]

Oooh, sounds crispy...

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/a2ade.gif[/img=left]Audi A2 1.4SE (2003): Build Wk40/2002
Delivery Options: OpenSky [img]http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/s.gif Azure Blue http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/s.gif Climate http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/s.gif DIS http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/s.gif APS http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/s.gif Lumbar
Retrofitted: Rear Drinks Holder http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/s.gif Floppy Wiper http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/images/s.gif Rear Door Blinds

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