Windshield Protection Film? Recs? Reviews?

[Area 51]

Just one more brick in the wall.
If this shit continues ill trade the SMM Cruiser in on a Lexus, way better glass and goodies, so disappointed. Maybe a 4runner, probably all the same stuff.

 

[Sugarloafer80]

My installer said with good care it can last 3-5 years depending on how well you take care of it. I asked take care of it? He said yes, bird droppings - try to immediately clean it up. Don't use your wipers in a dry environment, it will cause scratches as @colfishnski mentioned. If it lasts 4 years, ill be happy. By then hopefully there will be more windshields in circulation and not as hard to get.

And I really want your money so I'll say anything.

 

[Sugarloafer80]

Just one more brick in the wall.
If this shit continues ill trade the SMM Cruiser in on a Lexus, way better glass and goodies, so disappointed. Maybe a 4runner, probably all the same stuff.

99% sure same glass

 

[Sugarloafer80]

I have been doing a lot of research on this topic. It seems durability is not great. Wipers are a big issue! Clarity has improved drastically. You watch You Tube stuff, some love it, some absolutely hate it and stopped doing it. The tear off concept is very appealing. Hope this becomes more prevalent.
I would think off road vehicles would be the worst case scenario for WPF with all the dust, mud etc... Chips I have never had isues repairing but I have had too many cracks over the past few years....just BAD luck!!!
If I do anything, I may just try a sheet of Clearsurface to play with it. pretty inexpensive and squegeeing a surface is NOT rocket science if you have properly prepped the glass. A 3x5 sheet for myapplication is only $90. I will chalk it up as a learning experience if I do it. Up till now i hate PPF. I like paint and for me its easy to touch up and detail. It's on my 4C and stating to look lousy because i can't repair anything.
To this day, my dealers have never said it adds any value to a trade in.....probably because beat up PPF is a labor intensive PIA to remove....I have experienced getting the crap off my Lotus.

 

[fatsocells]

And I really want your money so I'll say anything.

So do you think the Xpel will last greater than or less than 3 years?

 

[Sugarloafer80]

Verdict is still out for this stuff. It is the clarity esp with wipers that is the issue. Lots of hype on all these W/PPF layers. Bastard to remove .
LC is so high, I wouldn't even consider it esp for a vehicle that will see winter salt and sand abuse. Wiper marks will be present in no time....even glass gets marked. A whole generation is convinced they need this stuff....along with their overpriced coffee...................