How many days after applying new film can ETC be installed?
3 Answers
ETC should be installed about one month after applying the car film. Strong adhesive labels should not be directly applied to the film within one month of application to avoid partial detachment of the film from the glass. More information about car film is as follows: 1. Car film refers to applying a thin film-like material to the front and rear windshields, side windows, and sunroof of the vehicle. This film is also called solar film or heat insulation film. 2. The main functions of car film are radiation protection and energy saving: the solar film blocks sunlight, especially infrared and ultraviolet radiation, effectively controlling the greenhouse effect formed in the sealed cabin.
I was thinking about this right after getting my windows tinted last week and was eager to install the ETC. But after consulting experienced drivers, I realized I almost stepped into a pitfall. You need to wait at least 5-7 days after tinting before installing ETC, because the adhesive in the film hasn't fully dried yet, making the glass too slippery for proper adhesion. My friend installed ETC on the third day, and during heavy rain, it fell off with a loud bang, nearly causing a rear-end collision. Now I keep my windows open for ventilation and gently scratch the edge of the film near the rearview mirror with my fingernail to check if it's still sticky. Only when it's no longer tacky will I dare to have it installed by a professional. Otherwise, if the ETC suction cup pulls on it, the entire film might bubble up, which would be even more frustrating. Then I'd have to go back to the shop for a re-tint, wasting hundreds of dollars for nothing.
Both of my family cars suffered from this issue. The first one had metal film installed, and the ETC was mounted the next day, resulting in immediate recognition failure on the highway. The experienced technician said that with moisture still trapped in the film, it's like having a layer of fog blocking the ETC signal. Now, I always wait a full week until pressing the edges of the window leaves no water ripples before installing ETC. In northern winters, you have to wait even longer—up to ten days—because heating the car slows down the curing process. If you're in a hurry, ceramic film is a quicker option, usually ready in about three days. During installation, make sure the technician avoids the black ceramic dot areas, as the signal is already weak there, and adding new film makes it even worse.
