Driving connects you with the road and the world outside. It offers a new form of freedom. Your car is a mobile fortress, a sanctuary aloof from the chaotic world outside, where a concealed hazard consistently operates. It is Silent and invisible yet can inflict great damage which is long lasting, contributing to an increased risk of skin cancer. This silent danger is none other than ultraviolet (UV) radiation which relentlessly travels miles to attack both your skin and your vehicle’s interior. It is important to understand this threat alongside the possible defenses in order to care for one’s health as well as the age of the vehicle.
The Hidden Danger: UV Rays in Your Car
The light and warmth we receive from the sun comes with other forms of energy that we just can’t sense. One example of this is ultraviolet rays, which are sub-categorized into UVA and UVB. Associate UVB rays with one of the most common results of spending too long in the sun, getting sunburnt. Yes, UVB rays are the ones responsible for shameless tormenting, excruciating redness and painful blistering after blisters.
To dig deeper, UVA rays are much more problematic. Their penetration capability extends deeper into the skin layers known as the dermis. Although they do not assist in instant burning of skin, they do have a massive contribution towards skin illuminating damage in the form of aging, deep folds, and an enormous leap towards skin cancer, melanoma included. Driving and many regular tasks expose one to unnoticed threats. So instead of nuclear blasts, imagine streams of war infiltrating with stagnancy. That is UVA rays.
Aside from the impact on skin health, UV radiation affects your automobile’s interior as well. Dashboards, upholstery, leather, as well as plastic trim all suffer from endless bombardment of these energetic waves. Eventually, this exposure will lead to cracking, discoloration, fading, and embrittlement. What was once a vibrant and supple surface is now a dull, shattered, and aged due to years of neglect. Your car’s cabin’s aesthetic appeal and structural integrity erodes gradually, which otherwise, makes the car worth-less and reduces your enjoyment. Hence, protecting your car’s interior from harmful UV rays does help in preserving looks, but more importantly, maintaining durability.
Factory Glass UV Protection: Is It Enough?
A frequently asked question springs up: Isn’t the car’s glass itself a shield? The answer, rather complicated, is worrying and not adequately comforting.
Most car windows do have some level of ultraviolet (UV) shielding; however, their effectiveness varies considerably by the type of glass used and its location in the car. The front windshield, for example, tends to be made of laminated glass, meaning there are two pieces of glass with a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) plastic in the middle: bonded together. This layer of PVB has the unique property of absorbing nearly all UVA and UVB rays. It is in fact one of the regulations for safety in many jurisdictions (to keep glass shards contained on impact) and the UV filtering is a useful bonus.
In contrast, tempered glass is used for the side and rear windows. For safety reasons, tempered glass is designed to shatter into small but relatively harmless shards upon impact. It turns out that rendering glass safe comes at a hefty price. While tempered glass does block a good portion of UVB radiation (the sun burn rays) its ability to block UVA (the aging and cancer rays) is considerably poorer. Depending on the manufacturer and specific composition of the glass, side tempered windows may block 60-90% of UVA radiation which allows a fair amount of damage to the cabin and its occupants.
Considering that many of the driver-specific skin cancers driven by sun exposure appear on the left side for left-hand side drive countries, it is evident that the side windows offer only minimal protection for those who drive for long durations. Relying only on car factory glass puts people at risk due to the overall exposure to UVA radiation.
Window Tint Film: Your Strongest Shield Against UV
Furthermore, a readily available option which also is effective, is high quality window tint film for automobiles, providing extra protection. Modern automobile window tinting is specifically formulated to serve as a protective barrier for the full range of lethal ultraviolet radiation (both UVA and UVB rays).
Unlike default glass that comes with a vehicle, premium window films are manufactured to provide 99 percent or more of ultraviolet ray blockage. Such an amount of blockage provides a particular level of safety that factory glass fails to deliver on, particularly on the rear and side windows.
Why does window film protect users from such high levels of ultraviolet rays? The most industrialized advanced films, such as ceramic tints, use microscopic ceramic particles which selectively absorb or reflect not only UV radiation, but also infrared heat and solar radiation. Other advanced films use specialized UV absorbers that block harmful UV radiation, prohibiting it from penetrating the glass. Regardless of the specific technology employed, the outcome is always a barrier that is difficult to penetrate. For lack of better words, window tint is like a military grade sunblock meant for the vehicle and passengers inside equipped with window films.
The application of a good quality window tint film is perhaps the most effective step one can take to greatly mitigate UV exposure within their automobile, which helps protect skin and sustain the car’s components for an extended period of time.
Exploring Car Window Film Types and Technologies
The market has automotive window tint films of various types. Each of these types will have its unique methodology and therefore their level of performance, durability and aesthetics will differ. Knowing these distinctions is important for choosing the right type.
Here are the primary types:
- Dyed Film: The most cost-effective option available. This type is achieved by adding a layer of dye encapsulated within adhesive and a protective top coat. Primarily, dyed films absorb both solar heat and light. While offering decent privacy and blocking some level of ultra violet rays, their dye tends to fade over time, especially in hotter regions rendering them ineffective and discolored. Like other kinds, they offer minimal heat rejection.
- Metalized Film: This type is slightly better than dyed film while still having its setbacks. As the name dictates, metalized films incorporate tiny metallic particles imbedded in a layer of the film. The metal particles work by reflecting solar heat and ultra violet rays away from the car for more durable and better heat rejection than dyed films. As the name dictates, colored films are slightly stronger than dyed ones. However, metal content can have adverse affects on inductive radio, GPS, celluar and TPMS signals.
- Carbon Film: Films from carbon particles uses carbon black to block light and absorb heat. Unlike dyed films, these are more durable and do not fade. Carbon films give good heat rejection while having a matte finish which is preferable. Unlike metalized films, they do not interrupt electronic signals.
- Ceramic Film: Considered the Premium grade, ceramic films are composed of microscopic ceramic particles. Such particles being non-metal and non-conductive does not interfere with electronic signals. Among their many benfits, ceramic particles also absorb and reflect solar radiation such as almost all UV rays and a large portion of IR rays, giving great heat rejection while maintaining clarity and integrity of signals. They have extreme color stability and enduring durability.
Here’s a simplified comparison:
| Comparison Aspect | Dyed Film | Metalized Film | Carbon Film | Ceramic Film |
| Manufacturing Process | Dye layer | Embedded tiny metallic particles | Uses carbon black particles | Embedded tiny ceramic particles |
| UV Rejection | Blocks some UV rays | Blocks UV rays | Primarily blocks light/absorbs heat (blocks UV) | Blocks nearly all UV rays |
| Heat Rejection | Weakest, poor heat rejection | Better, reflects heat | Good, absorbs heat | Best, absorbs and reflects heat |
| Durability | Poor, prone to fading and discoloration | Better | Better, doesn’t fade | Best, extremely durable, color stable |
| Signal Interference | None | May interfere with electronic signals | None | None |
| Appearance / Other Notes | Prone to fading over time, turns purple/brown | Has a reflective appearance | Matte appearance, doesn’t fade | High optical clarity, doesn’t affect signals |
Choosing the right film type depends on your priorities regarding heat rejection, electronic compatibility, budget, and desired lifespan.
Decoding Film Specs: VLT, UV Block & Heat Rejection
Understanding certain, perhaps even very specific, numerical benchmarks enables one to navigate the world of window films with ease. Each of these terms relate to a certain value of performance of a window film.
- Visible Light Transmission (VLT): Most refered metrics that are mentioned have to do with compliance and legal issues. VLT is the fraction of visible light that can pass through the glass and film put together. In terms of VLT scale, the lower the value, the less visible light is passed. For example in VLT, 50% means half of the visible light is passed while 5% VLT, largely referred to as limo tint, allows only 5%. As with most things, VLT also comes with advantages demerits and in this case, regulation and issues of law. During night vision, there is greatly reduced visibility which necessitates the use of applicable legislation.
- UV Block/Rejection (UVR): This is the most critical specification for our discussion. It is expressed as a percentage and indicates how much of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation (both UVA and UVB) is blocked by the film. As mentioned, look for films that offer 99% or greater UVR. This is the primary measure of the film’s ability to protect skin and interior from UV damage.
- Infrared Rejection (IRR) or Total Solar Energy Rejected (TSER): Infrared Rejection (IRR) or Total Solar Energy Rejected (TSER): While considering the way IRR and TSER are measured, it becomes evident that they focus on rejection of heat.
- IRR refers to the percentage of the infrared rays (the primary element radiating heat in sunlight) that is prevented from passing through by the film. A higher value of IRR indicates a cooler interior.
- TSER ascertains the total percentage of solar energy, including visible light, infrared, ultraviolet, and solar energy which is rejected by the film and glass system. TSER is a good overall indicator of how much a film will reduce heat build up in the car. Generally higher TSER would mean better heat rejection.
Understanding these specs allows you to compare films objectively and choose one that meets your needs for privacy (VLT), UV protection (UVR), and heat reduction (IRR/TSER), while also ensuring legal compliance.
Selecting Quality Film: Performance and Durability Matter
When selecting a window film, one does not simply choose a tint level or look at UV figures in isolation. The overall quality of the film greatly impacts its performance, appearance and lifespan. For example, a low-quality, inexpensive film may look appealing initially due to promising high UV numbers, but will in reality fail to contain fading, bubbling, peeling, and deterioration of visibility. Ultimately, it will not only be an eyesore, but will also lack enduring protection. A low-quality film is akin to a flimsy umbrella. It deceptively fails to safeguard one from reality’s harsh conditions.
High-quality films distinguish themselves through several factors:
- Optical Clarity: Unlike low-grade films, which may make viewing through them fuzzy and wavy, high-quality films are crafted with precision and do not obstruct your sight.
- Color Stability: Unlike dyed films, quality films, especially carbon or ceramic types, do not turn purple or brown with time.
- Durability: Quality films are also less prone to bubbling or peeling from the adhesive breakdown. This is due to the multi-layer components and scratch resistant surfaces which provide resilient protection from everyday damage.
- Heat Rejection Performance: Especially ceramic and some carbon films, high-quality windows do not only block UV radiation but also additional heat, thus greatly reducing the need of using air-condition whilst fuelling savings.
- Warranty: Trustworthy film producers provide substantial coverage against the mechanisms of bubbling, peeling, cracking, and color change.
Why Choose Flexippf for Optimal Protection?
The Flexippf window tint are designed with both performance and durability in mind. Our films are capable of providing more than 99% UV rejection, protecting both you and your vehicle’s interior from severe sun damage. Many of our products employ advanced ceramic technology to ensure superior heat rejection and signal transmission. .Flexippf films are optically clear and manufactured from advanced scratch resistant materials which greatly reduce the chances of scratching, bubbling, and fading. These films will provide protection while beautifying the vehicle for many years. Selecting Flexippf window films guarantees long term peace of mind and protection for your automobile, in addition to quality with the strong warranty that comes with it.
Understanding Local Window Tint Laws and Regulations
Before deciding on window film and its application, it is very important to check and follow local laws such as specific window tinting regulations. These laws differ from state to state or different countries and usually define the restriction of minimum VLT (Visible Light Transmission) permitted on different automobile windows.
The safeguards are primarily put in place to enhance safety, so drivers can see as well as allow law enforcement personnel to have a clear view inside the vehicle. Breach of any of these regulations on tinting can lead to infliction of punishments, having to take off the non-compliant adhesive and risk the possibility of suspension of inspection or registration of the vehicle.
Because of laws violation in regard of regulations definate for front windshield as for entire strip of tint of top VLT, front and side windows can have rear mirrors and rear windows added without restriction. Other regions provide additional guidelines for reflection and other mirror images.
Do not presume that what is legal in one jurisdiction is legal in another. Each section has its own set of rules. Make sure to verify the most up-to-date laws where your car is stationed and where you primarily drive it. The websites of state DMVs and local policing bodies are excellent sources of information. Many tinting shops tend to be well-versed in the legislation and can assist you in complying with the law. It is essential to select a film that meets the permissible limit for window film transmission before it is actually installed.
Conclusion: Maximizing Film Performance & Lifespan
Getting high-grade window films will help you mitigate the harsh consequences of UV radiation and excessive heat on you and your car. However, their effectiveness is reliant on the installation steps taken, which must be followed to the letter.
As a wrap up, shielding a vehicle’s passengers and the inside of the vehicle from the sun’s rays is critical in terms of maintenance and health safeguarding. Although a factory fitted automotive glass gives some form of shelter, the protection it offers is particularly feeble when it comes to UVA rays. On the other hand, quality window tint films provide well over 90% UV blocking capabilities. Knowing the differences between the various types of films ensures you will make an informed decision. If a reputed brand such as Flexippf is chosen with high performance guranteed, along with proper installation, they will be able to leverage the benefits of the automotive enhancement for many years to come. With professional installation and quality films, a vehicle transforms into a protected space, almost completely blocking the harsh impact of the sun’s radiation.
