Following recent reports regarding the possible introduction of Ops Cermin Gelap by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) which will begin June 16, 2014 to reinforce regulations on tinted automotive windscreens and windows, we at 3M Malaysia believe that if and when enforced accurately, Ops Cermin Gelap will be an important aspect towards ensuring better road safety for the nation.
As Ops Cermin Gelap outlines that the government will reinforce its regulations for security tints, we think that to make this positive move happen, all Malaysians should firstly be aware of their alternatives – that being high performance window films that are in keeping with the standard VLT rates.
There is a common misconception that darker films mean better heat rejection. Given the Malaysian weather and with the element of safety, most car owners still believe thicker and darker window films are safer and cooler.
However, automotive window film technology has widely evolved and advanced today. With over 70 years of experience as the leader in safety innovation and as a pioneer in window films, 3M is continuously designing window films that generate superior solar heat performance and deter crime without blacking out car windows.
3M has a range of window films designed to give a crystal clear line-of-sight which rejects more heat as compared to the commonly used darker films. For example, the 3M Crystalline AutoFilm series features a 3M proprietary technology called the Multi-layer Optical Film (MOF) technology which combines over 200 layers to create a film thinner than a Post-it Note. This unique technology is the reason a clear film can reject more heat than darker films, without compromising the appearance of a car as well as the visibility and safety of drivers and passengers.
As solar heat comes from two primary sources – the visible light you can see and the infrared light you can feel – the 3M Crystalline AutoFilm series is able to reject up to 97% of Infrared light while blocking up to 60% of heat coming through windows. The solar film also provides interior protection where up to 99.9% of harmful UV rays are rejected to reduce fading of a car’s interior while reducing damage to your skin with SPF of over 1000.
With that, we at 3M Malaysia believe that education is the most important aspect to kick start this operation – without providing Malaysians with the right solutions to debunk their perception that darker shades of window films provide better heat rejection and safety, it will not be as easy to move them towards adhering to the standard visible light transmissions (VLT) rates. It is important that all car owners are aware of the availability of alternative window films which are designed with lightly tinted films that can perform much better to allow clear, cool, visible light into the car for a safer driving experience.
