If you live in the San Fernando Valley, you already know what summer does to the inside of a car. Valley temperatures regularly run well above the coast, and a car parked in Chatsworth or Northridge in July can feel like an oven by lunch.
Most people think about the side windows when they think about tint. But the windshield is the largest piece of glass on your car and the one that faces the sun the most while you drive. That makes it one of the best places to focus on heat.
Why the windshield matters so much
Your windshield sits at an angle that catches the sun head on, and it pours light and heat right onto your dash, steering wheel, and lap. That is why the steering wheel can be too hot to touch and why your dash takes the worst of the sun damage over time.
Treating the windshield along with the rest of the glass gives you the most complete comfort and interior protection.
Your windshield options in California
California allows a tint strip along the top of the windshield. This visor strip is a favorite because it cuts the glare from the sun when it sits low in the sky, which Valley commuters on the 118 and the 101 know well in the morning and late afternoon.
For drivers with a medical need for extra sun protection, a medical exemption can allow more coverage. We will walk you through the current California rules for your vehicle so everything we install is done the right way.
Heat rejection comes from the film, not the darkness
The part of sunlight you feel as heat is mostly infrared. Quality ceramic film is built to block a large share of that infrared while staying very clear, so you get real comfort without a dark look.
That is the key for Valley drivers. By putting ceramic film on the side and rear windows and adding a windshield strip, you cut down the heat coming into the cabin from nearly every direction. The car cools down faster, the AC works less, and the ride is more comfortable.
Protecting your interior from the Valley sun
UV light is what fades and cracks dashboards, leather seats, and trim. Quality film blocks nearly all of it, which keeps your interior looking newer for longer and helps protect your skin on long drives.
If you are also protecting your paint with PPF or a ceramic coating, tint is the natural finishing touch. Together they keep the whole car protected from the sun inside and out.
Getting it done at WRPD in Chatsworth
We tint in a clean indoor studio at 9362 Eton Avenue, just off the 118 and close to Santa Susana Pass. Our installers cut and fit film for each car so the edges are tight and clean, and we will help you plan a setup that keeps you cool and stays within California rules.
Want the full details on how we do it? Read more about our Window Tinting service at WRPD in Chatsworth, serving the greater Los Angeles area.
Common questions
Can I tint my whole windshield in California?+
California allows a strip along the top of the windshield, and medical exemptions can allow more. We will go over the current rules for your car before we start.
Does a windshield strip really help?+
Yes. It cuts the glare from a low sun, which makes morning and evening drives much more comfortable.
What is the best film for Valley heat?+
Ceramic film. It blocks a large amount of infrared heat while staying clear, so it works great even in lighter legal shades.
Will tint help my AC?+
Yes. With less heat coming through the glass, the cabin cools faster and your AC does not have to work as hard.
Ready to beat the Valley heat? Visit WRPD at 9362 Eton Avenue in Chatsworth or call (747) 220-0200. We tint cars for drivers from Northridge, Porter Ranch, Granada Hills, West Hills, Chatsworth, and the rest of the greater Los Angeles area.