3M Clear Vinyl for Windshield?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 874
Likes: 148
From: 949 Orange County CA
3M Clear Vinyl for Windshield?
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.
I got a new Lexus windshield 6 mos ago that I paid $700 myself and I hate seeing it get rock chips already.
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 278
Likes: 16
From: California
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.
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.
Rookie
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 65
Likes: 5
From: IN
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...
Rookie
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 70
Likes: 2
From: Illinois
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.
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.
Trending Topics
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles
Michael S. Palmer
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4
Joe Kucinski
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Lead Lap
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,320
Likes: 1,233
From: IL
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.
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.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 426
Likes: 22
From: CA - USA
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.
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.
^ 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.
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.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post