Ken167

Ive been researching clear vinyl protection for the windshield. It exists for bumpers, hoods, mirror caps, etc. Ive been calling window tint and car wrap shops and they say there is no 3M for windshields, and most places will not try to do a windshield. One place will do it with some special vinyl coating for $500. I said for that price I will get a new windshield.

I got a new Lexus windshield 6 mos ago that I paid $700 myself and I hate seeing it get rock chips already.

MikeFig82

iTrader: (13)

Isn't it made to be put on the inside not exterior. I feel you on the window replacement. I stay far away from cars as possible on the HWY now.

XSV

iTrader: (1)

Wouldn't do it. live with the rock chips, nothing lasts forever. Mine is full of rock chips, I don't care, as long as there aren't cracks.

knyg

The only way to keep something mint is to never use it.

I think it is illegal in US for the front windshield to be tinted with anything, even if it is clear.

Wrapping the front windshield is a complete waste of time, effort, and money.

Ken167

I found 2 sources to research:

clearplex.com
windshield-armor.com

cheezz

I too thought about putting clear bra on my windshield myself but I don't think the wipers will work properly. Rubber rubbing against rubber-like surface of the clear bra is not a good idea.. Plus the clear bra is very easily prone to scratches. You can clear bra headlights, bumper, hood, fender, A-pillers and all but the windshield...

belac

So I manage a high-end detail shop in Chicago and we install a lot of paint protection film (the 3m film you're probably talking about) as well as a windshield film.
The paint protection film (XPEL, 3m, Llumar, ect) can not be installed on a windshield. it is not clear enough and will result in a lot of distortion.

The windshield film we offer STARTS around $800 and goes up. We only recommend it for exotic cars when the windshield costs over $1k. Even then you can see the film on the windshield and the film itself can get beat up from rocks. It's not a bulletproof way to stop rockchips it just protects the OEM glass, but for cars like ours it is not cost effective.

flowrider

iTrader: (9)

What would really be cool, is tearoffs like they use in NASCAR

Lou

SeanO

iTrader: (1)

Clear film won't prevent rock chips

mcomer

Car & Driver magazine did an exotic car comparison test a couple of years ago
and skinned the front end paint and windshields to avoid turning back in damaged
cars. There was a sidebar article on the expense and distortion levels involved.

AeroTect

Unfortunately 3M doesn't offer any sort of windshield protection. As others have mentioned, PPF is not optically clear and will cause distortion when looking through.

There is a product out there called ClearPlex. It offers good protection, however, it has to be kept super clean. Had it on my Tacoma for a bit and with 6-8 months I had a hard time driving at night, as the glare from oncoming headlights hitting the scratches in the film caused a ton of glare. If you don't use your wipers alot, or clean the windshield before using the wipers I imagine it would last longer.

ISCjonny

iTrader: (7)

^ Ditto...

ClearPlex is the primary windshield protection film that is currently being used. Most PPF shops wont even install it since it's pricey and difficult to install not to mention it also creates a slight prism effect at certain angles.

If anything... Pay a little extra on your insurance to get a lower deductible if you are prone to getting cracked windshields or chips.