Windshield wrap..does it work?

[eliouno]

Just got a nasty windshield chip from a stone and was thinking of getting the windshield done in wrap. Would like to hear form someone who has already done this and whether it is recemmended.

-Is the tape totally invisible, even after a few years of sun?

-Does it help with rock chips?

[thebishman]

I've had the 'Clearplex' product on two vehicles and I'd say it's worth it. Vision does not seem too distorted; in fact most times you simply can't tell it's there. After two years it had to come off however due to the abuse it had soaked up. Never once did the windshield wipers damage the film, although you would never want to have them cycle over a dry windshield. You really need to find a great installer as installation is everything. Getting all the imperfections and bubbles out during the install takes time and care.
Premier is offering a new product called Diamond Fusion which sounds excellent and is what I'd use in the future. If you're close, give them a call. It's guaranteed for two years.
Bish

[desperado]

I'm curious; how does the cost of the protective film, applied properly , compare to the cost of replacing the windshield every few years?

[eliouno]

I'm curuious; how does the cost of the protective film, applied properly , compare to the cost of replacing the windshield every few years?

Good question for bishman...I'm sure you know windshield's are expensive. In Montreal I was quoted $1600 installed plus about $200 in taxes

[Bodhii]

I have heard that the real problems occur when using the wiper blades which will result in scratches on the wrap material. What were your experiences?

[rmicroys]

Use lots of rain-x. Yes, I'm sure that the wrap with scratch with wiper use over time. Particularly where there is lots of road debris.

Another issue with some windscreen wraps is vision issues with polarized sunglasses.

[timborama]

I'm pretty sure applying ANY covering/coating to the front windshield is illegal (if caught, that is). Not to mention ANY visual distortion. Just seems like a bad idea. I don't even tint side windows, as I can't stand the distortion.

[thebishman]

1: In two years of use, the windshield wipers never scratched the film;
2: I wear polarized sunglasses all the time; never an issue;
3: Cost to install Clearplex was only about $150 parts and labour. Hence even replacing it every year makes economic sense versus $1200 for a MB GL windshield replacement.

However, again I would look into the new product from Premier called 'Diamond Fusion' before I would use Clearplex again. It's more expensive I'm sure but carries a two year warranty. Premier states it's much more optically clear than Clearplex and is far more durable. IIRC they will sell it to a local installer if you have one you trust to do a good job. Windshield prep is everything with these films. Clay bar the bloody thing before you take it in to have any type of windshield film applied.
Bish

[rmicroys]

Not really an issue in Ontario - there are a lot of people here who now tint their front windscreen with an IR rejection film to keep the heat down. From our highway traffic act... :

Colour coating obstructing view prohibited

(2) No person shall drive a motor vehicle upon a highway where the surface of the windshield or of any window of the vehicle has been coated with any colour spray or other colour coating in such a manner as to obstruct the driver’s view of the highway or any intersecting highway. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 73 (2).

Colour coating obscuring interior

(3) No person shall drive on a highway a motor vehicle on which the surface of the windshield or of any window to the direct left or right of the driver’s seat has been coated with any coloured spray or other coloured or reflective material that substantially obscures the interior of the motor vehicle when viewed from outside the motor vehicle. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 73 (3).

Windows to afford clear view

74. (1) No person shall drive a motor vehicle upon a highway,

(a) unless the windshield and the windows on either side of the compartment containing the steering wheel are in such a condition as to afford the driver a clear view to the front and side of the motor vehicle;

[eliouno]

1: In two years of use, the windshield wipers never scratched the film;
2: I wear polarized sunglasses all the time; never an issue;
3: Cost to install Clearplex was only about $150 parts and labour. Hence even replacing it every year makes economic sense versus $1200 for a MB GL windshield replacement.

However, again I would look into the new product from Premier called 'Diamond Fusion' before I would use Clearplex again. It's more expensive I'm sure but carries a two year warranty. Premier states it's much more optically clear than Clearplex and is far more durable. IIRC they will sell it to a local installer if you have one you trust to do a good job. Windshield prep is everything with these films. Clay bar the bloody thing before you take it in to have any type of windshield film applied.
Bish

What do you mean by Clay Bar