Do Car Windshield Water Repellent Coatings Work? Should You Use Them?

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During the rain, it’s pretty hard to drive because of bad visibility. Even though high-quality wipers are a great thing, there’s maybe a better solution. Today I’m going to speak about car windshield water repellent coatings, how they work, and whether they really help repel the water off the car windows.

High-quality windshield water repellent coatings work, and they will improve wet weather driving visibility. They help drivers to see better during rain, sleets, and snow. 

That was the straightforward answer, but let’s dive a bit deeper into the topic and see how much water repellent coatings really help and what are their other properties.

What Is Windshield Water Repellent Coating?

Windshield water repellent coatings are products that, when applied, give the glass hydrophobic properties. That means that the coating will improve the glass’s wet-weather performance.

In other words, water repellent coatings help water, snow, and sleet easily slip off of the windshield.

How Does It Work?

Windshield water repellent coating works in a way that it bonds to the windshield and other glass surfaces and increases the water repellency of the windows.

Let’s say this: water repellent coating puts a new layer onto the car windows, which then becomes hydrophobic.

Where Can You Use It?

Actually, you can use water-repellent coatings on all of the car windows. However, you’ll mostly need it only on the windshield, which is the most rain-affected area of the car.

I like to put it on my front side windows and the rearview mirrors. It helps me to see better when driving in reverse, especially when I just start the car and the windows are still all wet from the rain.

Can I Use It On Interior Windows?

Some people do it, but my answer is a big NO.

Mostly, rain repellent coatings are made of some ingredients that will:

• Cause eye irritation
• Cause breathing problems
• Make damage to the dashboard if you spill it
• Destroy the factory window coatings (such as tinted glass, etc.)

Furthermore, there’s actually no need to use them on the inside windows. The fact is that they can help to prevent window fogging, but in the end, it’s more harm than good.

PROs Of Using Car Water Repellent Coatings

Since these coatings have more PROs than just water repellence, I decided to write all of them here:

• Water, snow, and sleet will easily slip off the glass
• Improve driver’s visibility during the rain, especially at night
• They prolong the life of the windscreen wipers
• Glass is easier to clean after applying
• Make bugs, ice, and dust are much easier to remove

How To Apply Window Repellent Coatings?

Every product has its own steps for applying it. But mostly, you should apply water repellent coating this way:

Again, always make sure to check the product description; some coatings are being applied in a different way (e.g., they apply on a wet surface, etc.)

What’s The Best Water Repellent Coating For Windshields?

As always, there are dozens of water repellent products that you can choose from. Today, I’m gonna show you 2 good products. One of them is best to choose if you don’t want to spend too much money, and the other is a more professional one.

1. Rain-X Water Repellent Coating

Rain-X Original Windshield Treatment (check the price now) is probably the most popular water repellent coating out there. It’s an entry-level product, and it works great.

However, it won’t last as some more expensive products. The best thing about Rain-X is the price and the ease of application.

If you really want the best result possible, make sure to also clay bar your windows before applying Rain-X.

2. Gtechniq G1 Clear Vision Smart Glass

Gtechniq G1 (check the price now) is nano-coating for your windows that will last longer than “budget-friendly” water repellents.

It should last from 1-2 years, which is more than enough for everyone, especially if you compare it to Rain-X.

The normal package is only 15ML, so make sure to apply it to your windshield 2 times, and then use the rest on your other windows.

However, the biggest con of this coating is that it’s harder to apply. So, if you want the best water repellent for your car but aren’t the best with applying these products, pay someone to apply it.

Water Repellent Coating or Wax?

Many of you will probably think about putting wax on the windshield and other windows instead of buying the water repellent coating.

I’d always go with a rain repellent coating if you ask me. Why?

Well, water repellent coatings will make the water beads much smaller, which in the end, makes water easier to slip off. I just think it’s doing a better job than waxes.

Also, water repellent coatings are more resistant to washing fluid from your car. It’s made mostly of alcohol, and alcohol removes wax in no time. So, one more point for water repellent coatings.

Conclusion

Windshield water repellent coatings are great products that everyone should use. They aren’t expensive (even the more professional coatings), and you get a lot for the price.

And YES, rain repellent coatings work! 

I’d suggest everyone apply water repellent coating on all outside windows, especially if you’re living in a rainy area and driving a lot.

There’s nothing worse than driving during the rain and not being able to see a road because of a $10-15 investment. Just apply it, improve visibility and stay safe 🙂

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