Can ETC be installed after the windshield film has been applied for three or four days?
4 Answers
ETC cannot be installed on the car windshield three or four days after the film has been applied. You need to wait for one month before installing ETC. Where can ETC be installed: For small vehicles such as cars and minivans, the OBU device is installed in the upper middle part of the windshield, while for large vehicles like trucks and buses, the installation position is in the lower middle part. ETC installation position requirements: the height should not be less than 1.2 meters or higher than 2.5 meters; the installation angle N should be between 30º and 90º (the angle between the surface of the electronic tag and the horizontal plane). The ETC installation process is as follows: Upon receiving the device, first check if the ETC card and electronic tag (OBU) are damaged. Press the anti-tamper button on the back of the OBU, and the red light will briefly turn on. The OLED screen will display "Tag Invalid" or "Please Insert Card," indicating the device is functioning properly. Clean the windshield to ensure the glass surface is smooth, clean, and dry. Then peel off the protective film on the back of the OBU and stick it to the installation position. Press firmly with your hand for 2-3 minutes to remove any air bubbles. Insert the ETC card with the front side facing the driver and the back side facing the windshield, ensuring the chip is inserted into the OBU device.
When I first got my front windshield tinted a couple of years ago, I was also eager to install the ETC device right away. I went to install it just three days after the tinting, but the device wouldn't stick properly—it wobbled and eventually fell off, causing quite a scene at the toll booth. The technician later explained that the tint film needs time to cure, usually at least a week to fully dry. Otherwise, the adhesive can react with moisture, leading to poor adhesion or even damage to the film itself. Now, I'd recommend waiting a bit longer. Even if the surface appears dry after three or four days, the interior might not be fully stable. Check the edges of the film after three or four days to ensure there are no bubbles or lifting before installing the ETC device. Remember to choose a flat area on the inner side of the windshield for installation, avoiding the camera's field of view or any imperfections in the tint. Being patient and waiting a few extra days can make your driving experience smoother and prevent unnecessary hassles—after all, an ETC failure on the highway is a significant risk. I learned this the hard way and now always recommend waiting a full seven days for the safest results.
Last time, after I got my front windshield tinted, I went to install the ETC four days later, but the installer directly refused, saying the film hadn’t fully cured. Forcing the installation could leave adhesive residue or damage the film. Later, I looked it up and learned that after tinting, the glass surface needs time to dry and stabilize—usually, manufacturers recommend 3 to 7 days. Especially in summer, when temperatures are high and curing is faster, three to four days often isn’t enough, as the moisture inside the film adhesive hasn’t fully evaporated. ETC devices are fixed with strong double-sided tape, and if the film isn’t fully dry, the adhesion may be compromised, causing the device to loosen or malfunction. So, I suggest waiting a few more days to let the film cure completely. Pay attention to the film’s condition while driving, and don’t rush the installation—otherwise, repeated rework could waste time and even damage the film, affecting visibility and safety. Remember, good tint protects privacy and blocks heat, while ETC offers convenience. Combining the two requires caution—make sure everything is ready before proceeding.
Recently, I had a similar issue. On the fourth day after applying the front windshield film, I went to install the ETC, but the staff advised me to wait a full week. They explained that the film needs a curing period, otherwise, the installation risks are high. Specifically, the ETC is fixed with adhesive, and if the glass surface still has residual moisture or the adhesive isn't fully dry when the film is newly applied, it may shift or create bubbles during installation. If the adhesion time is too short, the device might fall off, affecting highway travel. I recommend waiting a bit longer and checking if the film edges are smooth and free of abnormalities. If you're in a hurry, you can choose to install it in the rearview mirror area, but you still need to wait for the curing. Driving safety comes first—don't risk major issues for minor conveniences.
