What is Windshield Protection Film?
Your windshield is your window to the world, at least when you’re driving. Windshield protection is a transparent film that we apply to the outside of your windshield. It’s designed to absorb the impact from common road hazards, taking the damage so your glass doesn’t have to. It is a highly advanced product engineered specifically for automotive glass. It’s optically clear, so it won’t affect your visibility, and it’s tough enough to take a serious hit.
The film is designed to distribute the force of an impact across a wider surface area. When a rock hits the film, instead of concentrating all its energy on one tiny point on the glass, the energy is spread out. This significantly reduces the chances of your windshield chipping, pitting, or cracking. It’s a simple concept with some very clever engineering behind it. It just sits there, completely invisible, waiting to save you from a costly replacement.
The Clear Benefits of Windshield Film
Impact Resistance
This is its superpower. The film dramatically reduces the risk of damage from rock chips and other flying debris you encounter on Ottawa roads.
Keeps Your Factory Seal
When a windshield is replaced, the original factory seal is broken. While installers do their best, it’s never quite the same. Protecting your original windshield means keeping that important factory seal intact.
Clarity and UV Blocking
The film is virtually invisible and maintains perfect optical clarity. It also blocks 99% of harmful UV rays, which helps reduce heat in the cabin and protects your dashboard from fading over time.
Faster and Cheaper Than Replacement
Installing windshield protection film is quicker and more affordable than replacing an entire windshield, especially on modern vehicles with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that require costly recalibration after a replacement.
How Does Windshield Protection Film Compare to Paint Protection Film?
You might be familiar with paint protection film, which guards your car’s paint. Windshield protection film is a similar idea but built for a different purpose. While both are protective films, windshield film is specifically formulated to be harder and more scratch resistant to stand up to windshield wipers and constant exposure.
PPF is softer, allowing it to have better self healing properties for paint. Windshield film prioritizes impact resistance and optical clarity above all else. You can think of them as cousins in the same protective family, each with its own specialized skill set.
Who Should Consider This Service?
If you drive in Ottawa, you’re a candidate for windshield protection film. The roads here are not exactly gentle on our vehicles.
This service is especially valuable for:
- New Car Owners: Start your ownership off right by protecting your new investment from day one.
- Luxury and Sports Cars: These vehicles often have expensive, specially shaped windshields that are a headache to replace.
- Daily Commuters: The more time you spend on highways like the 417, the more chances you have of catching a rock.
- Fleet Vehicles: For businesses, reducing downtime and replacement costs for a fleet of vehicles can result in significant savings.
Basically, if you’d rather not deal with the hassle and expense of replacing a windshield, this film is for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Windshield Film
Is the film really invisible?
Yes. When installed correctly by a professional, the film is optically clear and virtually undetectable. You won’t notice it’s there, but you’ll definitely notice its absence when a rock hits your glass and nothing happens.
How long does windshield protection film last?
The lifespan of the film can vary based on driving conditions and how the vehicle is maintained. Typically, you can expect it to last for several years. The film is designed to be a wearable item that takes damage so your windshield doesn’t; it can be removed and replaced when needed.
Will the film affect my windshield wipers?
No. The film has a hard, scratch resistant top coat that is designed to withstand the normal use of windshield wipers. You won't notice any difference in their performance.
Can the film be damaged?
Yes, it can be. The film is a sacrificial layer. A severe impact might damage the film itself, but in most cases, the glass underneath will be fine. The film did its job by taking the hit.
How do I clean the windshield after the film is installed?
You can clean it just like you would a normal windshield. Use a standard glass cleaner (ammonia free is best) and a soft cloth. Just avoid using any abrasive materials or sharp objects near the film.
Does this mean my windshield is unbreakable?
No. While the film significantly reduces the risk of damage from everyday impacts, it cannot make your windshield completely indestructible. A large enough object at a high enough speed can still cause damage. It's about risk reduction, not invincibility.
