WINDSHIELD FILMS

STEK AUTOMOTIVE WINDSHIELD FILMS LIMITED PRODUCT WARRANTY

Coverage Overview

This Limited Warranty (the “Warranty”) is valid from the date of purchase and covers defects in materials and manufacturing against adhesion failure, peeling, bubbling, blistering, delamination, and other manufacturing defects of STEK Windshield Protection Films (WSF), installed by an authorized STEK installer. Authorized installers can be found at http://www.stekautomotive.com. This warranty does not cover damage caused by misuse, accidents, misapplication, normal wear and tear, dents from road debris impact, collisions, and/or intentional damage of any kind.

 

Duration and Transferability

This Warranty is valid for 1 (One) years from the date of original installation of the Windshield Protection Film by an authorized STEK installer. This warranty terminates upon the removal of the Windshield Protection Film from the windshield for any reason.

The Warranty is non-transferable, except in cases where the new owner submits to STEK proof of the original installation date and notification to the original installer, STEK Country Distributor, or STEK Headquarters within 30 days of the vehicle ownership transfer. The new owner’s use of STEK WINDSHIELD Film Care Solution is required for the remaining warranty to remain valid.

This transfer must be completed via STEK’s warranty management website at www.stekshield.com. The Warranty transfer does not extend or reset the original coverage period, and the coverage for the new owner remains limited to the remainder of the original term.

 

Limitations and Exclusions

This Limited Warranty does not cover any damage, defect, or issue caused by:

  1. Misuse, neglect, or improper handling of the vehicle or Windshield Films (WSF), including but not limited to unreasonable or unintended use, unauthorized modifications, or application in non-automotive contexts, or on parts of the vehicle that are restricted or regulated by law.

  2. Accidents, collisions, intentional damage, or vandalism, including acts of nature such as fire, hail, flood, or extreme environmental conditions (e.g., Sandstorms, hail, tornadoes, hurricanes, or any other weather condition).

  3. Normal wear and tear, including but not limited to surface scratches, stains, discoloration, or water spots caused by mineral deposits or other contaminants left on the film for extended periods.

  4. Improper storage, installation, or non-compliance with STEK’s installation guidelines, including use of the product in a manner not intended or outside its specifications.

  5. Defects from lack of Quartz Coating: failure to use a Quartz Coating, such as haze or scratches, are not covered under this warranty.

  6. Installation on surfaces with known or visible defects, such as scratches, scuffs, scrapes, chips, or any pre-existing damage to the painted surface.

  7. Improper wash techniques or maintenance, including the use of abrasive cleaning tools, automatic car washes, incorrect wash tools, or harsh chemicals that may damage the film or underlying surface.

  8. Damage not resulting from manufacturing defects, including defects caused by any third-party handling or services after the product is in the customer’s possession.

  9. Unreasonable or unintended use of the product, including modifications or use in non-automotive applications, or on parts of the vehicle that are restricted or regulated by law.

  10. Water spots caused by mineral deposits, which, if left to dry on the film, may result in permanent staining.

  11. Damage from external forces, including the impact of rocks, road debris, or any other physical damage to the surface of the film.

  12. Thermal or chemical abuse, including exposure to excessive heat, cold, or harsh chemicals (e.g., strong solvents, caustic cleaners) that can deteriorate the product.

  13. Non-STEK ceramic coatings and any third-party coatings applied to the film after installation are not covered under this warranty. To maintain warranty eligibility, only the STEK Windshield Care Solution may be used, and it must be applied in strict accordance with the guidelines specified in the warranty document.

  14. Scratches caused by windshield wipers, or

  15. Product abuse, normal wear, accident, collision, negligence, misuse, abuse, neglect, mishandling, alteration, maladjustment, modification, customization, alteration or vandalism; or 

  16. Glass breakage, pre-existing damage, or intentional damage to the windshield; or

  17. Chemicals and caustic materials (including cleaners with solvents, such as IPA, or other corrosive materials) or cleaning or scrubbing the product on the windshield with abrasive material; or

  18. Cosmetic damages to the film; or

  19. Products not supplied by us, service by anyone other than us or an installer approved by us, misapplication, faulty installation, or any installer action or inaction; or

  20. Failure to follow the Material Handling & Storage Instructions and the Maintenance & Care Instructions, the use of non-authorized products, or inability to comply with WSF Care Instructions as outlined in the Installation & Care section will void the warranty.

ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF MERCHANTABILITY, THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OR CONDITION ARISING OUT OF A COURSE OF DEALING OR OF PERFORMANCE, CUSTOM, OR USAGE OF TRADE, ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE APPLICABLE WARRANTY TIME PERIOD.

Note that some state laws do not permit limitations on the length of an implied warranty. In this case, the limitation above may not apply.

 

The warranty and remedies described herein are available exclusively for the specified STEK Windshield Protection Film product(s). STEK installers and dealers are not authorized to modify, extend, or alter this limited warranty. STEK shall retain the sole responsibility for determining the validity of all warranty claims and reserves the right to deny any claims that do not meet the criteria outlined in this document.

Some installers may offer additional warranties or remedies beyond the limited warranty provided by STEK on their behalf. Such additional warranties or remedies are the sole responsibility of the installer, and STEK is not liable for or bound by any extended or modified warranties offered independently by installers or STEK Country Distributors.

 

Claim Filing Procedure

To file a warranty claim, the customer must first contact the authorized STEK installer responsible for installing the Windshield Film. If the authorized STEK installer is unavailable, the customer may contact their STEK Country Distributor via www.stekautomotive.com or directly contact STEK Headquarters. Claims submitted directly to STEK will only be processed if the original installer or Country Distributor is unreachable. Claims must be filed within 15 days of noticing the defect to ensure the warranty remains valid.

To apply for the warranty and have it accepted as valid, the following conditions must be met:

A. STEKSHIELD Registration: The warranty must be registered through the STEKSHIELD platform within 30 days of installation for the warranty to be valid. Following registration, the installer is required to inform and guide the vehicle owner to activate the warranty by clicking the activation link sent via the confirmation email to the owner’s registered email address. The warranty shall not be considered active until the vehicle owner completes this activation process. Once activated, the warranty will be in effect, and any defect claims must be submitted within 15 days of the discovery of the issue.

B. STEK WSF Care Solution Requirement: STEK Windshield Care Solution must be applied according to the instructions outlined in the warranty.

C. Document Submission: To initiate a claim, the installer responsible for installing the Windshield Film or the STEK Country Distributor must submit the customer’s proof of purchase, original warranty card, product details (including coverage area and installer details), and photographic evidence of the defect. This information, along with any required documentation, must be submitted through www.stekshield.com.

Failure to provide the required documents, register via STEKSHIELD, or failure to follow the Material Handling & Storage Instructions, Installation & Care Instructions, or Maintenance & Care Instructions sections will result in denial of warranty claims or cause a delay in the claiming process.

 

Limitation of Liability

STEK is not responsible for anything more than

  1. Up to the price of the roll

  2. No other damages that are not related to roll

In no event shall any claim made by the buyer or owner, including claims for indemnification, exceed the purchase price of the product in question. Under no circumstances shall STEK, the STEK Country Distributor, or the installer responsible for the initial installation of the Windshield Protection Film be liable for any damages of any kind, including but not limited to special, indirect, incidental, consequential, reliance, statutory, punitive, or exemplary damages. This includes but is not limited to, loss of profits, loss of use, loss of time, loss of revenues, inconvenience, loss of business opportunities, damage to goodwill or reputation, loss of data, or any other damages, even if advised of the possibility of such damages, and whether arising in tort, contract, warranty, negligence, strict liability, or any other legal theory, in connection with, arising out of, or as a result of the sale, delivery, servicing, use, or inability to use the product.

STEK and the STEK Country Distributor shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from misuse, improper installation, or failure by any installer or third party to follow STEK’s established installation guidelines and procedures. STEK shall not be liable for any labor or transportation costs associated with the installation, removal, or reinstallation of the Windshield Film.

 

Disclaimer of Damages

STEK disclaims any and all liability for incidental or consequential damages resulting from the installation, use, or inability to use Windshield Protection Film, including but not limited to damages to other vehicle components, reinstallation costs, transportation expenses, loss of vehicle use, loss of profits, or reduction in the vehicle's value.

 

Responsibility of the Vehicle Owner

The car Owner is responsible for any problems that are not related to the product and for following the law in each country.

It is the sole responsibility of the owner to ensure compliance with all local, federal, national, and international laws regarding the use of STEK Windshield Film. The owner assumes all risks associated with the product’s use, including its installation by third parties and any non-compliance with applicable regulations. STEK, the Country Distributor, and authorized installers are not liable for any legal violations, fines, or damages resulting from improper use or installation of the product.

Check your state and local laws before applying Windshield film to any vehicle parts that may be restricted or regulated under aftermarket modification laws, including but not limited to headlamps, taillights, windows, and other safety-related components. STEK does not cover Windshield film installed on parts restricted by law and is not responsible for any resulting damages, fines, or legal violations. Failure to comply with local, federal, national, and international laws, voids the Warranty, and it is the vehicle owner’s responsibility to ensure compliance.

Except where prohibited by law, no indemnification, compensation, or damages beyond the original purchase price of the product shall be available to the buyer or owner under this Warranty. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply in those areas.

 

Warranty Disclaimer

Material Handling & Storage

  1. Handle the product box with care to avoid pressure marks from careless handling.

  2. Gloss may fade due to pressure, long-term storage, and high temperatures, which is typical of TPU film. The gloss may be recovered by using a heat gun on the affected area. To protect gloss prior to installation, STEK uses a protective GLOSS-ENHANCING sheet on the surface of the top coat.

  3. The product should be stored in an environment with temperatures below 90°F and a relative humidity between 40% and 60%.

  4. STEK Windshield Protection film should be used within one year from the date of purchase.

  5. Repackaging a roll of film into a box bigger or smaller than the size of the roll can damage the film. Doing so may result in pressure marks, faded gloss, embossing marks, etc. STEK therefore recommends using the original box and packaging for storage.

  6. When rewinding or cutting in order to repackage the film, note that surface marks (e.g., small dots, twists, etc.) may appear on the surface due to dirt or dust contamination. If repackaging, ensure that your workspace is clean.

  7. After using part of a roll of film, do not repack it loosely. Keep the film as it was originally packaged—rolled tight and held in place by taping.

  8. Adhesive characteristics may change between seasons if the application environment is not climate-controlled. This is typical of the material. Particularly in cold weather, apply the film only in environments with temperatures higher than 50°F(10°C).

  9. Generally, water mixed with a neutral detergent or IPA (isopropyl alcohol) may be used as a pre-handling liquid before applying the film. Initial adhesive tack may vary depending on the ratio of IPA to water.

  10. Contact the manufacturer if using WSF for non-automotive purposes. Material size, packaging, and adhesive specifications may need to be changed.

STEK is not responsible for damage caused by mishandling, improper storage, recutting, repacking, or not using a sponge core or storage for more than one year. Failure to follow these Material Handling & Storage instructions may result in the voiding of your warranty, as outlined in the Limitations and Exclusions section.

 

Installation & Care

  1. Prior to installation, the windshield must be thoroughly cleaned using STEK’s X Oil to ensure the removal of any oil residues that could compromise visibility. Following this step, clean the surface to eliminate any dust or contaminants.

  2. Due to its self-healing abilities, light scratches on STEK top-coated Windshield Protection Films, may be removed by applying hot water or a heat gun over the affected area(s). Note that if a scratch has penetrated the top coat, it will not self-heal. This is typical of any top-coated Windshield Protection Film.

  3. During installation, apply STEK Slip Solution generously to the windshield and the adhesive side of the film after removing the release liner. This ensures accurate positioning and secure adhesion of the film.

  4. During installation, take care to avoid scratching from installation tools. We recommend using a rubber squeegee for installation (e.g., a yellow or green Turbo squeegee). Even with the use of a rubber squeegee, scratches may occur. Test your tools before installation to determine whether they are safe for use.

  5. Installation should take place in a clean area free of airborne dust and other particulates, which could result in surface scratches.

  6. STEK recommends hand-washing cars protected with Windshield Protection Films. While the top coat may have self-healing abilities, using automatic car washes increases the likelihood of surface scratching. Though minor scratches may self-heal, deeper scratches may remain if they have penetrated the top coat.

The STEK Slip Solution used during the installation of STEK Windshield Protection Film product(s) may require a drying time. This period may lengthen in cold or non-sunny weather, and shorten in warm weather or with direct sun exposure. You may notice small water beads and a slightly cloudy appearance as the film dries. As the film will dry completely in due course, a slow drying time is not a cause for concern.

Failure to follow these Installation & Care instructions instructions may result in the voiding of your warranty as outlined in the Limitations and Exclusions section.

 

DYNOtop Maintenance Guidelines

To maintain product longevity, optimal performance, and durability, adherence to the mandatory maintenance guidelines for DYNOtop is required. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in reduced product performance and could void warranty coverage.

Applicable Products

  • STEK Formula Quartz, Final Coat, Super Coat: Protective liquid polymer that enhances a vehicle's paint or PPF by providing a durable, glossy, and hydrophobic layer resistant to UV rays, scratches, and environmental damage.

  • STEK Formula DYNO FINISH:  A Quick detailer. A spray-on cleaning product that enhances a vehicle's shine, removes light dirt and boosts protection between washes.

  • STEK Formula Paint Cleanse: A contaminant remover.

  • STEK Formula OG: A Degreasing agent.

  1. Causes of Damage

A. Water Spots: Contaminants in rainwater can evaporate and erode the coating layer, leading to surface damage. Repeated exposure exacerbates the haze phenomenon.

B. Wiper Use: Contaminants trapped between the wiper and the film act as abrasives, accelerating surface damage.

  1. Maintenance Methods

A. Regular Maintenance Guidelines:

    1. Washing:
      Wash the vehicle at least twice a month. After washing, apply STEK Formula DYNO FINISH or SHINE to protect the coating layer and reduce friction.

    2. Ceramic Coating:
      Apply STEK Formula Quartz, Final Coat, or Super Coat every six months for optimal water repellency. In areas with heavy rainfall, STEK Formula Super Coat is essential and should be applied every 3 months. Before application, use STEK Formula Paint Cleanse to remove contaminants and STEK Formula OG to eliminate residues. Finish by applying the ceramic coating.

B. Non-Regular Maintenance Guidelines:

    1. Reapplication of Ceramic Coating:
      The customer is required to reapply the ceramic coating without delay when its water-repellent properties diminish significantly due to environmental factors or wiper usage, as maintenance products like STEK Formula DYNO FINISH cannot fully restore it's original performance.

  1. Post-Application Precautions

A. Minimize Wiper Usage:

    1. Minimize the use of wipers on ceramic-coated surfaces, as their water-repellent properties reduce the need for wiper operation, especially at speeds above 80 km/h in rainy conditions.

    2. Excessive wiper use accelerates surface damage and reduces the lifespan of the DYNOtop coating.

B. Regular Maintenance:

    1. Conduct routine oil residue removal and apply water-repellent coatings every 6 to 12 months to maintain durability and performance.

 

DYNOtop requires maintenance equivalent to that of a glass windshield to prevent contamination and ensure long-term effectiveness.

Contact Information

For any inquiries regarding this limited warranty, claims, or technical assistance, please contact:

STEK Automotive
Website: www.stekautomotive.com
Warranty Management: www.stekshield.com
Email: warranty@stekshield.com