"Protectorant 98" Study Results
The results of a recently released
report by the University of Michigan's Transportation Research
Institute suggests that the use of hydrophobic windshield coatings
(Protectorant 98) has the
potential to greatly improve driver visual performance in rainy
conditions.
The study "The Influence
of Hydrophobic Windshield Coating on Driver Performance"
used simulated conditions to study the effect of hydrophobic
coatings on windshields. The study indicates that hydrophobic
coatings can improve an operator's visual acuity nearly 34 percent
over an untreated windshield. Additionally, a driver's response
time to identify a small target was improved by 25 percent,
from four seconds to three seconds. One second in response time
represents about 58 feet of travel distance at 40 miles per
hour. These results leave little question about the potential
for increased safety with the use of hydrophobic products in
rain conditions.
This research result supports
what we have believed for some time. the use of hydrophobic
products promotes the safe operation of a vehicle in both daytime
and nighttime rain conditions. In addition hydrophobic products
ease the removal of ice, snow, insects and dirt. Protectorant
98 treatment provides easy application and longevity
suited to maximize the potential for better vision performance.
Protectorant
98 forms a chemical bond with the glass which increases
water repellency, causing it to bead and easily shed off the
glass. These fluorinated compounds apply to a clean, dry windshield
or any glass surface, and last up to six times longer than silicone
based (Rain-X) products. Additionally, Protectorant
98 remains highly effective even after months of normal
use, including car washing and glass cleaning.
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