Everything You Need to Know About Installing Ceramic Window Film on Tesla Model 3
July 28, 2022
Everything You Need to Know About Heat Reduction Film for Your Home or Office
September 22, 2022
Everything You Need to Know About Installing Ceramic Window Film on Tesla Model 3
July 28, 2022
Everything You Need to Know About Heat Reduction Film for Your Home or Office
September 22, 2022
Show all

Installing Window Film on Teslas

Everything You Need to Know About Installing Window Film on Teslas

You ordered your Tesla, finally got it, and now it’s time to enjoy the ride. Like other Tesla owners, you love your car and take pride in its aesthetic appeal. However, to get the most out of your new ride, you should think about things that can add more comfort, help conserve energy, and protect the interior and car occupants from harmful UV rays. We’re talking about installing automotive window film to your Tesla to ensure it remains in pristine conditions and that you’re comfortable when driving it.

Installing a window film on a Tesla has many benefits. However, there are many things you should consider before installing window film on your Tesla, as you’ll see in this post.

Why Install Window Film on a Tesla?

Of all the vehicle owners, Tesla owners love and value their cars. As such, they go the extra mile to protect their ride. The primary reason why Tesla owners install window film on their vehicles is to make the car more personalized and look sleeker. Automotive window film adds a unique appearance to the vehicle, making it more appealing to the eyes. Additionally, window film allows for a more quality ride—high-quality film blocks heat, protects against harmful UV rays, protects the interior from fading, reduces sun glare, and increases miles per charge.

Install window film on all slide windows and rear windshield for ultimate protection. Installing window film on the rear windshield is especially important to protect passengers sitting in the back.

But Aren’t Tesla Windows UV Protected?

UV radiation effects on your health and your car interior cannot be underestimated. That’s why Tesla installs UV protection in the latest models. But does this mean that Tesla vehicles are UV protected?

The windows on the latest Tesla windows are UV protected. This explains why Tesla Model 3 and Model S have two glass panels on their windows. Tesla glass panels aren’t like any ordinary glass—they have a reflective layer that repels the sun’s rays to reduce the radiation effect. This protects your skin and the car’s interior from harmful sun rays’ effects.

The law mandates that windshields be made from laminated glass and contain a layer of stretchy plastic between the two glass layers to enhance safety in case of an accident. Tesla goes further to ensure that its windshield is safe and UV-protected.

And the windshield isn’t the only glass with UV protection on your Tesla—the rear windows, sunroof, and side windows also come with UV-absorbing technology.

Does This Mean that Your Tesla Windows Blocks UV Rays?

Tesla glass windows reject UV rays but only to a certain level. Depending on your Tesla model, your windows can block up to 98 percent (like Model 3), while others won’t block as much.

UV rays are categorized into three: UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C. UV-A rays are the most penetrative UV rays—they can pass through the glass up to the dermis. On the other hand, UV-B rays reach only the epidermis—medium-range radiation, while UV-C doesn’t cause much harm.

Now the challenge is that most types of window glass don’t protect against UV-A rays. Even if your Tesla window comes with UV protection, it’s still necessary to install window film to improve UV protection and prevent damage due to sunlight and infrared radiation.

Important Things to Know Before Installing Window Film On Your Tesla

As you’ve seen above, Tesla car owners install window film for the same reasons as cars from other manufacturers. However, the main difference between Tesla and other car brands is the massive window atop the various Tesla models. While this window is designed to improve road visibility, it also allows for more direct heat into the cabin. The increased heat reduces comfort and causes the air conditioning system to auto-activate even when parking your car outside.

This issue (common with Tesla Model 3, Model X, Model Y, and Model S) is a safety measure to ensure the battery doesn’t overheat.

Does this Mean Teslas Need Special Window Film?

All side windows on Tesla are conventional, except for the roof glass, and installing window film on a Tesla may seem like some luxury. However, upgrading to a solar heat rejection film like Shield Plus is among the smartest upgrades you can do as a Tesla owner.

Tesla vehicles have a massive glass roof that makes them look classier and attractive. Apart from making the vehicle look great, this glass roof provides a feeling of uniqueness in the vehicle’s cabin that owners enjoy. This unique roof comes with a thin strip of UV protectant between the double glass to prevent harmful UV rays from entering the vehicle.

But as earlier stated, this type of glass protectant doesn’t block most of the heat-producing IR. Tesla Models 3, Y, and S windows are designed to enhance privacy but do not protect against IR.

That’s why you need to protect your Tesla with automotive window film. Scorpion Automotive Window Film provides a wide range of automotive window tints, including predator Series, Shield Series, King Series, and Sahara Series.

Metalized Window Films Are Not Ideal for Teslas

Metalized window films aren’t a good fit for Teslas. Tesla vehicles involve a lot of modern technology, which can be interfered with by metalized window film. As such, opt for ceramic window film as it won’t affect your vehicle’s electronics.

Never Seam the Film On a Tesla

Seams in your window film won’t give the appealing looking you want. If you’ve seen a Tesla with a seam through it, you’ll agree that it looks lazy. This happens when the film installer uses two pieces of film to cover the huge Tesla glass. The truth is, many window film shops don’t carry the larger rolls of tint enough to tint Model 3 real glass or Model X windshield.

Another example is the Model Y which comes with an expansive glass roof. To tint this glass, you’ll require a single piece of tint, and great experience is needed to remove the headliner without damage. That’s why you should partner with a reputable shop that knows how to install window film on Teslas. Yes, not every tint shop can tint your Tesla to give the best results.

Why Install Ceramic Film on Your Tesla?

Ceramic window film can be applied to any window, including Teslas. The primary thing differentiating ceramic window film from traditional window film is the nanoparticles that are part of the makeup process. Ideally, the ceramic film comes with clear ceramic elements with UV rejection properties to prevent harmful rays from penetrating the vehicle. To that end, here’s what makes ceramic window film better than other films:

  • Zero metallic elements: While metallic elements can help clock out light, heat, and other unwanted elements, they can affect the electronic signals in your vehicle, causing cell phone and internet connection problems.
  • Excellent glare resistance: Ceramic technology effectively reduces glare from oncoming vehicles and sunlight
  • Better UV and infrared light protection: Ceramic particles provide maximum protection from UV and infrared light to protect car occupants from harmful rays and prevent interior fading over time
  • Shatter-proof: Ceramic window film prevents harmful shards from causing injuries in case of an accident or break-in
  • No color change: Since the ceramic coating is clear, it won’t fade over time
  • Longevity: Professionally installed and well-maintained ceramic window film will remain on your Tesla for many years

Are There Any Risks of Going Ceramic for Teslas?

Teslas are expensive, and as many owners, you may be thinking about whether there are any risks associated with installing ceramic window film on your Tesla. Fortunately, ceramic window films do not pose any risks to your Tesla. On the contrary, it’s an effective way to protect your vehicle and increase its value.

But to achieve these benefits, the quality and the installation process must be without flaws. While you can get many DIY ceramic window films when you conduct an online search, when it comes to a Tesla, don’t go for anything less than a professional job.

Installing an automotive window film on a Tesla requires many skills and experience and should only be left to professionals. Looks matter a lot when driving a prestigious car like Tesla, so pick your window film installer carefully. Some of the questions to ask your installer include:

  • How will you ensure the safety of all electronics on the vehicle?
  • How do you protect the defroster when installing window film on the back window?
  • Do you install the rear windshield in one piece?

How Long Will the Film Last?

How long your automotive window film will last depends on various factors such as the climate, the quality of the window film, how it is installed, and how much you expose your vehicle to direct sunlight.

High-quality films have a scratch-resistant coating to protect against damage from pets and kids. For long-lasting results, have your window film on your Tesla installed by professional installers with a great experience on Teslas.

Also, ask your installers about the best way to take care of the film after installation. While it may seem better to ask this question after installation, knowing it beforehand helps prevent potential damage. However, as a rule of thumb, don’t roll down your windows two to four days after installation to give the film enough time to cure.

How Long Will it Take to Install Window Film on Your Tesla?

Like other Tesla owners, you may want to know whether you can drop off your Tesla or wait on it. Window film installation on Teslas involves heat shrinking which requires time and skill. While you can wait for the installation process to complete, it may not be advisable. The process can take up to six hours, which is a long time to wait. After the installation, the car will need to sit in the sun to allow the film to cure and ensure everything is alright. The best approach is to drop off the vehicle in the morning and pick it up in the evening when everything is ready.

You Can Count on Us

There you have it. Those are the critical things you need to know about window film on Tesla. If you’re looking forward to installing automotive window film, we suggest you check our Shield Plus Window Film to give your car a cool, customized look. If you have any other questions regarding window film installation on Tesla or our Shield Plus Film, contact us now, and one of our experts will get back to you.

Comments are closed.