If you commute on the 417 or 174 in Ottawa, you know the sound — that sharp crack of a rock hitting your windshield. Ottawa's extensive use of road gravel and the constant construction traffic make windshield damage one of the most common and frustrating costs of vehicle ownership in the region. Windshield protection film absorbs these impacts, preventing chips and cracks before they happen — saving you the cost and hassle of windshield replacement.
Benefits of Windshield Protection Film
- Absorbs impacts from rocks, gravel, and road debris — prevents chips and cracks
- Significantly cheaper than windshield replacement, especially on vehicles with ADAS cameras and sensors
- Optically clear — no distortion, hazing, or visibility reduction
- Hydrophobic properties improve visibility in rain and make the windshield easier to clean
- Reduces glare from oncoming headlights and sun
- Protects against wiper scratches and minor surface abrasion
Our Installation Process
- Thorough windshield cleaning and decontamination — surface must be perfectly clean for adhesion
- Inspection for existing chips or cracks that need repair before film application
- Precision film application using a slip solution for exact positioning
- Squeegee work to remove all air and solution, ensuring full adhesion and optical clarity
- Edge trimming and final inspection to verify clean lines and no distortion
How Windshield Film Absorbs Impact
Windshield protection film is an optically clear polyurethane layer that disperses the energy of an impact across a wider area. When a rock strikes unprotected glass, all the force concentrates at a single point, creating a chip or crack. With film applied, the impact energy spreads across the film's surface, dramatically reducing the chance of glass damage. The film itself may mark from a strong impact, but it can often be replaced at a fraction of the cost of a new windshield.
Modern vehicles with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) can cost $1,500-$3,000+ for a windshield replacement due to integrated cameras and sensors that need recalibration. Windshield protection film costs a fraction of that and prevents the damage in the first place.
Things to Consider
- The windshield must be free of existing chips or cracks — damage should be repaired before film application
- Film does not make your windshield indestructible — extreme impacts can still cause damage, but the threshold is significantly higher
- Wiper blades should be in good condition to avoid scratching the film surface
- The film is replaceable — if it takes significant damage, it can be removed and reapplied
- Allow 24-48 hours for the film to fully cure before using wipers aggressively
Why Choose Garage Knights for Windshield Protection
We apply windshield protection film with the same precision and care as our paint protection film installations. The windshield is one of the most optically critical surfaces on your vehicle, so there is zero tolerance for distortion, bubbles, or haze. Our installation process ensures the film is invisible to the driver while providing maximum impact protection against Ottawa's gravel-covered roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will windshield protection film affect my visibility?
No. The film is optically clear and designed to maintain full visibility. It actually improves visibility in rain due to its hydrophobic properties, causing water to bead and roll off the surface more effectively.
How does the cost compare to windshield replacement?
Windshield protection film costs a fraction of a replacement — especially on modern vehicles with ADAS cameras and sensors where a replacement can run $1,500-$3,000+. The film prevents damage that would otherwise require costly replacement.
How long does windshield protection film last?
With proper care, windshield protection film lasts 3-5 years. It can be replaced when it reaches the end of its useful life. Many clients find they replace the film far less often than they would have replaced an unprotected windshield.
Can the film be applied over an existing rock chip?
We recommend repairing any existing chips before film application. Applying film over a chip can seal in moisture and prevent proper repair later. We can assess your windshield and recommend chip repair if needed before installation.
Does the film work with rain-sensing wipers and ADAS systems?
Yes. The film is compatible with rain sensors, ADAS cameras, and other windshield-mounted technology. It does not interfere with sensor functionality or camera clarity.
