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Dangerous light scattering after applying sun film on the windshield

4th March 2024, 11:35 by Utkarsh Chaudhary

When I started driving home, I got a severe headache within 5 minutes. I felt like I was going to vomit.

BHPian raptor_diwan recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Lesson learned: A cheap option is not always the best one

I wanted to tint my car windows and was searching for prices in my area. I contacted Car Spark and received a quote of 4500 for Garware Icecool on the windshield, which reduces heat by 45% and cuts UV by 99%. For the sides and rear glasses, I was quoted 4200 for SP70. I was planning to go ahead with this option but then a friend mentioned someone on GP Road who could do it for half the price and with a branded tint. He convinced me to try it there and arranged for it today.

We went, chose the percentage and brand (Garware), but I didn't personally verify the roll. We left the place for 30 minutes to grab lassi, and when we returned, they had already started the work. We were around the area, as my friend had a shop nearby, so we were chatting. We received a call that it was ready, checked, and everything seemed fine. The price was only 2700 for the front, rear, and side glasses – a seemingly good deal. (Since it's an S-Presso, I thought it might not cost much, considering the smaller area to cover)

Later, I went to my friend's home and stayed there until evening (7:30 PM). When I started driving home, I got a severe headache within 5 minutes. I couldn't find the reason since I was driving on streets, not on the main road. As soon as I reached the main road, all the lights, even the small ones, appeared zigzagging and gave me a tripping feeling. I felt like I was going to vomit, and the lights were not just scattering; they were at their worst. I stopped the car, called my friend, and shared a picture.

This is not a camera error; it exactly captured what I was seeing. Imagine how dangerous it would be to drive in this condition.

Then my friend called the shop, and they said that the soap water used during installation might be causing this. They suggested holding on for two more days in the sun, and it would clear up. Considering the situation, I was tempted to remove the tint myself and drive, as it seemed really dangerous. Everyone inside the car felt like they had consumed magic mushrooms and seeing its effects.

I don't have hope that this will resolve in 2 days even if it dries, but I can't tear it myself; otherwise, I won't be able to get a refund or a replacement from a reputable brand. (Planning to upgrade the brand during replacement)

I plan to check it tomorrow, if not I'll remove it, and ask the seller to show the brand before reapplying. I'll request a replacement. My friend assured me that this shop is well-known to him, and he will ensure a replacement if the issue persists, so I'm trying not to worry.

Update

As they said, the light scattering is reduced, and a very small amount of scattering is found, which I think is normal. They said to keep the car in the sun; it will get normal. It seems to be okay now. Let's see how long it takes.