Windshield Xpel wrap?

veryTaycan

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Has anyone done a clear windshield XPEL ? Any concern about wiper blade in contact with the film or ice/snow?
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Mr.Smith

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I had Stek for 2.5 years. It saved me from thousands of small chips and 5 really big ones that would need to replace my entire windshield.
Mine was very well maintained, including using detail spray with carnauba wax to clean and keep it protected from UV rays discoloring the film.

I never drive in the rain or have ever used my wipers, but I will eventually scratch the film.
You just have to replace the film when it does scratch.

I recently replaced the Stek with Xpel. Although it's pretty clear, the glue marks are very visible which makes it very distorted, especially at night. Almost like folding marks.
It could have been a first run batch defect.

I'm getting ClearPlex the next time around. It's much harder to apply for the installer, but it's very clear. The other issue is longevity. It's only good for around 8 months as it's starts getting discoloring.
Because I don't drive in the rain, park in the garage 90% of the time, maintain it after every drive, I expect mine to last a very long time.


Regardless I would not drive 1 mile without windshield protection. It's a must.
 

Mr.Smith

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"I never drive in the rain or have ever used my wipers"

🤣🤣🤣

Impossible in northern Europe
For sure. If you maintain the windshield protection, it will last longer, but it is inevitable you will have scratchs on the film.
 

BjörnfromHamburg

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In Germany, unfortunately not any windshield protection allowed.
Just going through the process of having my windshield replaced for a total amount of around € 3600,-
 


Mr.Smith

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In Germany, unfortunately not any windshield protection allowed.
Just going through the process of having my windshield replaced for a total amount of around € 3600,-
For me I don't like any flaws on the windshield, like tiny nicks, let alone rock chips.
Cost aside, the car is never factory fresh after a windshield is replaced. Some don't care, but for me it a big deal
 

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I recently replaced the Stek with Xpel. Although it's pretty clear, the glue marks are very visible which makes it very distorted, especially at night. Almost like folding marks.
It could have been a first run batch defect.
I just had the Xpel Windshield Protection Film installed on my Cross Turismo. I don't see the glue marks or fold lines you are noticing. Mine is clear. I can see some slight distortion on the very bottom of the pasenger side windshield (where the dashboard is) if I quickly move my head from side to side. The main field of view for the driver is clear. Have you had the chance to talk to your installer about it ?
 

Mr.Smith

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I just had the Xpel Windshield Protection Film installed on my Cross Turismo. I don't see the glue marks or fold lines you are noticing. Mine is clear. I can see some slight distortion on the very bottom of the pasenger side windshield (where the dashboard is) if I quickly move my head from side to side. The main field of view for the driver is clear. Have you had the chance to talk to your installer about it ?
The bottom is probably on the curvature of the windshield.

Yes I spoke to my installer and he said it was a defect in the film itself. I could have him replace it, but I won't have the car much longer.
Another issue is when I really look for it, I can see very tiny tiny, presumably the glue.

To be safe, I'm going with Clearplex next.

A close friend was one of the first in the US to do PPF (ClearBra it was called). He was explaining to me that clarity isn't perfect because these are just PPF used on paint at the end of the day.
 


SergeyIndy

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My shop uses Exoshield Ultra that they applied to 2 of my cars. I never heard of Xpel having windshield specific film as it is completely different tech from Xpel PPF film.
 

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Yes I spoke to my installer and he said it was a defect in the film itself. I could have him replace it, but I won't have the car much longer.
What are you planning to get as a replacement for the Audi ?
 

jkoya

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I never heard of Xpel having windshield specific film as it is completely different tech from Xpel PPF film.
Its called Xpel Windshield Protection Film. I didn't know they made it either until the installer mentioned it a couple of weeks ago. I'm happy with mine so far. I don't see any artifacts (other than slight distortion on the passenger bottom corner I mentioned earlier). Driving day or night its clear and I forget that it is there.
 

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What are you planning to get as a replacement for the Audi ?
This one is going to be really protected. Full interior, all exterior, under carriage with SlipLo

Depends on the dealer for discounts if I get it.

Porsche Taycan Windshield Xpel wrap? 20250215_115751
 

jkoya

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This one is going to be really protected. Full interior, all exterior, under carriage with SlipLo

Wow - That's Amazing and Exciting - Congrats !! I love the color you chose too. Was it hard to get an allocation ?
 

Mr.Smith

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My shop uses Exoshield Ultra that they applied to 2 of my cars. I never heard of Xpel having windshield specific film as it is completely different tech from Xpel PPF film.
It's a new product, but think of it as the PPF. I thought it was completely different than the Xpel PPF, but it was explained to me that they are not that different, from someone that interacts with the manufacturing.
 

Mr.Smith

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Wow - That's Amazing and Exciting - Congrats !! I love the color you chose too. Was it hard to get an allocation ?
No it wasn't hard to get an allocation because some dealers just have them on their VIP program.

I had a Turbo GT allocation that was also switched to a Weissach
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