Auto windshield glass is one of the most high-impact parts for a vehicle and it usually takes the hit from the road debris. Generally, it is expensive to repair or replace windshield glass, especially for vehicles with ADAS- the advance assistive driving systems like auto pilot, etc. Consumers are now looking for new ways to protect; this is where windshield film comes to play. Think it as a screen protector for your cellphone- a clear, thin layer film applied to the exterior side of the windshield glass to help protect it from the chips, cracks and keep the cost or replacement cost to the minimum. Windshield film is now a great-fit for daily drives, high-end luxury vehicles and fleet operation automobiles.
What is it and what does it do?
Windshield protection film is a transparent, often called self-sacrificial layer thin film applied on the outside of the windshield glass to protect it against the road debris like the sand, small stones, debris or small rocks that can usually leave a deep mark or crack the glass. This happens a lot when the road condition is bad and you are driving behind heavy trucks. Think it as a film that protect your cellphone screen. It does the same thing. It functions as a barrier between the glass and other small flying objects. But windshield film can not take a big hit with large objects, thought is can hold the shattered glass in one piece and keep the secondary injury to the minimum. Windshield glass can be expensive to replace or repair, with this film, it reduces the chances of the glass get chipped.
Will it distort the vision and hard to install?
A lot of window tinters worry about that it will be difficult to install and it make the drivers vision not clear. These were the common concerns when the film was first launched to the market. As the material evolves and the glue gets better, this windshield film has high optical clarity and it is very easy in to install. A lot of times high quality windshield fllm has the self-healing and hydrophobic properties.
Some vehicle owners think it is only for the high-end and luxury cars. This is not true. Today as more and more cars are equipped with advance driving systems, the auto glass are usually integrated with the system, and it is becoming more reasonable to spend some money to protect the glass for that system- which is costly to repair or replace.
Windshield film provides care and protect for everyday drive and nowadays the price is very user-friendly. And the lifespan is usually 12-18 month depending on the driving environment.
How is the install?
Windshield film Is more like a PPF or enhanced PPF, it is very stretchable and when you install this film just try with a steamer or hot water. Try to avoid the heat gun, since the heat gun may distort the glue and leave ripple effect vision. An experienced window film tinter or PPF installer can apply this film on the windshield in about 30-35 minutes. It does not take a expert to install this windshield film, and with a few practice jobs, you are an expert. Though some windshield made of PET takes more time to install, since they are like thick security film and it takes time to shrink them.
Why Windshield film for drivers?
- The best thing the windshield film does is to reduce the risks of the auto glass being chipped or cracked by road debris and avoid the high cost of replacement or repair. Also it keeps original looks of the vehicle.
- For fleet operation vehicles, the windshield can help the downtime to the minimum, which caused by auto glass breakage. It also helps to keep the maintenance cost low.
- For some vehicles, it may cost thousands to replace a windshield. And we might need for weeks before that windshield becomes available.
- But to install a windshield protection film, it cost about 150-250, and it is easy to install and give the drive a peace of mind.
How long does it last?
Windshield protection film usually comes with 12-18 month warranty against peeling, bubbling, cracking and yellowing. But the scratches due to wiper are not on the warranty list, because this depends on how the vehicle is used and also the driving environments. If the vehicle drives a lot in sandy and snowy weathers, we tend to see the windshield will wear out more easily than in cleaner driving conditions.
Also the lifespan the windshield film depends on how the film is properly maintained. Spray the lubricants will surely make the film less scratchy with the wiper and avoid the chattering sounds.
Do not expect this film to work forever, it is simply not true. As a self-sacrificial film to take the beating of the small flying objects, this film should be replaced every 12-18 months. Sooner or later, we will see the scratches and wearing out of windshield film.
Should tinting business carry it now?
Surely yes.
Consumer awareness is on the rise and more people are turning to this product for extra protection for the windshield. As window film manufacturers are pushing for better technology and manufacturing technics, windshield film is getting better in quality and becoming more prices friendly to average vehicles
More and more tint shop will carry this windshield film in the product offerings and it will become a mainstream product from previously known as a niche product.
Windshield film is not the Magic One-Time-For-All shield against every auto glass hazards. But it is more of the precaution measure. It keeps the auto glass intact during minor road debris hit, and extends the lifespan of the OEM windshield, especially for those vehicles with advanced driving assistive systems or cameras.
Window tinting shops should do some basic research and ask around clients to see if they are ready to spend and upgrade. If they are willing to set a budget for this product, it is time you carry it in your product offerings.
