Untreated automotive windows don’t offer sufficient protection for occupants. Heat-rejecting, UV-blocking, glare-eliminating solar films will keep you safe. Increase Safety with Heat Rejection Window Tint
When most people think about vehicle safety, they focus on accident prevention and minimizing the consequences of a collision; things like airbags, seatbelts, and various driver-assistance technologies. While these are important, many people miss addressing the health risks that we face on an ongoing basis. We are quick to apply sunscreen or wear protective clothing before spending time outdoors, but rarely consider how driving can put us at risk for the same potential hazards as a day at the beach. Sun damage caused by exposure during driving is a serious issue that certainly deserves more attention. Drivers and passengers are at the mercy of the sun’s radiation. UV rays that pass through a car’s window on sunny days can cause sunburn, premature aging, and even contribute to skin cancer. Fortunately, Autobahn’s heat rejection window tint is available to keep vehicles cooler and safer. Why Solar Heat Control is Important The sun is the source of all life on Earth. As humans, we need sunlight to survive and exposure to sunlight has massive health benefits. However, like most things in life, the correct amount of sun exposure is a balancing act; too much sunlight can be as harmful as too little. Those of us with children or elderly family members must pay increased attention to sun exposure, as these groups are particularly susceptible to harm. To avoid serious health concerns, it’s important to explore solutions to solar exposure. In addition to UV radiation that passes through windows, we must consider the issue of excessive heat buildup. A hot car can lead to occupants becoming dehydrated, light-headed, or nauseated. In extreme cases, neither rolling down the windows nor full-blast AC will be able to combat excessive heat. The solution to heat control is heat rejection film. Autobahn offers a high-performance automotive window film that can help anyone prevent their vehicles from overheating. The films reflect UV and heat-carrying infrared radiation away from your car’s interior, meaning that vehicle occupants will stay cooler and safer. Preventing Glare UV exposure and excessive heat are two ways the sun puts us at risk in the long-run, but solar glare is a more immediate concern. Glare causes drivers to lose their ability to see the road. We all know that taking your eyes off the road for even a split second can be disastrous, so eliminating solar glare should be top-priority for all safety conscious motorists. There are many reasons to invest in automotive window tint, the most obvious being that it produces a safer and more comfortable journey. If you are concerned at all about vehicle safety, high-quality window films is a great place to start. We are always here to answer any questions you may have.
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Windows are good for keeping intruders and pests out of your vehicle. But what about heat? Many people think that tinted windows are all they need to keep the heat from overwhelming them once the temperature rises. Unfortunately, factory tints are usually designed for style and privacy over protection. Our ceramic window film is designed to help you reject the vast majority of heat from coming through your vehicle’s windows and making the interior uncomfortable. You can prevent sunburns, heat exhaustion, and other problems by opting for this simple modification. Stay Comfortable in Your Car with Heat Rejection Window Films When it comes to our vehicle, we look for multiple qualities. Some people like a fast car with a roaring engine, while others like a sleek ride that turns heads – and most people will take both, if they can find it. But there’s also another quality that can impact the experience we have with our vehicle – how comfortable is it to drive? This doesn’t just mean that the interior is roomy or that the seats are made with cushioned material. What about the temperature? Autobahn’s highest-performing window tint films offer superior heat rejection, allowing you to stay cool without forcing you to run your air conditioner in excess. Why Heat Rejection Matters for a Car When a person shops for a car, they rarely think about something like heat rejection. Fuel economy, engine power, and interior features are usually higher on the list of priorities. Heat rejection is something that is very important for a comfortable trip. On sunny days, rays can beam down through windows at an unrelenting pace. And even if you have your air conditioner on high or even if you roll the windows down, you may not be able to stay as cool as you’d like. There’s also the problem that running your air conditioner constantly can lead to the system wearing down quicker and even causing reduced fuel economy. Heat rejection films can let your windows function as shields to reject the vast majority of ultraviolet rays and keep the interior cool and comfortable. Buying the Highest-Performing Films Is a Smart Investment There are plenty of choices out there for anyone who wants the highest-performing window film. Every company may tout the merits of their products, but only Autobahn’s have delivered superior performance to build a massive network. When a person pays for window films of the highest quality, they get a great product – but more importantly, they’re making a smart investment. Lower-quality window films can lead to problems like peeling and chipping. They may need to be replaced quicker and thus cost the buyer even more money. High-quality films last longer and thus save a person money over time. Many people put a lot of money into their cars – and they take pride in spending their money in a strategic manner. The best products provide the best results, and Autobahn’s highest-performing window films will last for the long haul. Protect the Whole Family During a Drive For those who are in the business of family ferrying or even functioning as the driver for a work carpool, there’s a good chance the sun has caused some problems at one time or another. Rays beaming through windows uninhibited can cause a danger to those inside, especially if they have sensitive skin. Using a high-quality window film can help anyone guard against the dangers of sunlight and enjoy a cool, comfortable, and safe drive every time they get on the road. One of the greatest benefits of window film is the privacy that it creates. Not only does window film act as a strong deterrent for would-be burglars, but it also turns your car into a private oasis during heavy traffic, and reduces eye strain. Autobahn Privacy Glass Film Enhances Your Vehicle’s Privacy
Most of us take pride in our vehicles, even if they aren’t the newest models or most flash brands. Turning heads and getting people’s attention can be fun, but sometimes attention isn’t what we’re after. If passersby can too easily see inside a vehicle, it can put that vehicle and the valuables inside at considerable risk. Privacy glass is an elegant solution to keep prying eyes out of your vehicle’s interior. Most auto crimes are crimes of opportunity, so removing a criminal’s ability to see inside your car is a serious deterrent and will help keep you safe. Privacy Glass is a Good Safety Measure Vehicle burglaries are regular occurrences in all urbanized areas. Even in crowded, well-lit areas, drivers will return to their cars to find the windows smashed and their vehicles ransacked. Even if nothing expensive is stolen, a break-in is traumatic and dealing with the damage to your vehicle is annoying. Police officers advise us to hide any valuables out of view when we leave our vehicles parked. However, thieves are wary and will go after any hint of valuable goods. Moreover, hiding our valuables isn’t something we think of every single time we leave our vehicles. Sometimes we are in a rush, or simply forget to tuck that wallet or phone into the glove compartment. Drivers need a permanent hands-off solution. Fortunately, privacy film is a simple and inexpensive way to solve this problem. By treating your vehicle’s windows to prevent thieves from seeing inside, you can protect your car and property from damage and theft. If criminals can’t see any valuables in your vehicle, they are likely to move on to the next vehicle in which they can see something worth stealing. Privacy film is a much better solution than hiding all your possessions each time you leave your car. Privacy film will also help you feel more comfortable while driving your car. Privacy isn’t the only thing that window film can improve – the same window film that keeps you and your vehicle safe from theft and vandalism can also protect you from solar glare. Dealing with Solar Glare Reflected sun off of shiny surfaces – such as a wet road or the windows of nearby buildings – is one of the most dangerous issues faced by modern motorists. Solar glare comes right through our side windows and blinds us. Blinding solar glare at the wrong moment can prove disastrous. Accidents happen quickly, and it’s important to protect ourselves from such obvious hazards. Whether you are looking for protection from burglars or the sun, high-quality window film is the best solution. Autobahn window films represent the best quality in the industry, and are backed by an unbeatable manufacturer’s guarantee. Ask us about how automotive window film can work for you. Because you can’t outrun the road ahead of you, autobahn™ offers Paint Protection Film to help protect your most important investment. autobahn™ Road Guard helps protect your vehicle with the most optically clear, and durable paint protection film in the market. This clear 6mil urethane provides optimal protection against rock chips and road debris, and unsightly stains caused by bugs, tree sap, rain, UV, tar, oil, salt, rocks, and birds. It is nearly invisible when applied and can safely be removed at any time. What Are The Benefits?
Extremely Durable This clear 6mil urethane provides optimal protection against rock chips and road debris, and unsightly stains caused by bugs, tree sap, rain, UV, tar, oil, salt, rocks, and birds. It is nearly invisible when applied and can safely be removed at any time. By having Road Guard installed by a certified autobahn™ dealer, you get the best film, installed by the best installers. This film is meant for the very meticulous vehicle owner, who cares about the quality and longevity of their vehicle. Stain Resistant Choosing autobahn Road Guard Paint Protection Film is a good way to keep your car’s paint looking factory fresh for years. Using clear thermoplastic polyurethane top-coated technology, you can expect performance and benefits including class leading chemical and stain resistance, wonderful clarity, a high gloss shine, hydrophobicity, and excellent clarity. Since Road Guard PPF is completely clear and goes on with no visible adhesive, you won’t even know it is there while you enjoy class leading protection and a lifetime warranty. Best in Class Warranty One of the beauties of trusting your vehicle with a certified Autobahn™ Dealer is that you will enjoy a lifetime, no-hassle warranty that is by far the best warranty in our industry. That means that your vehicle will look like it came from the showroom when it is time to sell it, and you will enjoy a tremendous increase in resale. We believe that the investments you make in your vehicle should last, and choosing autobahn™ is no exception. We hold ourselves and our dealer-partners to the highest ethical standards. We understand the need to earn your business and trust, and not just expect. Autobahn™ Performance Window Films guarantees your film will maintain its properties without discolouration, cracking, crazing, blistering, bubbling, delaminating, fading, or demetalization for the life of your vehicle…or we will fix it, guaranteed! Year after year we are seeing more drivers choosing to apply paint protection film to their vehicles. Here is a list of the most common we hear why people are using Paint Protection Film (PPF). There are many reasons why modern motorists are choosing to add paint protection film (PPF) to their vehicles. Some people view PPF as an all-purpose protective measure against the numerous hazards that our car’s encounter on a daily basis. Others use PPF to keep their vehicle looking in show-room condition for its lifetime so they can enjoy it more and get more from the vehicle when it comes time to sell.
Out of the many reasons why more and more people are choosing PPF, here are four of our favourites. PPF is Versatile Many people routinely purchase kits and tools to do single jobs – remove sap, clean bug residue, fix paint chips. Instead of buying singe-use tools, it just makes sense to invest in a multitasker like PPF. PPF will protect your vehicle against road hazards such as moisture, sap, bugs, salt, and debris. PPF is the best way to keep your car looking great. PPF Protects Your Investment and Pays for Itself PPF is an essential element in protecting your prized investment. Over the lifetime of the vehicle PPF will pay for itself as it prevents stone chip damage, rusting, scratching and staining. Most vehicle owners will make their investment back within 5 years or less. Of all the areas on your vehicle your hood is the most important piece to protect as rock and debris damage can expose the paint and cause the area to start to rust and significantly reduces the resale value of your vehicle. If you are leasing your vehicle you should seriously consider installing PPF as it will significantly reduce penalties and reconditioning fees. In addition, many businesses use branded company cars to act as a mobile billboard for their business. Unfortunately, damage caused by nature and road hazards can quickly ruin the appearance of the graphic or decal. An ugly, damaged logo will make any business look bad, which is why many firms are using PPF to protect their investments and enhance their advertisement. PPF Protects and Compliments Exterior Paint Properly applied PPF will accentuate the depth and brilliance of a new paint job. When the general aesthetic boost is combined with the protection offered by PPF, it becomes a no-brainer for those of us who care about the way our vehicles look. Long-Term Benefits The best time to think about the resale value of your vehicle is right now. Trying to undo years of wear and tear before selling or trading in a vehicle is expensive and can even be impossible. It makes much more sense to invest in a proactive solution that protects your vehicle for its entire life. The process of depreciation will be greatly slowed by the right type of protective film. Due to inconsistent regulations and varied requirements of motorists, it’s important to understand the fundamental principles of Visible Light Transmission (VLT). Learning the lingo will help you stay informed and in control. Vehicle window film manufacturers and installers use a measurement called the Visible Light Transmission (VLT) to gauge the darkness of a window tint. The VLT of a specific tint is given as a percentage of the visible light that passes through the window; so, a tint with a VLT level of 40% means that 40% of the visible light that a window is exposed to will pass through. The lower the VLT percentage, the darker the window. A 10% VLT tint is very dark, as only 10% of exposed light passes through, whereas a film rated 75% VLT is comparatively light.
How do you calculate the true VLT of your windows? The windows that car manufacturers install are never perfectly clear (100% VLT), so that can make it difficult to know which tint to have installed to achieve your desired overall tint. The glass that most auto makers use has a VLT rating of about 80% (which is quite clear), but the default VLT of each car model varies. To calculate the total VLT of a vehicle’s window once tint has been applied, you must multiply the VLT of the glass by the VLT of the tint that is applied to the glass. For example, applying a 10% VLT film (quite dark) to a glass that has a 75% VLT (quite clear), you multiply 10% x 75% = 7.5%. From this example, you can see that applying a film with a 10% VLT rating does not result in glass with 10% VLT. How do I know my vehicles current VLT %? There are several ways to find out the current VLT of your car’s glass. Experienced automotive window tint technicians will be able to estimate your VLT to an accuracy of about 5% just by looking at it. There are devices used by professionals and law enforcement that measure VLT levels with extreme precision. The devices use a laser to test the light permeability of the window. VLT and film performance vary independently; we have nearly invisible films that still reduce glare and block broad spectrum UV radiation. Understanding VLT ratings will help you ensure that you find the ideal product. If you have any questions about VLT, or are interested in any of our automotive products, just give us a shout – we’re always happy to chat. Do VLT specs and performance always line up? This is a very good question. In the past, if you wanted more heat rejection, you had to go darker with your window film. Today, this is not entirely true. If you opt for a nano-ceramic window film, you have the opportunity to enjoy much greater heat rejection without having to choose an extremely dark shade of tint. The films offered by Tint Shield give customers tremendous flexibility. You can with a dark dyed film to match your aesthetic (and your budget), or you can opt for a lighter shade of ceramic film while enjoying increased performance without resorting to blacked-out windows. One of the most frequent questions our specialists get asked about automotive window tinting is to explain the difference between factory tinted windows and aftermarket window tinting.
It very common for vehicles to have some tinting applied in the factory. Most newer models, especially SUV’s and Mini-Vans have a factory installed tint with approximately 15% visible light transmission on most windows except the windshield and driver and front passenger windows. What are the benefits to aftermarket automotive window film? The truth is the factory tinted glass doesn’t provide nearly the same benefit as professionally installed window film. Tint from the factory is really more of a cosmetic enhancement, and while it slightly reduces glare, factory tint doesn’t deflect heat or protect the vehicle occupants from damaging ultraviolet UVA and UVB rays. At top tier shops with the Autobahn™ seal of approval, you will find dealers that maintain the cosmetic aesthetics of your vehicle, to ensure you drive away safe, satisfied and looking great. Here’s how they do it: Achieve Cosmetic Consistency We ensure our after-market tint matches the factory tint in both shade and degree of reflectivity. At Autobahn™, we have a large selection of window film in a wide variety of shade levels, as well as tints that are reflective and non-reflective. In most cases a non-reflective window film will match perfectly to the factory tint on the rear glass. Added Protection The aftermarket, professionally installed films by Autobahn™ prevent 99.9% solar heat, and UVA and UVB from getting in through those windows. This means your vehicle will remain cooler all summer long, and have to rely less on your air conditioning system. This results in tangible fuel savings, that add up over time. Our aftermarket window films can also protect driver and passengers from injuries caused by glass shattering. In the event of a motor vehicle incident or a crack from a stray pebble or rock, the adhesive on aftermarket window films acts as a protective layer that holds glass together in one piece instead of shattering all over the inside of the car. Autobahn™ dealers have creative solutions to almost any challenge. Some SUV drivers want window film installed on the inside of their factory tinted windows, to gain double the heat rejection and UV protection without adding any reflectivity to the glass. We Know the Limitations We are aware of the local laws around aftermarket window film. We follow the guidelines to ensure each tint installation meets window visible light transmission films statutes. In most provinces, the installation of window film on a windshield is limited to a small strip across the top of the windshield, and is not permitted on front driver or passenger side windows. We also are aware of technological advancements in the rapid growth of on-board electronics, and can reassure our customers that our aftermarket window film won’t interfere with the operation of their Bluetooth, GPS signals, radar detectors or premium satellite radio options like XM or Sirius. More Protection is Better If you are looking for increased heat rejection in the summer, better heat retention in the winter, improved security and privacy, and 99.9% rejection of UV rays in your vehicle, aftermarket tint is the only way to go. Give us a shout today, we would love to answer your questions and help find a qualified dealer near you. After a tint job, motorists will often experience cloudy or blurry windows. This is very common problem. Autobahn technicians are trained to ensure that your window tint is perfectly installed from the moment you pick up your vehicle. Even still, there may be a bit of haze on your windows for the first few days. Here is why it happens, and what to expect after your tint job is complete:
Climate and Window Film Installation With traditional installations this is completely normal and temporary. For the first few days after your windows are tinted they might appear cloudy, hazy, and you may see little water pockets forming underneath the film. When windows are tinted, the squeegee can only remove a certain amount of the water from between the film and the glass. As the film dries, the remaining water may form little bubbles. Window film is a porous material that allows water to evaporate, so these water pockets will simply evaporate and go away by themselves as the film fully cures to the glass. The amount of time before your new tint will be totally dry is determined by the skill of the installer, the amount of sunlight it gets, and the type of film chosen. If it’s cloudy and overcast outside, it will take longer, if it’s hot and sunny, then the film dries very quickly. With a typical installation this could take anywhere from 3 days to one week. In the winter you can expect this to take a bit longer because of the moist cool air slowing down surface evaporation. Two Types of Haze Installation Haze: Installation haze is what is described above. Tiny molecules of water are trapped between the film and the glass and evaporate over the course of a week or so. This effect can be minimized by spending extra time with a heat gun during application, or making a few extra passes with a squeegee during installation. Give it a few days and your windows will be perfectly clear, just as expected. Tip: Avoid any extra stress on your windows during the curing period, this includes rolling the windows up and down. You are best to leave them closed until the films are fully cured. Low-Angle Haze: Low-angle haze is a completely different sort of blurriness altogether. This type of haze refers to a fuzziness in the windows that is only visible when looking at a steep angle through the glass such as a windshield or a side window in front of you. This is not seen in all films, but it is visible in some ceramic “nano dispersion” films. To create a ceramic film of this type, the polyester film is surface coated in a solution with tiny particles of ceramic. If you were to look at them under a microscope you would see that they are not completely round, they are actually more of a pebble shape. That means that when light hits them at a very low angle there is a slight disruption in the light transmittance that causes a blurry effect. Tip: To combat this problem, you should consider going with Hüper Optik Ceramic films. Where traditional blends cause low-angle haze, Hüper Optik Ceramic’s particles are “sputter coated”one titanium nitride molecule at a time forming more of an organized structure than the random orientation of a “dispersion” film. Whether you’re driving, at home gazing out at your garden, or sitting by a window at work, you actually may be suffering continual skin damage. That is why the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends window films. exposure to the sunWhat does “sun exposure” mean to you? Most likely you’re imagining a day at the beach or being outside for an extended period of time, but the truth is millions of Canadians are getting a large dose of sun exposure in two places they least expect it- in their homes and vehicles. Whether your favourite chair is next to a nice big window, or you have to commute to work in your car, if you are unprotected, you’re putting yourself at risk for irreversible skin damage. It’s recommended that you take protective measures like full-coverage clothing, applying sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, and donning a hat and sunglasses while driving-especially if you drive a convertible. Those solutions are fine in theory, but it’s easy to forget sunscreen and a long sleeve shirt might be simply too hot to bear. So, if you’re frequently near a window at home, in your car or even at work, the single best safeguard against UV damage is transparent window film, or “window tint”. Protective window film is treated to screen out damaging UVA and UVB rays, and can be applied to your home, commercial or vehicle windows. Preventing Car TroubleOne of the main selling features of a vehicle is a sunroof, and number of windows. Unfortunately, the laminated windshield is the only window that comes with both UVB and UVA protection. The side and rear windows, even if the glass is tinted darker, provide almost no UV protection. Advanced window tint is rated to block up to 99.9% of UV rays, and can go a long way to prevent skin damage to the driver and the occupants. Each province has different regulations around how dark a tint is allowed and how many windows it can be applied to, but even clear UV rated window tint can almost eliminate skin damage from the sun. Car Exposure Facts
Sun Protection In your Car, Home & OfficeVehicle, residential and commercial window tint comes in a variety of tints has many benefits. In addition to blocking out the harmful UV rays that accelerate skin damage, vehicle, home or commercial window tint also:
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