Windshield Protective Film

[CZaugg]

Question for all my associates out there in Maverick Land. I'm still in the waiting mode for my 23MY Maverick. Projected build week is now at Jan 02, 2023. I was wondering if any of you out there in Maverick Land has installed the 3M Windshield Protection Film? I'm getting tired of my windshields constantly getting smacked by kicked up rocks/gravel. Sure, the insurance company will pay for the fix and if necessary, replacement of chipped or broken windshields. The fix jobs from Safelite do prevent the windshield from cracking but also is still visible. More recently my 2021 Toyota Venza got smacked a good one which resulted in the need to replace the windshield. Can you believe this . . . been two (2) months waiting for the replacement windshield to come in. Parts are finally in and now I need to wait a couple of weeks before I can get my car in for the repair. This time of age with constraints and labor shortages is driving me crazy. Anyway getting back to the subject of windshield PF. I want to get the PF on my Maverick after it arrives because I don't want to have to wait for 2-3 months or even longer to get my windshield fixed if I get another "smack". About $250 to get the PF installed. Yes I know, free for insurance paid "repairs" but its the wait and inconvenience that is driving me crazy on my Toyota. If a Toyota windshield is constrained at 2 months, who knows what the Ford Maverick windshield sound deadening windshield will be? Enough of the rant, back to my original question. Thoughts and experience(s) with windshield PF, in particularly 3M? I understand the "Paint Protection Film" will NOT work on windshields and a special PF is needed. Not very many places sell and install this item. Because of this I'm wondering why???? Pros and Cons appreciated. Thanks.

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[OleFordGuy]

I'm not knowledgeable on the subject, but a quick google search " what is the best protection for windshields" turned up numerous results. Sorry, that's all I got. Good Luck!

https://www.getexoshield.com/windshield-protection-film

 

[Julinico]

I’m having a similar dilemma. My current vehicle gets peppered every day with rocks and gravel on my way to work. My maverick is scheduled to be built on Monday, so I started calling around to get PPF estimates for the front bumper, hood, and A pillars. I almost fell out of my chair when I started getting quotes back between $2k-$2.5k.

 

[Aza]

I haven’t heard of this but I like the idea! I mean, I do cringe every single time I hear a rock hit my windshield.

 

[The Weatherman]

Hey, I think your on the right track. That’s not too expensive and if it avoids the hassle down the road, I say go for it.

 

[gte105u]

I was thinking about this when a truck took the shoulder in front of me and sandblasted my current vehicle (Altima). No surprise there was a chip.

Would like a protective layer on my Maverick when it comes. Up until now me replacing windshields was cheap due to no ACC or other things that need calibration. Maverick won't be.

 

[Gvmumbral]

I'm not knowledgeable on the subject, be a quick google search " what is the best protection for windshields" turned up numerous results. Sorry, that's all I got. Good Luck!

https://www.getexoshield.com/windshield-protection-film

Dang!

I called to get a quote and the said $599!

Sheez!

 

[Speed2000]

Putting film on the windshields is illegal in many states. Once you run your wipers over it with a dirty window it will get sratched up and hard to see out of especially in the setting sun.

While it will prevent sandblasting and small impacts, if a rock hits it hard enough, it will still crack.

 

[dalola]

I'll freely admit I know nothing about windshield film, but it just sounds like a bad idea, and a poor "value".

I would think a change in driving habits would help prevent windshield damage more than anything.

 

[volksnuts]

My first Maverick got a nice size chip, it took Carmax nearly a month to get a replacement… (after I sold it to them)

On my current Maverick I did two things
Bought the windshield warranty thing from the dealer…. It was less than the cost of one replacement windshield so I figured it would be worth it long term
On top of that I had PPF installed on the windshield to help from ever having to use the windshield warranty
I figure the film will protect from little stuff and the warranty will cover me from a huge rock impact

I drive a lot and have cracked every windshield in every vehicle I’ve owned in the last 10 years
Since this one should be a keeper I figure why not add some protection (also did full frontal PPF so I won’t get paint chips)

Three months in and no rock chips on the windshield

 

[gte105u]

I'll freely admit I know nothing about windshield film, but it just sounds like a bad idea, and a poor "value".

I would think a change in driving habits would help prevent windshield damage more than anything.

Pray tell, what driving habits should be adopted to prevent windshield cracks?

 

[Darnon]

Pray tell, what driving habits should be adopted to prevent windshield cracks?

Always driving in reverse.

 

[OrangeBlue]

Have y'all ever thought about not tailgating?

 

[dalola]

Pray tell, what driving habits should be adopted to prevent windshield cracks?

Too many times I've watched some chucklehead blow down the highway 10 feet off a loaded dump truck's tailgate. Good starting point.

Then, in general, keep distance to other traffic, both front & side, specially on multi-lane highways.

When possible, avoid gravel roads or roads with loose stone, and reduce speed when necessary.

Sure, you can still get a chip or cracked windshield, but at least you can stack the deck in your favor.

 

[ViperAir]

Always driving in reverse.

You'll cracked the rear window....lol

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