Gtechniq G1 ClearVision Review: A Glass Coating Measured in Miles
Our Verdict
A true glass coating that bonds to the windshield and is rated by Gtechniq for up to 20,000 miles, far longer than a spray repellent. The kit includes the residue remover you need. It takes three careful coats on properly stripped glass, the residue needs real buffing, and it won't work on plastic headlights. Worth it for frequent rain driving.
Wipe-on rain repellents work well for a few weeks, then the wipers scrub them away and you start over. Gtechniq G1 ClearVision Smart Glass takes the coating approach. It forms a chemical bond with the glass itself, and Gtechniq rates it for up to 20,000 miles on a windshield. At highway speed rain beads and blows off, and ice, bugs and sap release more easily.
What you get
The 15 ml kit pairs the G1 coating with a small bottle of G2 Residue Remover, which you need to clear the haze G1 leaves behind as it cures. It is a tiny bottle, but glass is a small area: Gtechniq's method is three coats on the windshield and a single coat on the side and rear windows. You supply the lint-free applicator pads and towels.
Application
Prep decides how long it lasts. The glass has to be truly bare, which means a proper clean with something like Gyeon Glass and, ideally, a dedicated glass polish to strip old repellents, wiper film and mineral deposits. Stubborn spotting should be dealt with first; our water spot guide covers glass. Then work G1 into the surface in small circles, let it cure for a few minutes, and remove the residue with G2 and a clean towel. Gtechniq's sequence is two coats on the windshield back to back, then the other windows, then the third windshield coat. Keep the glass dry while it sets.
Where it falls short
It's slower and fussier than a spray repellent, and the residue takes some effort to buff clear. It also works only on real glass. Gtechniq says it will not bond to polycarbonate headlight lenses and points to its G5 product for those and for plastics. And the mileage rating depends on wiper use, washer fluid and how well the glass was stripped beforehand.
Who it's for
Drivers who cover a lot of wet highway miles and would rather coat the glass once or twice a year than every month. It's a natural addition when you're already coating the paint. Check price on Amazon.
Pros
- Bonds chemically to glass for long life
- Rated by Gtechniq up to 20,000 miles
- G2 Residue Remover included in the kit
- Eases ice, bug and sap removal
Cons
- Glass must be stripped and polished first
- Glass only; not for polycarbonate headlights
- Applicator pads and towels not included