ricochet

I was thinking of getting a safety film installed since I occasionally have to park in less-than-safe areas where car windows are occasionally broken. My tinter recommended a 3m security film that is 4mil thick.

Has anyone had this done? This seems very thick, and I am wondering if this affects the car's ability to roll the windows up and down.

Would also love some advice as to whether you guys think this is a good or bad idea. I feel that this would give me safety of mind for me and my family when driving thru shady areas too.

ricochet

oh also - the tinter said that there is already a security lining in the front windshield, so that there was no need to put a security lining in the front? is this true?

xexyus

Security film wont stop a roundhouse kick or a brick to your window. I dont think its worth it plus it might have a problem rolling the window down. I think its a waste.

Westcoast M5

I would ask your tinter to give you a call the next time he does an install - go down and check out the finished product on someone elses car. Sound like a good idea to me. I would be interested in hearing how it works out as I may consider as well.

xexyus

Think of the concept. A thicker film is no different than regular tint film when it comes to impact. Impact force is only reduced when the glass is not only filmed but also reinforced. The only thing a thick film is going to do on a typical power window is just spider and eventually break if i keep on kicking it.

Actually it might even make my job easier if I am trying to break into your car because the noise will be reduced and there wont be glass shattered everywhere.

ricochet

That's true, but I was thinking more along the lines of giving yourself a few extra seconds to drive away if you are in the car during a jacking attempt. And sometimes forcing the guy to take an extra minute or two to break in might deter him enough that he'll try to find an easier target. Its nothing like getting a protection-series BMW with bulletproof glass, but costs only a few hundred bucks.. and plus u get tint! :-p

aside from that, anyone see any potential issues with the install? I looked it up and it is 4 "mil" thick. What is mil? is that the same as millimeters?

subterFUSE

Regular window tint film will protect just as well as thicker film.... which may or may not be very well. (Example, tint film isn't going to stop a bullet)

If the carjacker has a gun, I suggest you just follow his instructions rather than try to drive away. You might lose the car, but you'll probably live longer.

xexyus

This is better than that security film