You
don't think twice about applying sunscreen to yourself, or your children, when
spending a day in the sun. You probably even wear UV protective sunglasses while
driving to reduce glare. But did you know that you (and your passengers) could
be soaking up more damaging ultraviolet rays in a few hours in your car than you
do in a day at the beach? Or that rear headlight glare can be as dangerous as
the sun's glare? Did you know that window film is an easy do-it-yourself solution
to these problems?
Next to housing, a family's biggest financial investment is its vehicle. Consumers
are maintaining their vehicles longer, and are spending increasingly more time
in commuting to work and to other activities. As a result, protecting the vehicle's
interior and making it more safe to drive becomes as important as maintaining
its outside appearance.
Why Do I Need Protection from the Sun in My Vehicle?
The sun emits two types of energy that can make driving more difficult and that
can even expose you to harmful rays. The most dangerous and least noticeable energy
is ultraviolet. These destructive rays can bleach fabrics, rot upholstery, and,
over time, cause sunburns and stimulate skin cancer and other skin-related problems.
Because it is the result of light, glare affects people in different ways, but
most state law enforcement and safety groups support the belief that reducing
glare by at least 40% improves driving comfort, vision, and safety.
How Does Window Film Protect?
UV Rejection. Doctors tell us that the sun's ultraviolet rays-coupled with the
eroding ozone layer-are leading to unprecedented increases in skin cancer and
other serious medical conditions in people of all ages. In fact, skin cancer is
now the most common and rapidly growing form of cancer in the United States, with
more than one million new cases diagnosed each year.
Typical car windows offer some degree of sun protection, blocking most of the
sun's skin-burning UVB rays, but not deep-penetrating UVA. In addition, exposing
a vehicle's interior to ultraviolet rays can cause deterioration of seat belts,
car seats, and interior upholstery. Automotive window films can block over 99%
of UVA+B rays, protecting both you as you drive and the interior of your vehicle.
Glare Control. Window films also reduce glare by as much as 80%, creating a much
safer driving environment in strong sun or rear headlight glare.
Safety Aspects. According to Lisa Killen, Automotive Marketing Manager at CPFilms,
manufacturer of GILA products, window film can also perform a valuable safety
function. "Since 1978 American car makers have not been required to install laminated
safety glass to the side and back windows of cars. As a result, these tempered
windows can sometimes shatter from impact during an accident, exploding tiny glass
shards around the passenger compartment. Window film can provide some anti-lacerative
protection by helping to hold shattered glass together." The result, she concludes,
is greater safety.
How Do I Choose the Right Film?
Many people associate window film with dark or faded purple tints that can be
seen on some older vehicles. Actually, it's the lighter, higher performing films
that provide the most protection and look the best on a car. Darker films can
give needed privacy, but many people do not want their vehicles looking like limousines-and
they don't have to.
The first decision a consumer should make before purchasing a do-it-yourself film
is what light transmission to use. Light transmission measures how much light
passes through the film; the higher the percentage, the better the visibility
inside and out. The lower the percentage, the darker the film and the more privacy
it offers.
Each state (and Canadian province) regulates the darkness of film allowed on vehicle
windows. Most states permit some tinting on the front side windows, usually from
35% to 50% light transmission. Back side and rear windows are generally allowed
darker tinting, provided the vehicle has left and right outside mirrors for visibility.
Anyone planning to tint a vehicle should consult with state police or the film
manufacturer to determine the exact level of light transmission permitted. Most
window film manufacturers offer do-it-yourself films in densities from 5% (the
darkest) to 50% (the lightest).
Window films are also available with different performance features. Economy window
films are constructed of dyed or coated polyester and offer good UV and glare
protection, but little heat rejection or durability. The next level of performance
is scratch-resistance. These films offer the same benefits as economy films, but
add an anti-scratch coating that keeps the film looking good longer.
The best heat rejection available is from metallized films. Metallizing a film
does not make it dark and shiny, but increases the active heat and UV rejection.
The highest performing films available contain UV absorbers as well as metal to
offer the maximum protection for both the vehicle and its passengers. These films-such
as GILA's new UltraShieldTM products-offer the greatest durability and highest
performance available.
Many manufacturers also offer a variety of specialty films including graduated
tints, mirrored tints, and colored tints. Customizing a vehicle with a specialty
film not only protects it, but also increases its beauty and value.
Can I Do This Myself?
Absolutely. Window film technology has improved greatly over the past several
years, bringing with it more user-friendly products. Complete instructions are
available inside each carton of film, and the basic tools needed are a spray bottle,
firm squeegee, and utility knife.
Windows must be completely clean and free of contaminants before applying film.
With patience and the proper tools and time, anyone can get a professional-looking
tint job in just a couple of hours at home. Each manufacturer's application instructions
may vary somewhat, so it is important to read them carefully to achieve the best-looking
tint job.
Is there a Cost Benefit?
Of course, for you and the environment. The average cost for tinting your own
vehicle is around $30 to $50-depending on the type of film used-compared to $150
to $350 for professional installation. In addition, the benefits received for
such a small investment make window film an excellent afternoon project, resulting
in a safer, more comfortable and attractive vehicle.
The environment benefits from the added fuel economy which film can generate.
As Killen notes, "When you run the air conditioner, you are burning more fuel
and emitting more pollution. Reducing heat gain by up to 50% improves the efficiency
of your A/C so you can run it at a lower fan speed, burn less fuel, and reduce
pollution." These savings are especially important if you drive a minivan or SUV
which have a larger glass area than most vehicles.
Do-it-yourself window films are available at most automotive aftermarket retailers,
as well as mass merchandisers and discount stores. For more information about
GILA window films or to find out the tinting regulations in your state, call us
at 1-800-528-4481 or visit the company website at www.gilafilms.com.
Window Film
¥ Protects you and your loved ones from up to 99% of the sun's dangerous UV rays.
¥ Reduces glare so you can see more clearly even on the brightest days.
¥ Reduces sun-caused deterioration of vehicle interiors, seatbelts, and seats.
¥ Reduces glass shattering in accidents.
