Is it normal to feel dizzy after applying new car window film?
3 Answers
Feeling dizzy after applying new car window film is not normal and is usually caused by poor-quality film provided by the service provider. The main issue is uneven thickness across different areas of the film, making it act like a convex or concave lens. Such film refracts light in a way that conflicts with the driver's myopia or hyperopia, leading to dizziness and nausea. Here are some post-application precautions: 1. Avoid rolling windows: Do not roll down car windows for one week after application. Typically, car window film takes 5-7 days to fully adhere to the glass. During this period, minimize window operation to prevent film displacement. 2. Avoid wiping: Do not wipe the film for one week after application. Newly applied film often develops fogging, which is a normal drying process phenomenon. This condition usually lasts 1-2 weeks until the fog disappears naturally - do not attempt to wipe it away. 3. Avoid sharp objects: Never use sharp or rough tools to scrape the film after application. Such contact would significantly reduce the film's light transmittance.
It's completely normal to feel a bit dizzy after applying a new car film. I've seen many friends experience this. The main reason is that the new film needs time to dry and cure after application, usually about one or two days. When the film is first applied, there may be tiny bubbles or residual moisture inside, which can cause light refraction on the glass to distort, making it visually disorienting—like looking through a wavy mirror that blurs and distorts objects. Additionally, your eyes need time to adjust to the new light conditions since the light filtered through regular glass and the film is different. Your brain will take a few days to adapt. If the dizziness persists after three or four days, it might be worth checking if the film was improperly applied—such as too many bubbles, edges lifting, or if a low-quality film with poor light transmittance was used. Reputable shops usually warn customers about this temporary discomfort, so just be patient and drive carefully to avoid fatigue. If you're still concerned, you can visit the shop for a recheck to ensure it doesn’t obstruct your driving vision.
Feeling dizzy after applying new car window film is quite common during vehicle maintenance, as I often hear from others—a temporary phenomenon. Just like new car seats need a break-in period, the first couple of days after installation may involve moisture and air bubbles trapped inside, causing uneven light refraction and distorted vision, especially noticeable when driving toward the sunset in the evening. Normally, waiting about 48 hours for the moisture to evaporate and bubbles to disappear should resolve the issue. However, if you experience persistent dizziness or blind spots while driving, it might indicate unprofessional installation, such as uneven edge trimming or adhesive layer problems. It's advisable to test visibility changes by driving slowly in a parking lot during the day. If issues persist, visit a reputable shop for a redo—safety first, don't take risks. While new car film protects windows from UV rays effectively, minor discomfort during the initial adjustment period is inevitable.
