Should the Windshield Film Be Applied Inside or Outside?
3 Answers
The windshield film should be applied inside. The functions of windshield film are: 1. It can provide heat insulation in summer, saving air conditioning energy; 2. It reduces energy loss in winter, helping to maintain the interior temperature; 3. It blocks ultraviolet rays, preventing direct exposure to the interior decorations and thus extending their lifespan and quality; 4. It reduces glare, ensuring safer and more comfortable driving. Post-application precautions include: 1. Avoid rolling down the windows within 3 days; 2. Do not use fingernails or sharp objects to lift the edges of the film to prevent dirt from entering; 3. Avoid attaching suction cup items to the film for 1 to 2 weeks; 4. Address any bubbles, displacement, or blurred vision on the film promptly to avoid compromising driving safety.
I also struggled with this issue when getting my car tinted before, until I specifically asked an experienced technician who told me it must be applied on the inside. He explained that if applied on the outside, the film would get scratched by wipers and could bubble or peel under sun exposure. Plus, modern high-end heat-rejection films contain metallic coatings that only reflect heat outward when installed on the interior. I remember him meticulously cleaning the inner glass surface during installation—spraying ample water mist to position the film before using a squeegee to remove air bubbles. Post-installation, summer drives became noticeably more comfortable: reduced glare and enhanced privacy. Just remember to avoid overly dark tints as they can impair nighttime visibility.
My friend has been running a window tinting shop for ten years, and he says car films are always applied to the inside. The installation must be done in a dust-free environment. First, a heat gun is used to shape the film, and then it's applied to the interior side of the glass using a lubricant. This method prevents wrinkles and peeling, and the film won't be damaged by rain or snow. If applied to the outside, UV rays can degrade the adhesive, and the friction from wipers can scratch the film. Additionally, applying the windshield film on the inside enhances safety—in case the glass shatters, the anti-shatter film holds the fragments together to protect the driver. He recommends ceramic films for the most durable results, as metal films may oxidize and discolor over time.
