Can I install ETC three or four days after applying the front windshield film?
3 Answers
You cannot install ETC three or four days after applying the front windshield film. It is recommended to wait for one month before installing ETC because the film on the front windshield generally takes about a month to fully dry. If the ETC is installed before the film is completely dry, it may cause partial detachment of the film from the glass. 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. The red light will briefly turn on, and the OLED screen will display "Tag Invalid, Please Insert Card," indicating the device is functioning properly. Clean the front windshield to ensure the surface is smooth, clean, and dry. Then, peel off the protective film on the back of the OBU adhesive and attach 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 facing the driver and the back facing the windshield. The chip should be inserted into the OBU device. Benefits of installing ETC: Time-saving: Eliminates the hassle of waiting in line; Green and eco-friendly: Low-carbon solution that allows vehicles to pass through toll stations without stopping, reducing noise and exhaust emissions and minimizing pollution; Cost-saving: Reduces expenses by decreasing the frequency of vehicle starts and stops, lowering wear and fuel consumption. Users can also enjoy a 5% discount on toll fees; Improved efficiency: ETC lanes can theoretically increase vehicle throughput by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC systems more updated, faster, and more high-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous.
I also wanted to install my ETC right after getting my windshield tinted, but experience taught me that three or four days definitely isn’t enough. On the third day after tinting, I tried sticking a small item, and as soon as I peeled off the tape, bubbles formed and a small patch of the coating came off. Later, the technician told me the film needs at least a week to fully cure because the adhesive requires time to dry and set—longer if temperatures or humidity are low. If you rush it, the ETC mount won’t stick securely, and it’ll fall off when the car bumps around—imagine the stress of it failing on the highway. Plus, if you damage the new film, replacing it could cost more than the ETC itself. I patiently waited a full 7 days, wiped the glass clean with a dry cloth before attaching it, and it’s been holding strong for a year now. Waiting a few extra days is worth it—consider it saving yourself a headache. Also, avoid touching the glass with wet hands or cloths; keeping it dry helps the curing process and prevents unsightly marks.
As new drivers, we often think installing an ETC is cool and can't wait to do it right after getting our windows tinted. I remember my friend Xiao Chen, who rushed to install his ETC just 4 days after tinting. The next day, the ETC started wobbling and eventually fell off, nearly getting damaged. It turned out the tint film was still in its curing period, and the adhesive didn’t hold well, especially with the car moving around. The tint shop technician had warned: the film needs 5-7 days to fully dry, ensuring the surface is smooth and wrinkle-free for a secure installation. Had we known earlier, we could’ve saved the hassle of redoing it—time that could’ve been spent learning something new. Waiting ensures the ETC sticks firmly, making highway trips smooth and hassle-free, plus it looks cool. Also, use the waiting time to check for ETC discount promotions—killing two birds with one stone. Don’t be like Xiao Chen, rushing impatiently. Give the film time to strengthen, and your car will feel more stable on the road.
