Is it better to apply film to the front windshield of a car or not?

[AliyahRose]

Not applying film has little impact on the use and driving of the car. However, if conditions permit, it is recommended to apply film as it offers many benefits. After applying film to the front windshield, it can reduce the aging time of car interior components caused by harmful sunlight and also minimize the damage of harmful rays to the human body. Notes on applying film: Impact on vehicle registration after applying film: Whether a new car with applied film can be registered mainly depends on whether the applied solar film meets the required standards. Currently, the vehicle management department primarily refers to the GB7258-2004 "Safety Technical Conditions for Motor Vehicles Operating on Roads" implemented in 2004. Requirements of the vehicle management office regarding film application: The driver's compartment must ensure the driver's forward and side vision. The visible light transmittance of the front windshield and the glass areas outside the windshield used for the driver's viewing area must not be less than 70%. Mirror-reflective sunshade films are not allowed on any window glass.

[StFrank]

I've been driving for over a decade, and as someone who frequently takes long trips, I don't necessarily think front windshield tinting is a good choice. From a safety perspective, not applying tint ensures clear visibility during night driving, especially in rainy or foggy conditions, with less light reflection, thereby reducing accident risks. With tinting, if the film is of poor quality or improperly applied, it can bubble or reflect light, impairing judgment, and may even lead to demerit points or fines since some areas prohibit front windshield tinting. I personally experienced this once when the film wrinkled and made night driving nearly impossible, almost causing an accident, so I promptly removed it. Of course, if you must apply tint, be sure to choose a high-quality film with high light transmittance. But I believe skipping it altogether is more hassle-free and cost-effective, plus it allows you to easily check the glass condition, such as for cracks or dirt. In short, safety comes first—I'd rather enjoy a clear view with the AC on.

[NovaMarie]

Speaking from a fashionista's perspective, car wraps indeed make a small car look cooler! Just like decoration, choosing a dark-colored film not only enhances the overall aesthetics of the car but also adds a touch of mystery—like when friends get in and compliment how upscale it looks. More importantly, it blocks UV rays and heat, so you won't get sunburned arms while driving in summer, and the dashboard and interior won’t age as quickly, protecting the car. Personally, I’ve used 3M film, and it significantly reduced the interior temperature in summer, making it much more comfortable. But be careful not to go too dark, as it can reduce visibility on cloudy days, and regular cleaning is needed to avoid dust buildup affecting the appearance. If you’re into trends, wrapping is great, but invest in a quality product—don’t cheap out on inferior ones. If you skip it, you save money and hassle but miss out on that personalized style.

[McFinley]

I place great emphasis on health considerations, and applying a front windshield film actually offers significant benefits. It effectively filters out UV rays, preventing long-term driving from causing skin aging and reducing the risk of skin cancer. During the intense summer sunlight, the car interior feels like an oven without film, leading to dizziness and discomfort. With a high-quality film applied, the light becomes much softer, enhancing driving focus and safety. I experimented by applying film one year and going without the next, and the comparison showed that with film, the air inside the car felt better, and the reduced UV exposure prevented the interior from yellowing easily. However, choosing the wrong film might increase glare and cause fatigue instead, so it's advisable to consult professionals for selection.