3M Crystalline vs XPEL Prime XR Plus Window Film

Even though 3M was issued the first sun control window film patent in 1966, their innovative window film products have helped protect you from the sun’s harmful rays for 50 years. XPEL, Inc window film has only been around for 19 years, yet their XR Prime Series is more effective than traditional metalized or dyed films at filtering out the sun’s heat.

Let Us Examine the Details.

• 3M Crystalline window film rejects 99% UV ray’s
• XPEL window films reject 99% UV ray’s

I see no difference between the two films there. They are both highly effective at blocking those harmful cancer-causing UV sun rays.

• 3M Crystalline rejects 60% of solar energy.
• XPEL Prime XR Plus absorbance is 90%.

Think of window film as a filter. It either reflects or absorbs solar energy. So, we have a clear winner at reducing the heat buildup in your vehicle. Well done, XPEL!

Let Us Check Out the Details on Sun Glare

• 3M Crystalline window film offers a 77% glare reduction.
• XPEL Prime XR Plus provides 95% glare reduction.

XPEL does it again at being an essential film over 3M at reducing the heat buildup in your car and reducing glare. Two essential needs when you live in an area with a hot, sunny climate like California.

Personally, the main reason I tinted my car windows was to reduce the sun’s glare. There is nothing more hazardous than not seeing the road because the sun is blinding your vision.

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration accounts sun glare as a “critical reason” for 16% of environmental-related accidents. That is the second-highest environmental factor after slick roads.

Sun glare does not just endanger drivers in other cars on the road. Because glare blocks so much from your field of vision, smaller objects can be obscured as well. That means glare can cause a driver to be completely unaware of motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians who are nearby.

And just because the sun blinded you when you turned that corner, you can’t go blaming it, knowing it can’t argue back in a court of law. By law, drivers are at fault if they were temporarily blinded by sun glare, otherwise driving negligently.

Managing Sun Glare

Even if you were driving responsibly, sun glare could cause an accident. Lessening the effect of sun glare is more effortless than paying doctor’s or mechanic’s bills, so be prepared for the sun:

• Regularly clean your windshield, including the interior side.
• Wear polarized sunglasses to reduce reflected glare from other vehicles.
• Keep your headlights on to help other blinded drivers see you.
• Focus on lane markers on the road to keep you oriented.
• Consider tinting your front windows to block excess sunlight.

To read the window tinting laws in California, click here. Quality Glass Tint, Inc will be more than happy to help you select the right shade of film to suit your window tinting need. (quote button)

Warranty on 3M Crystalline and XPEL Prime XR Plus

Let’s start with 3M Crystalline. Sold and installed by professional 3M™ Authorized Dealer Installers, 3M films are durable, designed to last, and virtually maintenance-free. The Crystalline Series is backed by a limited lifetime warranty, one of the most comprehensive warranties you can get.

Now let’s take a look at XPEL Prime XR Plus warranty. This Limited Warranty only applies to the Company’s Products which are professionally installed in the manner recommended by the Company. The Company will cover defects on the PRIME Automotive Window Film such as discoloration, fading, bubbling, peeling, cracking, and delamination. XPEL, Inc. expressly warrants to the owner that, from the date of initial installation, for the life of your vehicle (the “Warranty Period”).

The installation shop will, at its option, remove or replace the defective film without charge to the customer if the film has not performed as warranted solely due to a manufacturing defect—warranty Period, subject to the exclusions outlined in this Limited Warranty. The tint shop will not charge a customer for any warranty installation.

This Limited Warranty is transferable only when the new owner of the tinted vehicle provides proof of the original installation date. Transfer of the Limited Warranty only entitles the further owner coverage for the remainder of the initial Warranty Period.

XPEL offers a warranty against bubbling, peeling, and discoloration. 3M does not warranty their film against fading.

It Looks Like We Have a Clear Winner!

When it Come to 3M Crystalline vs XPEL Prime XR Plus Window Film

XPEL not only offers a nationwide lifetime warranty, they give you the peace of mind knowing that if the film fades, but changes color, bubbles, flakes, peels, or delaminates, an authorized XPEL tint shop will also replace the defective film at no cost to you. Proof of payment and the films warranty will be required,

So, XPEL seems to be the better choice of film when it comes to reducing heat buildup and glare reduction. XPEL™ nano-ceramic particle technology will not interfere with radio, cellular, and Bluetooth signals like traditional metalized films can cause.

For many, the peace of mind alone in choosing XPEL Prime XR Plus over 3M Crystalline window film is worth the price.

We look forward to servicing your automotive window tinting needs. If you have any questions, give us a call at (916) 888-8468 or stop by our location on the premises of the Fairway Car Wash in Roseville.