Your windshield is exposed to dirt and grime, such as flying debris, weather changes, and damage due to general car usage. A single chip or scratch can easily become a major repair or replacement job, all within a short time.
Hence, the important question is: how do you protect it effectively? Windshield protection film is a great idea that protects your windshield from harm and has extra features like UV protection and anti-glare. But is it worth it?
In this guide, we will discuss windshield protection film, its advantages and disadvantages, the cost, and whether you should get one. Now, let’s see how this simple addition will help you save time, money, and other trouble on the road!
What Is a Windshield Protection Film?
A windshield protection film is a clear, thin layer placed over your windshield to shield it from physical harm. Intended to protect the vehicle’s surface from cracking or scratching, the coating is a barrier against elements such as stones, frost, snow, and occasional bumps.
It also protects the car from UV rays that are harmful to its interior and improves the driver’s comfort. It also reduces glare, which I believe is pretty important, especially while driving, especially at night or at odd times.
Whether you’re driving through Arizona’s dusty highways or Colorado’s snowy streets, this film enhances the longevity of your windshield while maintaining clarity and visibility.
Benefits of Windshield Protection Film
Using a windshield protection film offers many benefits, such as enhancing safety during driving and protecting your vehicle’s windshield. Here’s a closer look at the key advantages:
Protection Against Cracks and Chips
Some or all of this material helps dampen minor impacts from stones, gravel, and other debris that may lead to windshield cracking or chipping. This added layer of protection keeps the windshield free from damage for longer periods of time.
Enhanced Safety
A protected windshield is less likely to crack, especially in the event of an accident, making it safer. This can be especially important in impacts, in which the windshield condition substantially contributes to the safety of passengers.
UV and Glare Reduction
Some films shield damaging UV rays and cut down on glare to make driving less stressful and safer. This feature is most helpful on long trips or in glaring light, but it is a great improvement over stock headlighting in general.
Cost Savings
Windshield protection film saves your hard-earned money since it is cheaper to let the company install it than to have your windshield changed or repaired almost every time. You also avoid unnecessary repair costs, which will also reduce the chances of your vehicle being out of use for a long time.
Improved Durability
It serves as the first barrier shielding your windshield from total physical damage and affecting its structural integrity. It keeps your windshield molded in great condition regardless of the tough road terrain, including gravel or construction zones.
Drawbacks or Limitations of Windshield Protection Film
While windshield protection film provides many benefits, it also comes with certain limitations:
- Initial Cost: Depending on the quality of the film, the cost of windshield protection film might also be a little high initially.
- Professional Installation Required: It is highly recommended that installation be done by professionals, which increases the overall cost.
- Maintenance: A film’s life will eventually end due to disintegration or fading. Therefore, it should be replaced or cleaned periodically.
- Limited Impact Resistance: Although it serves as a barrier against small objects or little harm, it cannot be relied on for major blows or when larger objects are likely to be hit.
Is It Worth It? Factors to Consider
Determining whether windshield protection film is worth the investment depends on several key factors:
Driving Environment
The film’s properties are irreplaceable for daily routes exposed to a high quantity of debris, gravel, or adverse weather conditions.
Vehicle Usage
City drivers are unlikely to grab their vehicle for such maintenance as the film’s increased durability will benefit frequent drivers, those who commute long distances, or drivers who often use off-road vehicles.
ADAS Calibration Needs
This also helps maintain the integrity of the windshield to prevent interference on ADAS, which will cut re-calibration costs.
These factors should be compared to identify whether windshield protection film meets your car’s and your wallet’s needs.
Cost of Windshield Protection Film
Windshield protection film costs usually lie between $150 and $400, based on aspects such as the car brand or model, kind of film, etc. Installation affiliated with working professionals is usually charged between $100 and $250 to guarantee correct application and efficiency.
Although these initial costs may appear extensive, they are relatively smaller than the cost of complete windshield replacement or periodic replacement of shattered windshields.
For example, it costs over $1,000 to replace a windshield on a car with ADAS technology due to the calibration costs. Having a protection film saves you from such costs in the future.
Conclusion
Using a windshield protection film is an efficient way of protecting your windshield from any possible damage, repairing, and enhancing its quality so that the expenses are reduced to a certain extent. It’s particularly useful for people who often encounter bad weather while driving or are driving in risky circumstances.
For your windshield repair and replacement solution by professionals, Auto Glass America is the place to be. We focus primarily on Windshield repair and replacement, ADAS calibration, and many other services to keep your car on the road. Contact Auto Glass America today and learn more about how we can help take care of your windshield!
