Photochromic Sun Film for Cars: Is It Wise Choice To Use During Summer? Check Price And Legality In India

News18

20-05-2025

Last Updated:
In this article, we have covered all the topics, giving a brief about the accessory. Let's take a deep dive and have a closer look.
The cool season is gone; welcome to the reality check! As the summer has already started showing its real face, the peak heat is just around the corner, with an average temperature of 40°C to 45°C in India. All the car enthusiasts looking for a wise option to beat the scorching heat this season, that is when photochromic sun film comes into the scene.
It is a smart window film that adapts to sunlight intensity, cutting down the heat inside the cabin, and allows the driver to have a comfortable driving expirnece under decent temperature during hot days.
If you are planning to get these films for your car, and wondering about the cost, effectiveness, and legality in India, then you are on the right page. In this article, we have covered all the topics, giving a brief about the accessory. Let's take a deep dive and have a closer look.
What Is Photochromic Sun Film?
First things first, it is important to know what is considered as Photochromic sun films. It is an advanced window film, filled with molecules that change their structure everytime exposed to UV rays.
Whenever the sun goes brighter and the rays fall on the film, it makes it darker, working as a barrier to block out heat and glare. This help to prevent the car getting heat up and maintain a decent temperature as possible inside the cabin. This technology is quite similar to photochromic eyeglasses.
How Effective Is It During Summers In India?
During the brutal summer, it reduces glare level, allows the driver to have comfortable drive with less eye fatigue.
What's The Cost?
These films are not typically available as standard tint films. However, interested customers could get the job done at high-end car accessory stores in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.
There is a list of authorised retailers who supply these films across the country. The list includes Garware, 3M, and Llumar, among others.
Talking about the cost breakdown for all windows. It can be installed under Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 for hatchbacks, Rs 20,000 to Rs 35,000 for sedans, and Rs 25,000 to Rs 45,000 for SUVs & MPVs. The luxury car owners might have to spend Rs 40,000 upwards.
Is It Allowed in India?
According to the Supreme Court ruling, any aftermarket sun film is considered illegal regardless the transparency. Only OEM-tinted glass that has a minimum visibility of up to 70 percent VLT for front, 50 percent for side windows, is allowed.
Since photochromic is an aftermarket accessory, it falls under the illegal category, no matter if it meets VLT standards or not.