Can hydrophobic auto glass coating improve visibility and protect your windshield? Modern glass coatings have the ability to repel water while keeping the windshield clean, all at an affordable price. Learn about how hydrophobic auto glass coating works and whether you should consider applying the substance to your vehicle’s auto glass. The Basics With hydrophobic auto glass coating, a glaze is applied to the windshield, windows, mirrors and any other glass surfaces of a vehicle. The substance consists of either a silica or resin that forms a molecular bond on the glass surface. When moisture forms on top of the coating, it cannot disperse against the repellent, and the wind force present when the vehicle is in motion helps move the droplets quickly off the windshield, clearing the driver’s line of sight. Sometimes hydrophobic applications are referred to as possessing the “lotus effect,” since the petals of the lotus flower are also water repellent. Can You Apply it On Your Own? A do-it-yourself windshield coating kit can be purchased for as little as $20, but professional application may produce longer-lasting results, with protection ranging from three to 10 years or more. First, trained professionals will meticulously clean the windshield, removing all traces of grime. The windshield must be thoroughly cleaned for the coating to fully adhere to the glass. Next, the professional auto glass repair technician will evenly spread the coating, usually with a sprayer. Once it is dry, the windshield is ready for the elements. The Benefits of Hydrophobic Coating The most obvious benefit to a coated windshield is better visibility in a rainstorm. A University of Michigan study found that newly applied hydrophobic glass coating provided a 34 percent higher visibility and a one-second shorter driver response time. This product can greatly increase safety for drivers, passengers and other motorists traveling in inclement weather. After a rainstorm, dirt, debris and dead insects leave smears and smudges on a windshield. When hit with direct sunlight, the dirty glass obscures the driver’s view, posing another safety risk. Water repellent products cause droplets to dispel quickly, removing not only the moisture but the dirt and mud along with it. For this reason, fewer streaks and marks will be left on a windshield after rain, ensuring accurate visibility in sunlight and a reduced need for glass cleaning. Hot sunlight on the hydrophobic coating does not weaken or diminish overall effectiveness. The product is also helpful in winter. Overnight ice may form on the car’s windshield, but when the defroster is turned on, the ice quickly melts, because it maintains a much weaker grip on the windshield. While most products are designed for windshield use only, during application the spray will not damage other parts of the car. It can also be easily applied to all ages of windshields, both new and old. Due to decreased grime buildup and caking, the windshield may also experience better durability. Since the windshield wipers do not have to work as hard to clean the glass, they will last longer as well. To find out more about hydrophobic auto glass coating or information on windshield maintenance and repair, contact your local auto glass technician today.
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