Windshield Protection Film: Is It Worth It?

Even the smallest pebble or rock can do a number on your windshield. Kicked up from a tire or flung from the back of a trailer, this debris cracks, chips and even penetrates auto glass as if it were rice paper. Once that happens, you’re either looking at professional or DIY windshield chip repair, or complete windshield replacement.

What if there were a better way to prevent windshield cracks and pitting from ever happening altogether? Is there a world in which such magic is possible? Allow us to introduce you to windshield glass protectors, the number one way to safeguard your car window from damage.

What is Windshield Protection Coating?

Like screen protectors built for your tablet or phone, car windshield films coat your glass with an extra layer of insurance from “oopsies.” These products—there are many, including popular ones like Xpel, 3M, ClearPlex, DYNOflex and ExoShield, to name a few—are made up of virtually translucent, ultra-durable coats of film that adhere to your vehicle’s windscreen. Each manufacturer utilizes its own proprietary blend of materials to produce their windshield films, but they all serve the same purpose: Cushion the impact of and reduce the damage caused by hail, rocks and debris.

The big question is: Do they do their job?

Car Windshield Protectors: Pros & Cons

Advantages

For all intents and purposes, auto glass protection film does a remarkable job of reducing or even eliminating windshield cracks due to hail and various types of impact (just watch the video above). In some instances, it can even prevent a windshield from shattering after a collision. Additional benefits of installing a vehicle windshield protector include:

Reduces Odds of Needing Replacement

As a car owner, your goal is to keep everything as authentic and OEM as possible. Once you start removing and replacing parts, that’s when issues arise. A poorly installed windshield, for instance, may result in ruined sealant that will produce excess road and wind noise, as well as the increased risk of shattering.

This is what makes windshield protectant film such a great investment. Some manufacturers claim that their products make it 6x less likely for users to experience broken car windows, after proper application. Who wouldn’t take 600% better results?

Ideal for Expensive Vehicles & Sports Cars

Vehicle glass films are excellent options if you own a luxury vehicle with a windshield that has built-in defrosters or other unique features that would otherwise cost thousands to repair or replace.

Windshield UV Protection

Like standard windshield tint, many films provide a layer of UV filtration. This helps reduce incidences of sun damage on dashboards and upholstery, as well as your own skin. Yay for self-care! Additionally, some products may even make the cabin cooler by reflecting UV.

Resistant to Staining

Due to their chemistry, these films repel water and moisture very well. That means it is more resistant to things like bird poop, bugs, tree sap and just water staining or etching.

Windshield Hail Protection

Although films won’t save your car’s body from hail, it can prevent auto glass damage caused by large hailstones.

Disadvantages

Of course, as with all good things, there are a few drawbacks to installing these products.

Costly

Expect to spend anywhere from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand for quality windshield clear film installation. And before you ask if you can do it cheaper at home, we highly recommend skipping DIY products (see below) due to the nature of the installation process. One small mistake will have you wishing to turn back the sands of time…

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, it may not even be worth it to install a windshield film—car insurance companies usually pay to replace a cracked windshield. Always check with your insurance agent before paying for any sort of windshield film, repair or replacement.

Not a DIY Project!

To reiterate, if you need a car windshield protector from rocks and other debris, don’t try to buy a kit and apply film in your driveway. The installation process for windshield safety film is simple yet nuanced. Everything must be done perfectly. Measuring and cutting. Cleaning. Squeegeeing. Smoothing. Removing air bubbles. Any number of small errors related to these repair processes could spell disaster.

Requires Some Minor Care

To ensure its longevity, window protector coatings should be maintained well. You should always:

• Keep your wiper blades clean and free from debris
• Only use windshield wipers when it’s raining of with washer fluid
• After any impact, smooth over hard edges of impact zones to reduce peeling
• Hand wash only and never use a power washer
• Never apply any harsh chemicals directly on the film coating

It’s not the end of the world, but if you aren’t the type to even keep up on your oil changes, it might be prudent to reconsider installing an expensive windshield tint and protector.

Doesn’t Last Forever

With proper care and maintenance, the best windshield protection coatings will last a few years, while the cheaper products may only work a few months before delamination occurs. Always choose a quality product and make sure to have a certified, experienced installer apply the film.

Slight Cloudiness

Any time you install auto glass film, whether it’s window tint or a front windshield protector, you’ll notice a little bit of distortion or experience grainy visibility, even after cleaning the inside of your window. Professional installation is the best way to reduce that distorted effect and prevent other defects like edge peeling, bubbling and interior moisture.

Visibility Concerns at Night

In addition to distorted appearance, some windscreen film products will produce halo effects around headlights and streetlamps at night, similar to what people with astigmatisms experience. That effect may even be exasperated in wet conditions, as light rays refract through raindrops.

Need Windshield Repair or Replacement in Kansas City?

Even an ounce of prevention might not keep you safe from a pound of gravel launched from the back of a landscape truck. If your windshield gets cracked or chipped, bring it to the experts at McCarthy Collision Centers. We offer full-service auto glass repair in Kansas City, including complete windshield replacement and hail damage restoration. (Yes, we can also install a good windshield protector film on your car, too!)

Contact and get a free quote from a McCarthy auto body shop near you by dialing 1-800-NEW-AGAIN.

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