Is it okay not to apply film on the car's front windshield?
3 Answers
It is acceptable not to apply film on the car's front windshield. The front windshield of a car has a laminated interlayer designed for explosion-proof purposes. Current front windshields already feature UV protection, heat insulation, and prevention of glass fragment scattering. Types of car films include: 1. Coated film; 2. Composite process film; 3. Dyed film; 4. Vacuum thermal evaporation film; 5. Metal magnetron sputtering film. The functions of car films are: 1. Blocking heat and UV rays; 2. Enhancing clarity and transparency; 3. Improving explosion-proof performance; 4. Preventing surface scratches. Precautions after applying film: 1. Avoid rolling down windows for three days to prevent displacement of the adhered film; 2. Do not wash the car for three days; instead, use a damp towel, sponge, or soft cloth to clean the film surface; 3. For vehicles with a sunroof, avoid opening it for three days.
From my over ten years of driving experience, it's indeed feasible not to apply a front windshield film, as the original car glass comes with UV protection coating and explosion-proof design, which provides sufficient protection for daily use. Films mainly offer sun protection, anti-glare, and privacy benefits, but since the front windshield is the primary viewing area, applying a film with less than 70% light transmittance might impair visibility during night or rainy conditions, increasing safety risks. Regulations generally require compliance with light transmittance standards, thus limiting options. On the contrary, not applying a film saves money and hassle—I've found the glass easier to clean without it, just a rinse with car wash water makes it shine, and using a sun visor or sunglasses in summer can effectively block strong sunlight. If sun protection is desired, high-quality, high-transmittance films are an option, though they come with higher costs and maintenance challenges. Personally, I find it completely reasonable not to apply a film, especially in northern regions where sunlight is less intense.
As a father who prioritizes family safety, I believe it's perfectly fine not to tint the front windshield. While window films offer benefits like reducing UV damage to the car interior or enhancing safety by preventing glass shards from scattering in accidents, factory-installed windshields are already designed with these risks in mind and have built-in protective functions. Poor-quality films or improper installation that reduces light transmission can actually impair driving visibility, especially in bad weather. Regulations also mandate high light transmittance for front windshields to avoid hazards. Therefore, I choose not to tint to save costs and maintain natural light transmission, with easy maintenance requiring only regular glass cleaning to ensure clarity. If sun protection is truly needed, investing in a good windshield sunshade is more cost-effective and safer.
