What is car glass booking and why is it needed

While driving, the car can receive various damages, the glass is especially vulnerable. Accidentally flying off stone can cause cracks or chips. Also, most car thefts happen through windows. Glass booking can help protect the surface from scratches and chips, as well as partially increase safety.

Car glass protection

Auto glass protection can be conditionally divided into two categories:

1. Installation of full-fledged armor.
2. Bonding of the armouring film.

Full armor

The installation of real armored glass is done by special order. As a rule, in such cases, the entire vehicle is booked. Armored glass is a multilayer structure with a thickness of 10 to 90 mm. There is a polymeric substance or polyethylene between the layers. Such a surface can withstand almost any impact and can protect even large-caliber weapons from bullets. It depends on its thickness.

In addition, bullet-resistant glasses are specially hardened. Cars with such protection are used in law enforcement agencies for military operations, in private security agencies, as well as for the transportation of high-ranking officials.

Protective film

Full armor provides reliable protection, but installation is very expensive, and it significantly increases the weight of the car. A cheaper and more affordable option for every driver is a special booking film. The coating can be compared to tinting, but the material is much denser and thicker.

Armor film provides the following benefits:

• protects the glass surface from stones, road debris and sharp objects;
• partially increases the burglar resistance of the car, such glass is much more difficult to break;
• with a strong impact, the glass will not shatter into small pieces, but will remain intact;
• due to its transparency, after installation, the surface will transmit light at almost the same level;
• you can "close" not only the windshield or side windows, but also the headlights. Due to their proximity to the road surface, these elements are most often subject to impacts;
• increases the level of noise insulation in the cabin, but only if all surfaces are armored.

The disadvantages of booking include:

• the surface wears out quickly from dust and dirt, it is necessary to regularly monitor cleanliness;
• harsh cleaning agents can damage the film;
• if installed incorrectly, bubbles and folds appear.

Selecting a film for booking

When choosing a film, the driver should take into account several determining factors:

1. Climatic conditions of the area. Coatings of varying quality may not withstand extreme heat or extreme frost.

2. Coating thickness. Reliability will depend on the thickness. It is also worth paying attention to the most problematic areas. Most often, the windshield and headlights suffer from stones. Thickness ranges from 112 to 300 microns.

3. Manufacturer reliability. Not only protection, but also transparency will largely depend on the quality of the film.

4. Additional effects. If desired, you can choose a film with a tinted effect. The main thing is that the transparency of the glass remains within the limits of GOST.

Installation of armor film

Film thickness ranges from 112 to 300 microns. For example, 100 microns is a tenth of one millimeter (1000 microns = 1 millimeter). Polyurethane is used for the manufacture of the material. It has unique abilities: it is very durable and elastic at the same time.

Also, before installation, the density of the film is selected. It can be different. The higher the density, the less flexible the material will be. If the glass has a complex geometry, then a film with a lower density is selected.

Mounting technology

Coating should only be entrusted to good professionals. The master will do the job efficiently and quickly.

1. First you need to prepare the glass surface. It is cleaned, degreased and wiped dry. It is important that there are no lint and dust on the glass, otherwise it will be noticeable. Then the film is cut to size.
2. Further, a special soap solution is applied to the glass surface and to the inner surface of the film. With the help of plastic spatulas, the master gently expels air and liquid residues, gluing the material tightly.
3. The next step is drying. For this, either an industrial or an ordinary household hair dryer is used. It is important here not to overheat the material.

The process is quite simple, but it requires special skills. When self-installing, there is a high probability of bubbles and wrinkles after drying.

Booking cost

The exact price is difficult to establish. It will depend on the quality of the material, the thickness and area of ​​the glued surface.

On average, booking a windshield will cost 3000 - 3500 rubles. Covering two side windows - 2000 - 2300 rubles. Covering all side windows - about 7000 rubles. Rear window - 3500 rubles. These are approximate market prices for an average passenger car.

Car glass armoring provides good protection against scratches, stones and impacts. Also provides partial protection against vandals and auto-thieves. A good and high quality coating will last for about two years. The armor protects the glass surface and can save you from costly repairs.