Thinking About Windshield Protection Film for your Bronco? A Few Things Worth Knowing First

[exoshield]

We see a lot of windshield conversations around here, which probably isn't surprising with how upright the Bronco windshield is.


We also see a lot more windshield protection options being talked about now than we did a few years ago.


Since this is obviously something we spend a lot of time around, we figured we'd put together a rundown of a few things worth knowing if you're researching Windshield Protection Film (WPF).


1. WPF isn't PPF


Paint Protection Film is designed for painted surfaces. WPF is specifically designed for automotive glass and needs to maintain optical clarity through the windshield.

If you're protecting your windshield, make sure you're actually looking at a product designed for glass.


2. Not all WPF is built the same


You'll come across different materials and constructions. Some films use TPU, others use PET. There are also single-layer and multi-layer/peelable systems. It's worth asking what the film is made from, how it handles abrasion and what happens as it wears and you remove layers.


3. It's protection, not an invisible force field


WPF is designed to absorb and distribute energy from impacts that would otherwise hit the glass directly. It can prevent a lot of chips and cracks, but no film can guarantee your windshield will never break.


Big enough rock + enough speed can still win that fight.


4. Optical clarity AND maintenance matter


You're looking through this material every time you drive, so ask about distortion and haze before choosing a film.

Once it's installed, keep the windshield and wiper blades clean. Dirt and debris trapped under the blades can scratch the film over time.


5. WPF is a wear item


Think of it as a sacrificial layer. It's taking the pitting, abrasion and impacts instead of the glass underneath, so eventually the film itself will need to be replaced.

How long that takes depends on the film, mileage, environment and maintenance.

____

Hopefully this helps anyone who's been researching it. If there's anything about WPF you've always wondered about, drop it below and we'll answer what we can!

Sponsored

 

[Desmolicious]

1. WPF isn't PPF

Sooo, I can't get it in a sweet dark metallic red?

 

[exoshield]

1. WPF isn't PPF

Sooo, I can't get it in a sweet dark metallic red?

Hahaha unfortunately not Optically clear is about as exciting as the colour options get.

 

[MFM01]

Thank you for this. What is the difference between the TPU and PET? Which is more desirable? Are the multilayer reelable like the protectors on MX goggles where you literally peel a layer off as needed? Thank you!

 

[Kenmra150]

Thank you for this. What is the difference between the TPU and PET? Which is more desirable? Are the multilayer reelable like the protectors on MX goggles where you literally peel a layer off as needed? Thank you!

I believe there are two types, one layer and the multilayer in terms of construction, so much like the peel away films we see on cars in Indy car. I have gone through the Windshield Defense literature (https://windshielddefense.com/colle...s/windshield-defense-kit-for-ford-bronco-u725) as well as the reviews. This is a 3 layer film that gets applied to the windshield. The second company I reviewed is ExoShield which appears to be a single layer designed primarily for off road (https://shop.getexoshield.com/produ...*1d18ips*_gcl_au*MTg3NjE3MzY2NS4xNzg5MDUxMDEz)

I found folks who had installed these protector films and had issues with removal, sticky residue, still getting cracks and divots but the deal breaker for me is that using polarized sunglasses behind these films might be less enjoyable as the vision gets distorted by the polarization. If you do not routinely use polarized sunglasses they seem like a good investment.

A third company caught my eye, as they are less expensive and only had one review. One gent indicated he screwed up the install and the company, Bogart Designs, shipped him a new one to provide feedback.

https://bogartechdesigns.com/produc...ield-premium-protection-self-healing-film-kit

 

[exoshield]

Thank you for this. What is the difference between the TPU and PET? Which is more desirable? Are the multilayer reelable like the protectors on MX goggles where you literally peel a layer off as needed? Thank you!

Great questions! TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) and PET (polyethylene terephthalate) are two different materials used in windshield protection film, and each has its place depending on the application.

For example, ExoShield ULTRA is an 8-mil PET film. PET is a harder, more rigid material, which makes it a great fit for upright windshields like the Jeep/Bronco where impact protection and optical clarity are really important. TPU is a softer, more flexible material, similar to what you’ll commonly see used in paint protection film, which can make it better suited to windshields with more complex curves. Quality PET film will outlast TPU films in the majority of windshield related use cases.

And yes, your motocross goggle analogy is pretty close to how the multi-layer concept works! The idea is that as the outer layer becomes worn, it can be peeled away to expose a new layer underneath.

One thing I’d look at when comparing those systems, though, is not just how many layers you can peel away, but how much protection remains as those layers are removed. That’s one of the questions worth asking when comparing a multi-layer system with a single-layer WPF like ULTRA that remains at 8mils of protection over the entire useable life of the product.

 

[Windshield Defense]

I believe there are two types, one layer and the multilayer in terms of construction, so much like the peel away films we see on cars in Indy car. I have gone through the Windshield Defense literature (https://windshielddefense.com/colle...s/windshield-defense-kit-for-ford-bronco-u725) as well as the reviews. This is a 3 layer film that gets applied to the windshield. The second company I reviewed is ExoShield which appears to be a single layer designed primarily for off road (https://shop.getexoshield.com/produ...*1d18ips*_gcl_au*MTg3NjE3MzY2NS4xNzg5MDUxMDEz)

I found folks who had installed these protector films and had issues with removal, sticky residue, still getting cracks and divots but the deal breaker for me is that using polarized sunglasses behind these films might be less enjoyable as the vision gets distorted by the polarization. If you do not routinely use polarized sunglasses they seem like a good investment.

A third company caught my eye, as they are less expensive and only had one review. One gent indicated he screwed up the install and the company, Bogart Designs, shipped him a new one to provide feedback.

https://bogartechdesigns.com/produc...ield-premium-protection-self-healing-film-kit

Appreciate you looking into us! Windshield Defense is one installation with 3 individually removable layers, designed to protect against rock strikes, chips and pitting while maintaining a clear view. When the outer layer gets beat up, peel it off and there’s a fresh one underneath.

On the residue concern, there’s actually a reason our system works the way it does. Our patented tear-off technology comes from 25+ years in professional racing, where clear vision is critical and every second counts. During a race, there’s no time to peel a layer and then clean adhesive off. Our adhesive stays with the discarded layer, so you’re left with a clean, clear layer underneath.

That technology has since expanded beyond racing into military and medical applications, where maintaining visibility is obviously just as important.

We’re also upfront that no film is 100%. It’s designed to take the hit and help distribute the impact before the glass has to. On rare occasions a very large rock can still win, and existing chips or weak spots in the glass before installation can affect the outcome. That’s why we recommend installing on undamaged glass.

The goal is simple: give rocks and debris something else to hit first.

 

[Desmolicious]

Serious question…you had mentioned that to increase the longevity of the film, the windshield and wipers should be kept clean.
I’m trying to reconcile that with an off roading scenario I have encountered a lot - hitting a puddle or mud hole on a trail that throws up muddy water onto the windshield. To see where you are going you have to use the windshield wipers, which apparently will now damage the film?

 

[Windshield Defense]

Serious question…you had mentioned that to increase the longevity of the film, the windshield and wipers should be kept clean.
I’m trying to reconcile that with an off roading scenario I have encountered a lot - hitting a puddle or mud hole on a trail that throws up muddy water onto the windshield. To see where you are going you have to use the windshield wipers, which apparently will now damage the film?

Serious question…you had mentioned that to increase the longevity of the film, the windshield and wipers should be kept clean.
I’m trying to reconcile that with an off roading scenario I have encountered a lot - hitting a puddle or mud hole on a trail that throws up muddy water onto the windshield. To see where you are going you have to use the windshield wipers, which apparently will now damage the film?

Great question. You can absolutely use your windshield wipers with Windshield Defense, including when you’re off-roading.

Muddy windshield? Use the washer fluid and wipers. That’s what they’re there for.

When we recommend keeping the windshield and wiper blades clean, we’re talking about maximizing the life and clarity of the film. Dirt, sand and grit trapped under the blades can act like an abrasive over time, especially if the wipers are run dry.

So no, hitting a mud hole and using your wipers isn’t going to suddenly damage the film. Just give the windshield and blades a good cleaning when you get the chance afterward.

And ultimately, that’s one of the benefits of having 3 layers. The outer layer is there to take the everyday abuse. When it eventually gets worn enough, peel it and you’ve got a fresh layer underneath.

 

[Desmolicious]

Thanks, that question was actually directed @exoshield

 

[Headsong]

I like the comment about big enough rock and enough speed.

So many conversations in the gun world about which is better? Big 'rock' which is slower, or smaller 'rock' zipping along at high speed? Both work, most of the time. But speed kills, gotta tell you!

 

[exoshield]

Thanks, that question was actually directed @exoshield

Hahaha, we got you

And yes, you can absolutely use your wipers if you hit a mud hole or get caught with a dirty windshield. We understand the hesitation, but keeping the windshield and wiper blades clean is more about long-term maintenance than avoiding normal wiper use.

The main thing we recommend is not letting dirt, sand or debris build up under the blades, since dragging that across the film repeatedly can cause scratching over time. But if you're on the trail and suddenly can't see through the windshield, definitely use the washer fluid and wipers At the end of the day, being able to see where you're going takes priority!

Then once you're home, just give the windshield and wiper blades a good clean and you're good to go.

Sponsored