In today’s episode of the UKWindscreens blog, we’re busting myths about that barely-there green wash on your entire windscreen. It’s not mood lighting, and it certainly isn’t algae—around 85 per cent of UK windscreens come with this sage-tinted glass straight from the factory. Here’s why it’s a brilliant bit of kit designed to keep you safe, comfortable and squint-free.

Why the All-Over Green Tint?

That pale green hue isn’t a surface film, but a uniform infusion of metal oxides (usually iron-based) into the glass during manufacturing. It’s there to:

Block Harmful UV Rays: Absorbing up to 99 per cent of UV-A and UV-B radiation, your windscreen doubles as sunscreen for both car and driver.

Reduce Glare: By filtering bright sunlight and low-angle rays, it slashes glare by around 30–40 per cent—no more peering through your fingers at dawn or dusk.

Control Cabin Heat: Infra-red light carries heat; the tint keeps it at bay, so your air-con works less and your fuel gauge thanks you.

Preserve Optical Clarity: With a factory-fitted Visible Light Transmission (VLT) of 75 per cent on the front screen, colours remain true—vital for spotting brake lights, traffic signals and that cyclist doing the worm down the kerb.

Protect Interiors: UV can fade dashboards and fabrics; this built-in tint helps your car’s interior stay showroom-fresh for longer.

How It Differs from Aftermarket Tints

In the UK, you’re legally allowed a minimum of 75 per cent VLT on your front windscreen and 70 per cent VLT on side windows. If you fancy a darker tint, side windows and rear screens can be shaded further, but the front must stay at or above 75 per cent VLT—or face a £1,000 fine and three penalty points. Luckily, factory-fitted green tints are fully compliant, so there’s no extra paperwork or MOT worries.

FAQs You Didn’t Know You Had

“Can I remove it?”
Technically, yes—but replacing the windscreen for a clear-pane is neither cost-effective nor sensible.

“Will it affect my night-time vision?”
Not really. At 75 per cent VLT, it still lets plenty of light through, so streetlights and headlights shine through clearly.

“Is it an eco-feature?”
While it cuts cooling costs, the primary aim is UV and glare protection. Think of it as intelligent glass, not just ‘green’ glass!

Next time you catch that mint-green glow across your windscreen, tip your hat to the clever science keeping rays—and road fatigue—at bay. Join us for our next instalment, where we unravel the secrets of sun-strips: the small tinted bands that shield just the top of your windscreen (and your peepers) from blinding glare.