Is it okay not to apply film on the car's front windshield?
2 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.
