Sun Films – new for Windscreen & replacement for Door glasses etc.

Currently my car has some sun films that I got installed at a cost of only Rs.850/- (33 months back) - mainly because I didn't give much importance out of my ignorance on much how beneficial the ones with better qualities are - and also for the fact that I was out of pocket then (having spent a little lavishly on other accessories, additional features etc.).

As such, there is no problem with the present sun films but for some scratches that have since developed.  I plan to change the sun films mainly/ONLY because I wish to put sun films for front windscreen/glasses, as most of my highway trips (one-day) involve return journey in the nights (200 kms approx.) – as frequently as once a month / 3 times in 2 months – and even otherwise I do undertake night journeys (time constraints).

I just enquired locally (not in detail) – was given a rough idea that, in my total budget of 5K, I can get a Garware brand (Classic) - RTO approved - sun films for windscreen at a cost of approx. 2.5K & a set for door glasses etc. for another 2.2-2.3K.

My queries are…

• Do sun films on windscreen help practically & to what extent – I’m yet to drive a car in the night with sun film on windscreen (propose to do soon – Accent CRDi of a colleague).
• Is my budget of 5K okay (for both, windscreen & door glasses etc.) – I can stretch a little (not much) if it helps benefit practically.
• Is Garware fine (in my budget) or should I go for some other brand - which?

Thanks in advance.

Garware should be good. Is it 5k for a car? I gues its on the higher side. 3 months  back i got this garware sunfilm for my new Palio For Rs.1600 with one year warranty card. This included installation for all the door glasses and the rear wind shield.

Yes sun control films are really helpful. You can save a lot on A/c, which inturn increases the mileage.

Its quite good on Night driving as well. It definitely reduces the glare from the head lights. One Precaution dont go for dark colours. Go for Translucent that allows visible light to pass through it.

Yes, 5K for both windscreen (2.5K) & door glasses etc. (2.2-2.3K) - Garware Classic brand.

Both these are transparent / RTO approved & the sunfilm for windscreen in particular will not affect the visibility (am given to understand).

Pankaj do not stick the sunfilm in the front wind screen fully.  Instead stick it for say 4-5 inches from the top alone. This will be better even if the sunfilm starts to develop cracks.(over a period of time). Ask for the warranty and the Check for the rates of sunfims at other places. Even for a Sumo Grande it costed only Rs 2500(Garware) for all the windows and the wind shields with one year warranty.

The sunfilms for windscreen referred to me will come with 3/5 years warranty (not sure; will ascertain).  It will be stuck in two pieces - 6 inches (top) & rest (below) in one piece. I do not doubt the workmanship, as the shop is best known for it.

@Pankaj: Side sun films are usefull if you travel in the sun with ac. Especially on highways. The heat falling on your hands would be reduced a lot. Garware is a good brand and is rising up the ranks. Do check the prices for Llumar and 3M(they would come in below 3k). All fall in that range. Check for the heat reduction percentage in 50% VLT category in all these three brands.

Front Glass: This is the main area from where the major portion of heat comes. Front glass films does good job even though their VLT is at 70%(at the high price). Since it is a costly product, I would advice you to drive your friend's car. Say for 50kms in the night(highway preferably) and 50kms in day time(broad sunlight). This will help you reach a decision.

Also, My experience with garware is limited to their basic range(1k wala). They are very good for that price.

BTW prices for Garware are fine.

There is in fact no issue in sticking sun films on front fully. Front sun films are different and are costly. They offer better heat reduction compared to the side ones. They do also reduce glare to an extent. Also the 6 inch thing doesn't serve much purpose.

Pankaj-I would rather suggest the 3M front sunfilm costing about 4.5K for now. Garware is good but for the front windscreen where clarity and quality are of utmost importance spending on a better quality one would be better.

3M has home installation and gives warranty also(if i remember correctly even replacement at the time of a glass change(if so required in the warranty period).

The front screens does help to a great extend from a personal view point.

As you are already having side films they can be upgraded later on.

My prime concern is visibility/glare - front windscreen - because I undertake night journeys quite often & regularly (though have not faced any problem yet).

I plan to change the sunfilms for side glasses etc. only for the sake of having some uniformity (don't like the concept of old + new) & also because it has developed some scratches.

I will be driving my friend's car in a day or two - he has those Garware Classic referred above (2.5K). If I feel the difference/benefit, I am sure it would be more so in 3M. I will also check the specifications.

As recommended, I can go for 3M front sunfilm (4.5K).  What about side glasses - will 3M for it come in a budget of 2-2.5K - or should I go for Garware, the one I have seen? Would not like to exceed my budget further (not more than 7K).

3M films for the Indigo would come under 3K.

-3M films have better real life(quote values may be same) heat rejection than Garware also the 3 M service in my region of the country seems to be better.

By the way what brand films are on right now?

3M/Llumar does come at 2500 area.

3M/Llumar front glass thing comes at 4500.

So your budget would also be protected. You may also utilise the 3M home installation.