It’s vacation time! Heavy traffic, blinding sun, and an air conditioner that just doesn’t seem to cool down enough– does this sound familiar? Summer driving is tedious, and even dangerous with all the road traffic and potential sun exposure. According to AAA, an estimated 37.5 million Americans will have each driven 50 or more miles just over Independence Day weekend this summer. Thanks to low gas prices Americans are encouraged to drive more, and while the cash savings are great, we need to remember that our skin and eyes need saving, too.

During the summer months (May – August), UV exposure is at its highest. The average car window only blocks about 70% of UV rays from passing through and into your interior, leaving us subject to extreme skin and eye damage. You can easily lather up with sunscreen and put on sunglasses, but these initiatives will only help so much. You’ll have to reapply sunscreen and most sunglasses only protect the front portion of your eyes, not the sides.

So how, you might ask, do we protect ourselves and passengers effectively this summer when hitting the road? The answer is clear: by using professionally installed window film.

Window film for automobiles, or “auto tint”, is a thin sheet of film with layers and coatings that comes in various shades from completely clear to darker colors. A professional installation can help block up to 99% of UV rays from entering your vehicle and reduces sun glare exposure while you are driving. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, a study found that skin cell death was reduced by 93% when UV rays were filtered through window film. An added bonus? Due to the reflective ability of window film, vehicles won’t absorb as much heat, boosting the air conditioners’ effectiveness at keeping you cool.

Check out the IWFA’s free automotive consumer booklet for more information on how you can better protect yourself and your loved ones while on the road this summer. Looking to connect with your local, accredited window film installer? Visit our Business Locator!

Stay protected, drive safe, and enjoy your vacation!