Genesis GV70 Window Tinting Review: Solar Gard Saturn

Genesis GV70 Window Tinting: The Saturn Film Experience

We recently had a Genesis GV70 detailed with a premium window tinting service, featuring the Solar Gard Saturn film and a "no-touch molding" technique. This client sought a balance between enhanced vehicle protection and excellent visibility, a common desire for new car owners today. This review details the entire process performed at the "Today's Car" Cheonan branch, highlighting the meticulous steps involved in achieving a flawless finish.

Expert Installation at "Today's Car" Cheonan

The "Today's Car" Cheonan branch specializes in imported vehicles and has a strong track record with Genesis models, having serviced over 500 such cars in the past three years. Their expertise is particularly crucial for vehicles with special paint colors like Saturn or Brilliant White, which require advanced inspection and masking techniques. Even in challenging weather conditions, like the impending typhoon during this GV70's service, their team conducts thorough new car inspections.

Meticulous Inspection and Preparation

The inspection process began under difficult, rainy conditions. Dark-colored cars can be tricky to inspect for paint defects due to altered light reflections. The team used air guns to dry the vehicle and meticulously examined the paintwork. Several minor paint imperfections were noted and marked, ensuring clear communication with the client. The Saturn color's unique appearance, which shifts with viewing angles, makes such detailed pre-tinting checks vital for preventing future disputes.

Following the inspection, the critical "no-touch molding" preparation began with extensive masking. For the GV70 Saturn, this involved carefully protecting the bumper, headlights, and character lines. Proper masking is fundamental to the quality and longevity of the window film installation. Although seemingly straightforward, this masking process can take 2-3 hours. Any oversight, like lifting tape edges, can lead to film bubbling and reduced lifespan.

Choosing the Right Window Film: Solar Gard Saturn

The client selected the Solar Gard Saturn series for their GV70, opting for a 30% tint on the front windshield and 10% on the rear sides and back window. This combination offers a practical balance, ensuring sufficient driving visibility while maximizing interior heat rejection. When selecting window film, it's crucial to look beyond just the IR (infrared) rejection rate and focus on the TSER (Total Solar Energy Rejected). TSER provides a comprehensive measure of the film's ability to block all forms of solar energy, including visible light, infrared, and UV rays. Some domestic films may advertise high rejection rates, but these figures can sometimes be misleading.

Domestic vs. Imported Window Films

Many domestic tinting films available in the market are produced by the same factories using an OEM model. A common material used is carbon, which is less resistant to heat and has a shorter adhesive lifespan. Consequently, these films often begin to peel or develop bubbles within two years, despite advertised 10-year warranties. This leads to frequent warranty claims and re-applications for installers. As a result, an increasing number of car owners are opting for premium imported window films, recognizing the long-term value and superior performance they offer.

Installation Process:

1. Thorough vehicle inspection and paint defect identification.
2. Meticulous masking of sensitive body panels and trim to prevent damage.
3. Precise cutting and application of the chosen window film (Solar Gard Saturn).
4. "No-touch molding" technique for a seamless, edge-to-edge finish.
5. Final inspection and curing process.