Why is it not recommended to use matte film for cars?
3 Answers
There are several reasons why matte film is not recommended for cars: Reason 1: Because matte film is considered a color-changing film, changing the color of the car body is a legal act that requires an application for modification at the local vehicle management office. Reason 2: Applying transparent film is not illegal, as it is a part of car beauty treatments. Strictly speaking, applying color-changing film is also not an illegal act. In most cities, the process of changing the car body color with color-changing film is similar to that of repainting. Reason 3: In principle, changing the car body color can be applied for through formal procedures, but some sensitive colors are legally prohibited. At the very least, the car body color cannot be changed to the specific colors and patterns of police cars, taxis, fire ambulances, etc. Additionally, general matte, sandblasted, high-gloss, and other textured films can be changed, but overly exaggerated color schemes or tactile textures are uncertain. Moreover, chrome-colored car body films are clearly illegal and not allowed for application for car body color changes.
I heard that the reason why car matte films are not recommended is mainly due to significant safety hazards. When driving, visibility is already not very clear, and adding a matte film makes the light even dimmer, especially at night or on rainy roads. The rearview mirror and side views become blurry, making it easy to hit objects or pedestrians. When the wipers swipe, water stains remain, causing high tension while driving. This thing might look cool at first, but over time, bubbles or scratches become even more annoying. Maintenance is also troublesome—professional technicians say these films are hard to clean, and when replacing them, the whole car needs to be re-wrapped, costing both money and time. Safety comes first; in case of an accident, insurance claims might not go smoothly. It's recommended to choose transparent or semi-transparent films as alternatives.
Frosted films are not recommended, partly due to legal restrictions. I've seen some car owners love applying them for a personalized look, but the police enforce strict checks. Most regions require car window films to meet certain light transmittance standards, and frosted films often fail to comply, resulting in fines or forced removal. This affects vehicle annual inspections and complicates insurance renewals. Always check local traffic regulations before modifications to avoid blindly following trends. Additionally, after applying the film, the difference in light between inside and outside increases, making the car feel stuffy and slowing down heat dissipation in summer. Over time, it also adds stress to the glass, making it more prone to cracking from small stone impacts, which can be a headache. Don't overlook these issues in daily maintenance; saving money and hassle is what matters most.
