A vehicle’s top front windshield can have a tinted strip put to it. This is known as a front windshield tint strip. It is intended to decrease the quantity of heat and sunshine that enters the car, giving the driver and passengers more comfort and privacy. Windshields protect the vehicle from the elements and contribute significantly to its structural integrity by supporting the roof in the case of a rollover or accident. In this write-up, we will discuss different types of front windshield tint strip and its benefits.
Types of Front Windshield Tint Strip
1. Clear Tint Strip
A clear tint strip essentially looks invisible once applied but provides UV protection against sun damage. Key features:
- It is made of clear polyurethane film that blocks UV rays from penetrating through glass.
- It reduces glare and heat without affecting outward visibility.
- It helps protect interior furnishings from fading.
- It is available in different grades from light to very dark.
- If cut professionally, it will precisely fit the curve of the windshield.
While clear and barely noticeable from outside the car, it does its job shielding you from the sun.
2. Smoked Tint Strip
For a subtly darkened effect, smoked tint strips let in light while lowering glare and heat. The features are-
- It is made of dark transparent film that reduces light transmission
- It offers a visible stripe-like accent across windshield
- It helps prevent sun damage to skin and eyes
- It is available in different grades from light to very dark
- It also gives a custom look that complements darker car tints
The smoke shade strikes a nice balance between visible sun protection and light transmittance.
3. Carbon Fiber Tint Strip
The carbon fiber windshield strip delivers a glossy accent in an eye-catching simulated carbon fiber pattern. The features of carbon fiber front windshield tint strip include-
- It is made of coloured film with 3D carbon fiber appearance.
- It adds an exciting visual dimension against the windshield.
- It helps protect against UV rays and heat.
- It can be installed easily with precision pre-cut kits
- It also offers high-end racing aesthetics.
- You can choose from multiple colours like black, blue, silver, red.
This stylish strip option enhances the car’s character with a stimulating carbon texture.
4. Chrome Tint Strip
For serious bling, a chrome tint strip tops windshields with reflective shine. The primary features of chrome front windshield tint strip includes-
- Made of actual chrome-effect polyurethane film
- Mirror-like strip bounces back sun rays
- Darkens visibility slightly looking outward
- Makes bold visual statement on front glass
- Matches well with other chrome accents
- Offers flair and protection in one.
Benefits of Front Windshield Tint Strip
Now that you know different types of front windshield tint strip, let’s check out the benefits of installing it-
1. Reduces Harmful UV Rays
Windshield glass allows intense ultraviolet rays from sunlight to stream unobstructed into vehicle interiors. Over time, this degrades and damages surfaces as UV radiation degenerates materials. Tint strips function like true protective barriers however, blocking over 99% of these sun rays. This keeps A/C dashes and leather seats remarkably fade-free even in often-parked cars.
2. Lowers Heat And Glare
On extremely hot, bright days, it’s shocking how scalding untinted car interiors become. Uncomfortable temps lead to sweaty seats and potentially cracked dashes if high enough. A common frustration, glare poses visibility issues too by bouncing light around. A single strip alleviates both. Strategically placed treatments significantly cut infrared rays and their resulting heat.
3. Preserves Upholstery And Trims
Along with lowering UV factors that rapidly age materials, lowered cabin heat plays a key preservation role by moderating the expansion and contraction that strains things. Consistent climate control helps fine leather hold shape. With less damage over time, owners extend life spans of expensive dash and upholstery pieces.
4. Inhibits Fading And Discoloration
Interior accents often fade, discolour and look dingy after years of solar wear. Fabrics bleach out and wood trims grow dull without protection from sunlight. A high-grade front windshield tint strip addresses this effectively through broad light filtration. With close to 100% of detrimental shortwave radiation blocked, colours stay truer in shaded zones.
5. Removes Eye Strain And Fatigue
Driving east in mornings or west at dusk causes major visibility issues like persistent glare factors. Squinting strains vision and piles on fatigue which impairs vehicle operation. A gradient windshield strip tailored to these conditions solves the root cause.
6. Complements Existing Window Tint
For drivers wanting a complete cabin envelope approach to light control and privacy, a smart windshield layer ties everything together. Matching the shade grade to side and rear films makes the coordination work. The strip finishes off the look with a glossy helmet visor top.
Conclusion
Before installing a front windshield tint strip, you must check your state’s exact legal limitations on allowable tint shades and coverage zones to avoid fines. Also ensure the shop uses a precision computerised cutter to perfectly conform the film edges across the entire windshield width without bubbles or visibility gaps. Any drips, debris or improper cure times during application ruins optics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does a front window tint strip affect visibility?
A: No. Only covering a small upper portion of the windshield, it doesn’t obstruct sightlines so visibility is unaffected.
Q: How is a windshield visor strip installed?
A: The film is expertly placed using an application fluid then smoothed out to adhere securely with a firm bond across the top of the glass.
Q: How long does the front windshield tint last?
A: Professionally installed high-quality tint strips last 4-8 years depending on climate conditions and film grade before needing replacement.
Q: Can windshield tint be removed?
A: Yes, though it requires razor scraping and an ammonia-based solution to fully detach the adhesive backing without damaging the glass underneath.
Q: Does car insurance cover windshield strip replacement?
A: Some auto policies feature glass coverage add-ons that cover repairs or replacement costs for damaged windshield accessories like strips.
Q: Does a strip help keep the car cooler in summer?
A: Yes! Reflecting back a large percentage of infrared rays, strips measurably lower interior cabin temperatures.
