In the conditions of Russian roads it is very difficult to keep cars in their original form - it is much easier to age a body. Dirt, sand, gravel flying from under the wheels - all these are domestic realities. 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 paintwork of a car
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 underbody. Also, the coating is damaged by tree branches that grow along the roads.
Regular scratches on the body are left by high curbs and parking restraints. Among the typical reasons, vandalism can be distinguished - this is done by people who are pleased to leave
scratches on cars. Their logic of action is hard to understand. But now is not about them. Paint and varnish are damaged due to chemical attack - it can be tar and bitumen.
The protective film for the car is able to reliably protect the
paintwork and maintain the attractive appearance of the car for a long time.
What are the films
Today, two types of these products are distinguished. These are films based on polyurethane and vinyl. Both the first and second have their pros and cons. You need to know them before buying and pasting a car.
Vinyl Products
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 when moving easily leave marks on the side doors and other body parts. Often such a situation happens - the car goes to overtake, and stones necessarily fly from under the wheels.
Pros and Cons of Vinyl Products
Vinyl based films have their advantages. So, among the advantages distinguish its flexibility. Due to the fact that the product is manufactured using casting technology, it is possible to fit even the most complex bends on the body. Another useful feature is the protection of the forest from UV rays.
Ultraviolet causes paint burnout. Over time, the
color of the car fades, the paint loses its saturation. And, of course, another advantage is the price. Vinyl protective film for cars is much cheaper than polyurethane. The disadvantages include the thickness of the vinyl. The film is very thin, so the strength of such protection is in question. Polyurethane products withstand mechanical stress much better. Also, in large and severe frosts, vinyl hardens and may partially lose elasticity. Such films are suitable for gluing on the sides of the car. So they are protected from stones that fly off the road at an acute angle. In the rest, vinyl most of all solves a decorative task. But the protection with it turns out to be rather weak, especially from stones. But from UV, this species helps well. That is why vinyl can not be attributed to
anti-gravel films. Among other things, the product is easily destroyed and torn. But polyurethane only stretches.
Polyurethane Screen Protectors
This technology was developed in the bowels of the US military-industrial complex. Protection based on polyurethane films passed a serious test in Operation Desert Storm, which took place in Iraq. This technology was used to save the blades of helicopter propellers. Durable polyurethane films are considered light armor. Also, these products do not completely transmit ultraviolet rays, due to which the paintwork of the body does not fade. Such a protective film for cars is most often used 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 you should not hope for the maximum level of protection. Polyurethane products also protect worse if applied to places with large bends or to areas of a spherical shape. For these reasons, it is sometimes very difficult to close the entire bumper, especially if it is a modern crossover.
Even if specialists pasted the car, about 5% of the surface will always be uncovered. The thickness of polyurethane is much greater than that of vinyl, and ranges from 150 to 300 microns. But as for the service life, it is the same and is only 5 years old. The only drawback is that over time the
armor film for the car will turn yellow.
Features of various kinds
It is necessary to apply these products to special soap solutions. Great for these purposes baby shampoo. It is important that the composition does not contain alkalis or other aggressive substances. Fairy is also a good fit. Some experts use ordinary water. However, soap formulations prevent sticking. In the case of creasing, you can easily and without consequences tear off the film and re-apply.
The cost of products from various manufacturers varies slightly by 10-15%. The main players in the polyurethane film market are 3M, Suntek and Hexis. By the way, according to reviews of those who already use films, Hexis products are considered one of the highest quality - the products are more transparent, they practically do not give shagreen when glued. At the same time, the price-quality ratio is at a high level.
Self-sticking
Specialists who are engaged in this type of work claim that the protective film for cars, glued with their own hands, lasts a very long time. The only condition is the correct observance of technology. It is very important that a constant temperature of about 20-25 degrees is established in the room. Also there should be no dirt, dust and drafts. It is advisable to stick on a new car.
On a body that has already traveled on roads at least 1000 km, small chips and scratches appear. The film will make them more visible. A polyurethane protective film for a 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 you can begin to eliminate errors.
Reviews
Motorists respond very positively to this method of protection. If the film is of high quality, then the result will be very, very good. Applying 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 a car is an inexpensive and effective way to preserve the appearance of their car.
Russian roads do not spare anyone. And no matter what brand of car or how much it costs. The result will be one. Motorists are confident that now the best solution is a protective film for cars. Reviews about her are positive, and sticking can be done independently. The main thing is to comply with the technology and prevent dust in the room.
Summary
If you need to change the appearance of the car or protect its paintwork from imminent damage, you should pay attention to the protective film. As practice shows, their cost is fully justified. Even if they were glued in an expensive service. Film - reliable protection of the car against aging. But the first thing you pay attention to when buying is appearance. Using the film you will keep the factory appearance of the iron horse for many years.