Windscreen Protection Film
Discussion
If I had a pound for every time I get asked about windscreen protection film...
Many call it 'windscreen PPF'. NB: it's not windscreen paint protection film. WPF doesn't quite roll off the tongue so smoothly so perhaps glass protection film ( "GPF" ). Anyway, is it any good?
In short, it's a great idea. I've looked closely at the products and spoken to a few guys and firms who apply it. Added to this research has been some interesting feedback from a motoring influencer and number of end users. So here goes:
My first chat on the subject was with a couple of guys I know and together they are business associates of mine (as well as customers when they need with glass and windscreens). Initially they were using the only product available at the time. It was expensive and difficult to work with they said. In recent years better products in terms of ease of application and cost have become available. Since that conversation I've gathered the thoughts of three more firms I work with who also offer the service. They all said the same thing; one business owner in particular said he just doesn't like doing it but feels he has to due to some of his customers asking for it.
Chatting to a motoring journo after replacing a windscreen, he said he had it put on one of his other cars and didn't like it. He didn't like the way the wipers swept with it on, and also talked of how he became aware of this 'haze' in his view after continued driving. He vowed never to have it again.
In recent years I have changed quite a few damaged windscreens which had the film on them. I can't remember looking at them and noticing anything different about the 'screen, ie, there was nothing obvious to give it away until I was either told (it had WPF) or got up close (or touched the outside of the glass). I was replacing the glass because the windscreens were cracked. This is the crucial part of how much protection the product offers: it will not prevent a stone strike from cracking the windscreen, but will reduce the chances of it. What will happen if a rock or large blunt object hits it is no different. Think of it like SPF (Security Protection Film, or Safety/Security Laminate). That too will not stop anyone smashing the glass, but will delay them getting in for a few more seconds. Those extra seconds could be the difference in getting attacked or managing to drive away, or delaying a thief who is trying to break in. With WPG / GPF on your front windscreen a stone or piece of debris flicked up from another car will probably damage the glass behind the film, especially on motorways or track days.
I've also looked at a few very repairable chips on windscreens which I have not been able to repair due to them being behind the film. I have not had a definitive response from anyone (yet) about repairing the damage through the film (not so much if it's doable, but what happens to the film if a hole is pierced into it to get to the damaged glass behind it. That said, one I did manage to repair which was on a Purosangue where the film was removed so that I could carry out a repair, and subsequently replaced (with new) after the repair.
There is not doubt that the GPF/WPF (or 'windscreen PPF' for you heathens!) will protect against surface pitting which can pepper a windscreen over a longer period of driving.
I still cannot give you a definitive answer on what I think of it because the feedback is still a bit, 'yeah but, no but'. I will reserve judgement for now. It's not quite an add-on or service I would consider offering, but depending on where the customer is I will always refer them to one of the firms I know and can recommend. The rest is down to personal preference or reasons for wanting it. I hope this post gives a bit of an insight to anyone thinking about it. It's not for, nor against. I haven't named anyone to keep the post purely about the subject matter, but if anyone is looking for a recommendation, I will gladly pass on details by PM based on where you live or are willing to travel to.
Many call it 'windscreen PPF'. NB: it's not windscreen paint protection film. WPF doesn't quite roll off the tongue so smoothly so perhaps glass protection film ( "GPF" ). Anyway, is it any good?
In short, it's a great idea. I've looked closely at the products and spoken to a few guys and firms who apply it. Added to this research has been some interesting feedback from a motoring influencer and number of end users. So here goes:
My first chat on the subject was with a couple of guys I know and together they are business associates of mine (as well as customers when they need with glass and windscreens). Initially they were using the only product available at the time. It was expensive and difficult to work with they said. In recent years better products in terms of ease of application and cost have become available. Since that conversation I've gathered the thoughts of three more firms I work with who also offer the service. They all said the same thing; one business owner in particular said he just doesn't like doing it but feels he has to due to some of his customers asking for it.
Chatting to a motoring journo after replacing a windscreen, he said he had it put on one of his other cars and didn't like it. He didn't like the way the wipers swept with it on, and also talked of how he became aware of this 'haze' in his view after continued driving. He vowed never to have it again.
In recent years I have changed quite a few damaged windscreens which had the film on them. I can't remember looking at them and noticing anything different about the 'screen, ie, there was nothing obvious to give it away until I was either told (it had WPF) or got up close (or touched the outside of the glass). I was replacing the glass because the windscreens were cracked. This is the crucial part of how much protection the product offers: it will not prevent a stone strike from cracking the windscreen, but will reduce the chances of it. What will happen if a rock or large blunt object hits it is no different. Think of it like SPF (Security Protection Film, or Safety/Security Laminate). That too will not stop anyone smashing the glass, but will delay them getting in for a few more seconds. Those extra seconds could be the difference in getting attacked or managing to drive away, or delaying a thief who is trying to break in. With WPG / GPF on your front windscreen a stone or piece of debris flicked up from another car will probably damage the glass behind the film, especially on motorways or track days.
I've also looked at a few very repairable chips on windscreens which I have not been able to repair due to them being behind the film. I have not had a definitive response from anyone (yet) about repairing the damage through the film (not so much if it's doable, but what happens to the film if a hole is pierced into it to get to the damaged glass behind it. That said, one I did manage to repair which was on a Purosangue where the film was removed so that I could carry out a repair, and subsequently replaced (with new) after the repair.
There is not doubt that the GPF/WPF (or 'windscreen PPF' for you heathens!) will protect against surface pitting which can pepper a windscreen over a longer period of driving.
I still cannot give you a definitive answer on what I think of it because the feedback is still a bit, 'yeah but, no but'. I will reserve judgement for now. It's not quite an add-on or service I would consider offering, but depending on where the customer is I will always refer them to one of the firms I know and can recommend. The rest is down to personal preference or reasons for wanting it. I hope this post gives a bit of an insight to anyone thinking about it. It's not for, nor against. I haven't named anyone to keep the post purely about the subject matter, but if anyone is looking for a recommendation, I will gladly pass on details by PM based on where you live or are willing to travel to.
55palfers said:
20 years with Triplex in Kings Norton.
Save your money.
If an object has suffient energy to damage the glass, a few thou of plastic won't do much.
I've always wondered about the efficacy of screen protector film on mobiles and tablets. A thin film of any polymer isn't going to prevent glass fracture as the glass is much stiffer than any polymer. It will reduce scratching on 'phones though.Save your money.
If an object has suffient energy to damage the glass, a few thou of plastic won't do much.
its a bit of a catch 22. It will protect your screen from micro abraisions and if the right stuff is selected and you apply a top ceramic (which you can do to class anyway) it will simply resist water negating the need for as much wiper use. Das is good.
It won't stop larger debris from cracking your screen. Das is not good.
it's also possible that a bit of debris that may ordinarily cause a chip can instead cause a crack.
It's the same with PPF. It's hailed as the all saving god, and for carpark scrapes and the odd stone chip it can be. But hit a stone with enough veloicty and it will go through a layer or two of PPF like a hot knife through butter.
To me it's literally like a screen protector. If you can get it for the right price it might be worth it but if your screen is easily replaced, particularly if insurance will cover it, then it really isn't worth the hassle.
It won't stop larger debris from cracking your screen. Das is not good.
it's also possible that a bit of debris that may ordinarily cause a chip can instead cause a crack.
It's the same with PPF. It's hailed as the all saving god, and for carpark scrapes and the odd stone chip it can be. But hit a stone with enough veloicty and it will go through a layer or two of PPF like a hot knife through butter.
To me it's literally like a screen protector. If you can get it for the right price it might be worth it but if your screen is easily replaced, particularly if insurance will cover it, then it really isn't worth the hassle.
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