Heat Insulated Windshield

Negatives:

* Cost (last I checked, ~$1200 on the F12 in the US)
* Weight penalty (never seen a quantification, but can't be too bad)

Positives:

* Reduces heat coming into the cabin by 50% (I did see a quantification)

 

I've had it on our last few cars. To me, it's a no brainer. I think it might add 1-2kg.

It works really well, and have had zero issues with night visibility, interference with electronics, et al. For Florida, it would definitely help, given the size of the windshields and the rake angle.

 

No other negatives that I know of. I've had it on every car so far, and would spec again.

 

Does it not affect radar detector functionality? Had major issues with the glass in my S63...

 

I was inquiring when I spec'd my car if the insulated window was harder, more impervious to chips. It's not from what I gather. If my car spent a lot of time outdoors and/or I lived in a hot and sunny climate, I would get it for sure.

 

it's not a HEATED windshield, so it doesn't have any metallization/wiring inside...like our Cayenne which does and renders EZ-Pass transponders, et al useless.

The heat insulation I believe is a UV laminate layered in. Not tinted (at least that I can tell) but UV shielded, and it works pretty well

I have put a protective laminate on a couple cars, if installed properly they work great and save the windshield from pitting for sure

 

I have the heat insulating windscreen on my Cali, and have not had any trouble with our Toll Tag (Texas version of the EZ Pass) registering...T

 

Personally, I would go this route. The factory one likely has the laminate sandwiched and thus wouldn't do anything to help with the pitting.

BTW, how much did it cost to protective laminate the windshield?

 

I've had it on two (2) previous Californias and now on my F12. There is no negative effect on radar detector sensitivity or functionality. I have also used EZPass and SunPass toll transponders through the windshields.

 

I had it done when we had the 3M done, IIRC it was around $600, and in our case, was not the UV film. The material is quite different than the paint protection film, and it's pain in the ass to install perfectly.
contrast that with tear offs on race cars, which cost a few hundred to install, but bubbles are somewhat tolerated

 

I've had it now on 2 cars and absolutely no issues with night viewing, radar, EZ pass, etc. Highly recommend it for just about anyone. I should add, as a comparison, there was a noticeable difference between my 458 with the heat insulating windshield and my friend's 458 without. He would always say the AC in his 458 was not very good. One day I went to check it out- it basically felt like we had to run the AC one notch more than I had to in my car. Same car, same AC, just different windshield.... IMHO well worth it.

 

I had it on my first F12 (here in Mississippi) and didn't bother ordering it on the 2nd one as I couldn't tell any difference. Just my 2 cents.

Best, Paul

 

One would think that all windshields are laminates and UV blocking film is just a simple coating so I'm impressed that its a $1200 option but not really surprised given the cost of cup holders these days. Heat and radiation are very damaging to fine materials over time so should be standard and not an option IMO.

 

That's the first thing I thought of as I avoided at least 8 different highway patrols with my trusty radar just today alone.


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Yes have personal experience

Not affected. In contrast the electrically heated windshields (not offered on Ferraris) DO affect and limit RF signals. Even on those types there is typically a null zone on the glass specifically for transponders/tags.

 

since you're in FL and spending option money...did you go for privacy glass, or will you tint the windows? just curious. am tempted to do a tint on our most recent car since the back glass is almost flat and the quarter windows are 4 square inches

in hindsight, should have just paid for the darker glass

 

Where are you at, with so many cops around? It's not Huntington Beach, is it?...But I have heard there are no longer many cops around in Cali.