Basic, Better, Best – Glass Cleaner

There are three things that, even if the rest of the car is a bit rubbish, can ensure it looks its best. Those three things are, of course, decent number plates, clean wheels and clean windows. That might seems like an odd list, but trust us, if those three elements are in good order you can get away with a lot elsewhere on the car. When it comes to plates, you can just pop down to Halfords for a set. Wheels? Soap, water and a bit of polish and tyre dressing will do you. But when it comes to the glass, you have to be a bit more careful. There are so many products out there, and as such, so much opportunity to end up with a streaky mess instead of clear, twinkling glass.

Then of course, you have the safety element. Clean glass means you have a perfect view of everything that’s going on around you. Furthermore, if you use the right product, you’ll not only clean the glass, you’ll also build up a hydrophobic coating on your screens, meaning water will disperse with ease resulting in better vision if you’re driving in the elements. Yes indeedy, clean glass is very important. That’s why we’ve tested out three products for you. Have a read, get some ordered and the road ahead will be clear to see. Literally.

BASIC

You can never go wrong with a product from Autoglym, and Fast Glass is no exception to that rule. As we type, this is the cleaner currently on our windscreen, and we can confirm that it is most excellent. It removes marks and smudges from glass without issue, it leaves a crystal clear, smear-free finish, and so long as you have decent cloths, if buffs off with ease. It’s not the most hydrophobic product out there, but if you just want to rid your glass of dirt, marks and fingerprints, this is the stuff to use.

BETTER

Rain-X is a brand that you are probably familiar with, what with its bright yellow bottles and so on. But this product is more than just a bright colour; it’s seriously impressive too. It performs as well as any other quality glass cleaner. Smudges, dirt and watermarks are all removed with ease. It applies easily and buffs off without a fight. But once it’s on the car it does something few other cleaners do – it repels water. The hydrophobic formula means rain just sheets off the glass. This means dirt trapped in water doesn’t stick. It’s also brilliant for side windows and mirrors, keeping them clear of droplets and spray.

BEST

If you want the best, you can always turn to Gtechniq. When it comes to cleaning and detailing products, this is a brand that comes out swinging every time, and its G6 Perfect Glass cleaner is no exception. It cleans glass with ease, removing all marks and smudges without hesitation. It buffs off without smearing (subject to you using a proper cloth and not yesterday’s socks) and when it dries, it creates a static free and dust repellent coating. It’s also fragrance free, which is not something you think you need until you try it. No dubious artificial smells to endure. And while it might be here as the best, it’s still only a hair under twelve quid. Bargain.