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Armor-All, window tint and other sun protection/cooling on new cars?

Discussion in 'Prime Main Forum (2017-2022)' started by The Big Sleaze, Aug 16, 2021.

  1. The Big Sleaze

    The Big Sleaze Member

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    Did new car makers fix the sun damaged dash and other issues or am I still supposed to smear Armor All all over everything?

    do new cars have glass that cuts all the harmful and heating sun's rays as much as they can, or will my Prime benefit greatly from fancy new "ceramic" window tint film?

    Why don't they still sell those rear window louver shades?
     
    #1 The Big Sleaze, Aug 16, 2021
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    I gave up on all the greasy-kid stuff, about 20 years back.; I'm sceptical it does anything helpful, and didn't like the look. I just damp cloth if needed, leave it mat finish. Not sure that window tint would do much either; for me window tint says aftermarket. If I was used car shopping and it had "tinted" windows, I'd pass. Think the best you can do is windshield screens, park facing away from the sun if possible, and garage park if you've got it.
     
    #2 Mendel Leisk, Aug 16, 2021
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  3. eatriceyo

    eatriceyo Member

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    buy the cheap $10 jumbo type s sun shade from costco and get the front windshield tinted.
    i wipe down the interior after every car wash with chemical guys products too.
     
    #3 eatriceyo, Aug 16, 2021
  4. prime grip

    prime grip Member

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    I have 5% Ceramic tint on mine. With temps at 104 today and as much as 110 plus during summer you can't go wrong. Ceramic is the ONLY way
     
    #4 prime grip, Aug 16, 2021
  5. Pulse07

    Pulse07 Active Member

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    Try 303 Aerospace Protectant (this product does not dry, you have to wipe it down after applying it). Much better product than Armor All.
    For window tint, you get what you paid for. Low quality films will purple and peal. You need a film that reduces heat . Although I have no problem with my SunTek HP, they advertise 99% UV blocking but not heat .
     
    #5 Pulse07, Aug 16, 2021
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  6. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Says the man in temperate climate ;).

    Out here where triple digits are achieved this time of year (and today to be even more accurate), window tinting is fantastic:).

    Don't knock it until you've lived in an area where you should try it(y).
     
    #6 Raytheeagle, Aug 16, 2021
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  7. HolyPotato

    HolyPotato Junior Member

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    I'm up in Canada and am also a huge fan of ceramic tint. I didn't go very dark (40%/30%) but it has a very noticeable difference in heat reduction and comfort. Holding up perfectly almost 12 years later, not at all like the old aftermarket tints that used to bubble and peel.

    Plus heat is one of the suspected (known at this point?) killers of traction batteries, so a bonus reason to go ceramic.
     
    #7 HolyPotato, Aug 17, 2021
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  8. The Big Sleaze

    The Big Sleaze Member

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    I remember working on a school and they forgot to install clear film on one of the skylights to block heat. Like I said, the film was clear and you couldn't even see it behind the skylight plexiglass but it seemed to totally block the heat. It wasn't on the glass but free floating like that DIY film to make double pane windows out of single pane.

    So I guess the answer is "no, car manufactures have NOT included heat blocking in windows". Maybe there is a place where you always want as much outside heat to warm car's interior? Northern Europe and Northern coastal USA?

    But what about interior plastic formulation? Have they beaten the cracked dash? I haven't heard about it so I guess not.

    I guess I'll go for ceramic silver film where legal and maybe tint on front side windows and one or two big reflective windshield screens. Knew a guy that worked with TWO reflector screens, one for the windshield and another for the side windows of where the sun was going to be shining.
     
    #8 The Big Sleaze, Aug 17, 2021
  9. Hydrocket

    Hydrocket Member

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    I have a custom fit sunshade bought from Amazon.

    Fits well. 20210603_154402.jpg
     
    #9 Hydrocket, Aug 21, 2021
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  10. lbligh

    lbligh Member

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    More info please? I need one.

     
    #10 lbligh, Aug 21, 2021
  11. Hydrocket

    Hydrocket Member

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    #11 Hydrocket, Aug 24, 2021
  12. Daniel L

    Daniel L Member

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    Window tint makes a dramatic difference. I have 3M Crystalline on my other two cars and after driving the new Prius home, I've been trying to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. It may not make much difference if the car has been baking in the sun but on drives, it's the difference between feeling uncomfortable heat on your arms/legs versus just barely feeling the warmth.
     
    #12 Daniel L, Aug 27, 2021
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  13. don_chuwish

    don_chuwish Well Seasoned Member

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    Agreed, I had it done on our Odyssey, windshield and front side windows. Dramatically reduced the need for sunglasses while driving and much less heat from the door window. A/C has an easier time keeping up. But if it gets parked in the hot sun it still gets hot enough to not be able to discern the difference.
    Only thing I don't like about it (SunTek) is some windshield haze when driving into low angle sunshine. Apparently some brands are better about that but more $$.
     
    #13 don_chuwish, Sep 24, 2021
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