How to distinguish the quality of car window films?
4 Answers
First, pay attention to the 'three rates', namely light transmittance, UV resistance rate, and heat insulation rate, to differentiate the quality of the film. Looking from inside the car, the light transmittance should be very clear, regardless of the film's color depth, ensuring good visibility during night and rainy conditions. For a simple assessment of heat insulation, car owners can use a sunlamp at an auto beauty shop to feel the temperature change after applying the film. Taking the former barrier film as an example, a slightly better car film should have a light transmittance of over 70%, a UV resistance rate between 98% and 99%, and a heat insulation rate above 48%. For side windows and rear bumpers, the film's light transmittance only needs to be above 60%. Secondly, the quality of the film can also be judged by touch. High-quality films feel thick and smooth, with sufficient toughness. On the other hand, inferior films are prone to wrinkling and are thin and soft. Huang Guiyong introduced a tip: if the quality of the film cannot be determined by touch, car owners can take a small piece of the film and scratch it on glass. If the film easily leaves marks or breaks, it indicates low quality and should not be used. Additionally, car owners can peel off the film and smell it. Inferior films often leave a large amount of benzene in the adhesive layer, emitting a pungent odor. Choosing such low-quality products can severely affect the health of car owners.
There are actually several key points to distinguish the quality of car window films. When choosing a film, I prioritize light transmittance the most, as driving safety at night is paramount. High-quality films maintain high clarity even when the window is rolled down, without blurring or distortion. Another important factor is the explosion-proof test—gently scratching with a key, a good film will show fine mesh-like patterns but won’t tear. UV blocking rate is also crucial; poor-quality films fade and discolor within a year. Lastly, pay attention to the smell—films with strong chemical odors are definitely made of inferior materials, while good ones have almost no odor. A reminder to everyone: don’t just focus on the price; testing a small sample is the most reliable approach.
After changing car films three times, I've summarized some key tips: First, check if the official warranty card is from a legitimate manufacturer's electronic warranty. Then, test the heat insulation performance—the simplest method is using an infrared lamp and a thermometer to measure the temperature difference; a good film should reduce heat by over 15°C. Pay attention to the smoothness when touching the surface—films with noticeable graininess should be eliminated immediately. Next, examine the color uniformity by repeatedly comparing the film against sunlight; any color deviation or spots indicate poor quality. Finally, peel off the protective layer and smell the adhesive—avoid using films with pungent odors as they can be harmful to health.
The most intuitive way to distinguish good car film from bad is through simple tests. Take a small piece of film, rub it, then unfold and observe - inferior film will develop permanent creases. Wipe the surface with alcohol; if the color comes off, it's definitely poor quality. UV testing is also straightforward: shine a UV light through the film onto a bank card - weaker fluorescence indicates better film. Another trick is observing the metal layer's reflection; high-quality metallic films usually show even color changes when rotated at different angles. These methods can easily be done at home.
