AT C17 MEDIA, we are automotive enthusiasts through and through. We enjoy track days, back roads and the obsessive attention to detail that goes into keeping our cars looking pristine. That’s why we brought Racing Optics to Canada as the nation’s sole distributor to help other enthusiasts fulfill their desire for maintaining automotive perfection.
In the automotive community, it is common knowledge that the best way to keep your vehicle looking new is through paint-protection film (PPF) and ceramic coatings. While these solutions offer comprehensive protection for the paint, an often overlooked, but equally important aspect is window protection.
Window protection is an all-encompassing term that includes windshield protection film and window tint film. Both these films serve to preserve and protect your vehicle in each of their own ways.
WINDSHIELD PROTECTION FILM
Whether you track, daily drive, or just want to prevent wear and tear on your Porsche, there are several windshield protection options available for both race and street applications.
We all know that every second on the race track counts. Having a clean and clear windshield is vital to setting the perfect lap. In strict-race applications, a four-layer tear-off windshield film offered by Racing Optics serves as the perfect aid to quick lap times. This film has been trusted for years as the industry standard in Formula 1, IndyCar, NASCAR and most endurance racing series across the globe.
Each layer is made of an ultra-clear, polyester film that has impact-resistance properties that prevent chips and cracks. When the windshield becomes littered with bugs and burnt rubber, revealing a fresh layer of film with outfitted pull tabs is effortless and contributes to shorter pit-stop times and enhanced visibility for upcoming laps. This short-term solution is ideal for the racecar seeking a competitive edge or the weekend track car that is exposed to greater levels of windshield abuse during race events.
If you have ever needed to replace a windshield, you understand how big of an expense it can be. For a vehicle like the GT3 RS that we worked on, a replacement windshield can cost upwards of $2,000. With modern Porsches, particularly those equipped with advanced driver assistance systems, this cost is further elevated by the need to calibrate cameras and sensors that lie behind the specialized windshield glass. Although these systems enhance safety, as they become more prevalent, a major drawback is the increased repair costs.
For the daily driver that might experience periodic track days, a more cost-effective and long-term solution is an ultra-clear, single-layer windshield film.
For the daily driver that might experience periodic track days, a more cost-effective and long-term solution is an ultra-clear, single-layer windshield film. Made of a thicker single layer of transparent polyester, this film protects the windshield from the rigors of daily driving or light track duty by absorbing small impacts and mitigating rock chips, pitting and cracks. Furthermore, this film includes UV protection that reduces damage to interior surfaces and protects occupants from UV rays.
A virtually invisible installation preserves the OEM exterior appearance, and an industry-average two-year warranty ensures the film is free from defects such as bubbling, yellowing and lifting so the view of the road ahead is always clear.
WINDOW TINT FILM
A subjective point of discussion for many enthusiasts is whether to retain the OEM window clarity for a classic “fish-bowl” look, or tint the windows to create a sleeker, more discreet appearance. While both options hold their merits, window tint offers more than merely aesthetic value.
Carbon window tint and ceramic window tint are the two most popular film options on the market. The main difference between the two types is the film composition. As the name suggests, carbon tint uses carbon particles embedded into the film, whereas the latter uses ceramic particles. Of the two options, ceramic tint is the more premier product that falls at a premium price point. Whichever material is chosen, both offer similar aesthetic and protection properties including heat dissipation, UV blocking, and light refraction, all of which improve cabin comfort and safety for vehicle occupants.
Privacy can also be improved depending on the tint percentage chosen. Tint values — that is the amount of light entering the vehicle — range anywhere from approximately 70 percent down to five percent, but a safe and common choice is around 30 percent.
While we can agree that these window-protection solutions may not be for everyone, they certainly support the pursuit of perfection, protection, and privacy for your Porsche. </>
Story and Photos by C17 Media, Provinz Advertiser
Interested in learning more about paint-protection film, vehicle graphics or windshield protection? Be sure to tune in to C17 Media’s virtual tech social, live on Zoom on Tuesday, May 11 at 7 p.m.