Protective film for cars: reviews

In the conditions of Russian roads it is very difficult to keep cars in their original form - to make the car body much easier. Mud, sand, gravel, flying from under the wheels - all this is domestic reality. To save the car, you need to regularly wash and polish the body. But today a modern and technological solution has become popular - a protective film for cars.

Typical causes of damage to the car's LCP

Sand, flying out from under the wheels, has an impact on the type of sandblasting. This effect is most often on the wheel arches and bottom. Also, the cover is damaged by tree branches that grow near roads. Regular scratches on the body leave high curbs and parking limiters. Still among the typical reasons it is possible to allocate vandalism - this people are engaged in, which gives pleasure to leave on machines scratches. Their logic of action is difficult to understand. But now it's not about them. The paint and varnish are damaged by chemical attack - it can be tar and bitumen. The protective film for the car is able to reliably protect the paint and keep the attractive appearance of the machine for a long time.

What are the films

Today, two types of these products are distinguished. This is a film based on polyurethane and vinyl. Both the first and second have their pros and cons. They need to know before buying and gluing the car.

Products based on vinyl

This is most often a transparent protective film for cars, the thickness of which is not more than 0.1 mm. Vinyl products usually cover the entire body. Small stones and gravel during movement easily leave traces on the side doors and other body parts. Often such a situation happens - the car goes to overtake, and from under the wheels must fly stones.

Pros and cons of vinyl products

Films based on vinyl have their advantages. So, among the advantages of its flexibility. Due to the fact that the product is manufactured using casting technology, it is possible to cover even the most complex bends on the body. Another useful property is the protection of PB from UV rays. Ultraviolet is the cause of burnout. Over time, the color of the car fades, the paint loses its saturation. And, of course, one more advantage is the price. Vinyl protective film for cars is much cheaper than polyurethane. The disadvantages include the thickness of vinyl. The film is very thin, so the strength of such protection is in question. Polyurethane products are much better able to withstand mechanical stress. Also, in severe and severe frosts, the vinyl hardens and can partially lose its elasticity. Such films are suitable for gluing to the sides of the car. So protected from stones that fly from the road at an acute angle. In the rest, vinyl solves the decorative problem most of all. But the defense with it turns out to be rather weak, especially from stones. But from ultraviolet this kind helps or assists well. That's why vinyl can not be attributed to anti-gravel films. Among other things, the product is easily destroyed and torn. But polyurethane only stretches.

Protective films made of polyurethane

This technology was developed in the bowels of the military-industrial complex in the United States. Protection based on polyurethane films was tested in Operation Desert Storm, which was held in Iraq. This technology was used to save the blades of helicopter propellers. Strong polyurethane films are considered light armor. Also these products do not completely miss the ultraviolet rays, due to what the paintwork of the body does not burn out. This protective film for cars is used most often on bumpers, mirrors and on the front of the hood. Polyurethane has a high viscosity. Films are made thicker than vinyl. This gives them certain advantages, but hope for the maximum level of protection is not worth it. Also, polyurethane products are less well protected when applied to places with large bends or to areas of spherical shape. For these reasons, it is sometimes very difficult to close the entire bumper, especially if it's a modern crossover. Even if the specialists pasted the car, then about 5% of the surface will always be uncovered. The thickness of polyurethane is much larger than that of vinyl, and is from 150 to 300 microns. But as for the service life, it is the same and is only 5 years. The only drawback is that over time, the armor film for cars will turn yellow.

Features of different types

Apply these funds to special soap solutions. Children's shampoo is perfect for these purposes. It is important that the composition does not contain alkalis or other aggressive substances. Also well suited and "Fairy". Some specialists use ordinary water. However, soap formulations prevent sticking. In the case of a crease, it is possible to tear off the film easily and without consequences and apply it again. The cost of products of various manufacturers varies a little by 10-15%. The main players in the polyurethane films market are "3M", Suntek and Hexis. By the way, according to the reviews of those who already use films, Hexis products are considered to be one of the highest quality - the products are more transparent, with gluing practically do not give shagreen. At the same time, the price-quality ratio is at a high level.

Self-sticking

Experts who are engaged in this type of work, argue that the protective film for cars, glued by their own hands, is very long. The only condition is the correctness of the technology. It is very important that the room has a constant temperature of about 20-25 degrees. Also there should be no dirt, dust and drafts. It is advisable to carry the paste on a new car. On the body, which has already traveled along the roads at least 1000 km, there are small chips and scratches. The film will make them more visible. Polyurethane protective film for the car requires after applying some time to dry - about 12 hours. It is best to finish the application process in the evening so that in the morning it is possible to start correcting mistakes.

Reviews

Car enthusiasts are very positive about this method of protection. If the film is of high quality, then the result will be very, very good. The application of products (even if you order a service in the service) will cost much less than painting and regular polishing of the body. Owners of premium cars believe that a protective film for cars is an inexpensive and effective way to conserve the appearance of their car. Russian roads do not spare anyone. And no matter what brand of car and how much it costs. The result will be one. Car enthusiasts are confident that now the most optimal solution is a protective film for cars. Reviews about it are positive, but you can do the sticking yourself. The main thing is to observe the technology and not allow dust in the room.

Summary

If you need to change the appearance of the car or protect its paintwork from inevitable damage, it is worth paying attention to the protective film. As practice shows, their cost is fully justified. Even if they glued them in an expensive service. Film - reliable protection of the car from aging. But the first thing that you pay attention to when buying - the appearance. With the use of a film you will retain the factory look of an iron horse for many years.