When to Remove the Protective Film on a New Car?
2 Answers
After purchasing a new car, you can remove the protective film on the day of pickup. This is because the protective film is typically made from phenolic resin adhesive, which contains a large amount of formaldehyde that can affect human health over time. Additionally, the unpleasant odor in a new car usually comes from plastic components or the protective film itself. Only by removing the protective film can the harmful substances be fully released, and the odor can dissipate. Here are some precautions to take after purchasing a new car: 1. Remove the protective film promptly and frequently open the windows to ventilate the car, allowing formaldehyde and odors to dissipate. 2. Place bamboo charcoal bags, lemons, or grapefruit peels inside the car to help eliminate odors. 3. Avoid opening windows or washing the car for three days after applying window tint. 4. Maintain and service the car regularly.
You should remove the protective film from your new car as soon as possible after delivery. I'm someone who takes great care of my car and always worries about damaging the paint. So, once I get a new car, I make sure to remove the film within a day or two. That film is just temporary protection against scratches during transportation, and if left on for too long, it can harden, leaving adhesive residue that's difficult to clean off. I've heard of people leaving it on for over a week, only to find the film wrinkled and adhesive marks trapping dust, damaging the paint—sometimes even requiring professional help to fix. It's best to remove it on a cool, overcast day rather than under direct sunlight, as heat makes the adhesive stickier. Peel it off slowly from a corner, avoiding sharp tools that could scratch the surface. Also, don’t mistake this for a permanent PPF coating—it’s not. Removing it promptly helps maintain the car’s factory-fresh appearance and reduces potential risks.
