Hydrophobic products for windscreens aren’t new – but many people still don’t know what they are, how they work and just how useful they can be.
Before we get into the details about which are the best hydrophobic products for windscreens, let’s first take a closer look at the technology and how it benefits the man in the street (make that the people in the car!).
As the name suggests, hydrophobic products repel water. When applied to a windscreen, the nanotechnology of these products makes the surface extremely repellent to water, forcing the liquid to form ‘beads’ which then slide or run off the glass much like balls of mercury. As water is unable to cling onto the surface, the beads simply roll off – and in the case of a windscreen – are blown off by the flow of air when the vehicle is moving.
But surely windscreen wipers are there for a purpose? To keep a windscreen clear of rain?
The beauty of hydrophobic products is that they virtually put windscreen wipers out of a job, but they also keep dirt away. The invisible coatings prevent environmental pollutants, grease, oil, insects, bird droppings and other foreign matter from sticking to the surface, making it very easy to clean the windscreen.
Hydrophobic products have a number of benefits, including:
- Improved wet weather visibility
- Improves visibility at night
- Improved driver visual perception
- Improved driver reaction time
- Improved comfort and safety of drivers and passengers
- Keeps windscreen clean of water, oil, dirt and insects
- Reduced need for cleaning products which may be harmful to the environment
So what are the best hydrophobic products for your windscreen?
It’s really a matter of personal choice, so if you’re keen on seeing the benefits of this nanotechnology for yourself, you should have a look at the various product reviews, ask the experts for their recommendations (eg windscreen repair companies and motor dealerships) and chat to your motoring friends before you make a final decision.
Here are some products that you may want to consider:
- Nanovations Vision Protect windscreen coating
- Nanoman Windscreen Rain Repellent
- NANO-QuartzGC from NANOGLOSS
- Opti-Glass Pro
- Rain-X Original Glass Treatment
- Max Protect Ultimate Glass Coat Pro
Another reason you may want to consider a hydrophobic product for your windscreen is that it may actually increase the chip-resistance of your glass. Opti-Glass Pro claims that its coating increases the coefficient of friction of the glass, which means that when a speeding object (like a flying stone kicked up from a passing vehicle) comes into contact with a windscreen which has been coated with Opti-Glass Pro, the object is more likely to be deflected than it is to damage the glass.
However, if you have a chip or a crack in your windscreen, you do need to get it seen to immediately as the problem can worsen and become a significant safety hazard. A professional windscreen repairer is often able to fix a small chip or crack so that it’s virtually invisible and the windscreen is as good as new. For fast, affordable and professional windscreen repairs or replacements in Perth, call Jason at Autoscreens on 0400 200 086 or get in touch via their website.
Jason Squire started Autoscreens in 2010. With over 35 years of experience gained in both the UK and Australia, the company is well established as a leading provider of windscreen replacement and autoglass repairs in Perth.
His journey to becoming a certified repairer license holder status with DMIRS (and business repair license MRB3703) began many years ago. He was born and brought up in the UK – the country where his long career in the automotive industry began. In common with many of the world’s best tradespeople it all started with an apprenticeship. For Jason, this was in vehicle bodybuilding and a specialisation in vehicle conversions.
He followed that up with several additional professional qualifications, including a Grade A Vehicle Body Building Certificate from the Road Transport Industry, a GQA level 2 in NVQ Automotive Glazing and a Level 2 qualification in Joining Materials by Welding from the UK Engineer Training Authority.
During his studies, Jason was also a part-time volunteer in the Royals signals with the Reserve Territorial Army. Between 1991 and 1995, Jason completed his Phase One Signallers Course with the Royal Armoured Corps and was awarded a Certificate of Trade Proficiency as a Territorial Army Driver Electrician Class 3. Training exercises took him all over Europe. He also represented the Signals in Rugby.
From there, he joined the armed forces on a full-time basis with the Queens Royal Lancers and continued to impress with his leadership skills and willingness to broaden his skillset, during which he lived in Germany. In 1996, he graduated from the Queens Royal Lancer Leadership Academy where he was named best recruit. His time with the Queens Royal Lancers he qualified as Tank Driver, Crew Medic and Gunner.
In 1999, Jason left the armed forces to join RAC Auto Windscreens. His skillset enabled him to fast-track his career to base supervisor and lead technician working with premiere dealerships in Crewe, Cheshire.
He also continued to volunteer in a number of different areas, including as a first responder with the West Midlands Ambulance Service and a scout leader with the Scout Association.
He relocated to Australia in 2008 with his young family and spent his first two years down under as a head technician for a national windscreen company.
However, with all his experience, extensive qualifications and his abiding passion for the automotive industry, it was inevitable that he would start his own company and make his mark as an industry leader.
He started Autoscreens in 2010 and has grown the business into the leading windscreen repair and replacement company in Perth, servicing both domestic and commercial customers. Autoscreens has a certified Motor Vehicle Repairers Licence MRB3703 issued by the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.