Has anyone tried this DIY windshield protection film?

[CrazyOne]

Has anyone tried this DIY windshield protection film? I asked ChatGPT and this was one of the two sellers for Rivian windshield. https://windshieldskin.com/products/rivian

I am considering it. I have some experience installing PPF on my car and might be able to do it.

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[R1Surfer]

I used this brand but did the 8 mil universal kit (more work but there is no gap at the edges like the pre cut film). If you’ve installed PPF, this should be no problem, I PPF’ed my whole car and this film was easy to apply since the windshield is mostly flat. Only had it on since January so can’t speak to durability or protection since I haven’t had any rocks hit. In terms of quality, visibility is minimally impacted, there is very minor distortion but you have to be looking for it, and no impact on night driving. The one negative I’ve seen is bug splatter will etch the film so you’ll need to clean that ASAP. I’ve had cracks develop in windshields from small rocks on past cars and if this can help prevent that, it outweighs any downsides.

 

[richpike]

I used this brand but did the 8 mil universal kit (more work but there is no gap at the edges like the pre cut film). If you’ve installed PPF, this should be no problem, I PPF’ed my whole car and this film was easy to apply since the windshield is mostly flat. Only had it on since January so can’t speak to durability or protection since I haven’t had any rocks hit. In terms of quality, visibility is minimally impacted, there is very minor distortion but you have to be looking for it, and no impact on night driving. The one negative I’ve seen is bug splatter will etch the film so you’ll need to clean that ASAP. I’ve had cracks develop in windshields from small rocks on past cars and if this can help prevent that, it outweighs any downsides.

How does it hold up with windshield wiper use? That has always made me hesitate (and is typically what I see the bad reviews online talk to). But it seems like a no-brainer.

-Rich

 

[R1Surfer]

How does it hold up with windshield wiper use? That has always made me hesitate (and is typically what I see the bad reviews online talk to). But it seems like a no-brainer.

-Rich

That’s a good question, I haven’t had it on long enough to know. Also I’ve been minimizing my wiper usage and trying to clean with a microfiber regularly. I don’t expect the film would last many years with regular wiper usage, luckily living in California I don’t need to use them often. That’s one thing to consider if the film needs replacing every year or every other year, is it worth it? For me I’ll do anything I can to avoid windshield replacement because I’ve had rust issues on past vehicles that have had windshields replaced.

 

[richpike]

Yeah - living in Colorado makes me nervous. Not as lucky as you California folks . Would be super nice though. I’d do it on all our cars if it held up ok.

-Rich

 

[CrazyOne]

How does it hold up with windshield wiper use? That has always made me hesitate (and is typically what I see the bad reviews online talk to). But it seems like a no-brainer.

-Rich

I am in PNW and we need wipers for 9 months. Perhaps a coat of ceramic will prevent excessive scratching?

Dump trucks around here don't always use the cover and the windshield gets sandblasted. I felt like this wasn't a problem in and around LA.

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

Interesting find. Even the professionally installed stuff like exo shield I was told by the pros only last 1-2 years depending. I am skeptical of claims that it lasts longer than that.

 

[Schroederhc]

Ceramic coat, that puppy. You won't need to use the wipers as much, and it's easier on the film when you do. I have had the Exoshield product for over a year, and it's worked well. I've taken several shots with rocks, and its done what it's supposed to

 

[CrazyOne]

Interesting find. Even the professionally installed stuff like exo shield I was told by the pros only last 1-2 years depending. I am skeptical of claims that it lasts longer than that.

Imo, If it lasts 2 years, it's worth it for the price.

 

[Urbanstyles]

The other factor to be aware of if you live in a bug rich area is to beware of using a squeegee at the gas station to clean bug spatter. Even with two coats of ceramic on my film, I've got a lot of scratches that are pretty apparent in direct sunlight. I'm hoping a good bake in some sun might 'self heal' some of them.

 

[CrazyOne]

The other factor to be aware of if you live in a bug rich area is to beware of using a squeegee at the gas station to clean bug spatter. Even with two coats of ceramic on my film, I've got a lot of scratches that are pretty apparent in direct sunlight. I'm hoping a good bake in some sun might 'self heal' some of them.

With how I use the truck(mostly in and around town), bugs are 1-2 times per year problem. I will keep that in mind. With young kids, we fly to most places.

 

[E_Monkey]

Has anyone tried this DIY windshield protection film? I asked ChatGPT and this was one of the two sellers for Rivian windshield. https://windshieldskin.com/products/rivian

I am considering it. I have some experience installing PPF on my car and might be able to do it.

Has this impacted your ADAS camera and Driver+?

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

Imo, If it lasts 2 years, it's worth it for the price.

Very well could be....the cost of windshield replacement and associated time lost adds up quick.

 

[CrazyOne]

Has this impacted your ADAS camera and Driver+?

I haven't installed it and no.one has complained about this. Also, I have a G1 and I can't trust Driver+ anyway.

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