Most people understand the importance of protecting their skin from the sun, and how the ultraviolet (UV) radiation can damage skin and eyes over years of exposure. However, many people don’t consider themselves exposed to the sun while driving. In fact, driving is a significant source of exposure to UV rays, according to the International Window Film Association (IWFA), a nonprofit organization. Automotive window films can provide an important layer of protection against harmful UVA rays, which do pass through unprotected window glass.
Medical research has shown that drivers in the United States have an increased risk of developing skin cancer on the left side of their faces and on their left arms as a result of exposure to UVA rays through car windows. All quality window films block 99 percent of UVA rays and can help to reduce the risk of being exposed to the sun’s harmful UVA rays. But the dark glass that is popular in many vehicles today may not provide sufficient UVA protection unless it has also been treated with a window film, according to the IWFA. Some key benefits of automotive window films:
- Protecting yourself. Window films not only reduce your skin and eye exposure to UVA rays, they may also enhance visibility and reduce eye fatigue while driving, and many films reject more than 50 percent of the sun’s heat to help you stay cool on hot summer drives.
- Protecting your car. The sun’s rays that penetrate car windows can have a similar impact on your car’s interior as on your skin. Window films help reduce the fading and cracking of upholstery. In addition, window films can enhance the ability of the side and rear window glasses to hold together in the event of an impact or accident, as well as frustrate a smash-and-grab burglar.
Protective automotive window films can be installed quickly and easily, usually in a few hours by a professional window film installer. To further assist consumers and professionals, the IWFA has developed a guideline to explain the visual quality that should be expected after installation of an automotive window film tint.
