Make Your Car Window Tinting Last
Tinting car windows is effective, inexpensive, and helps you feel more comfortable in your vehicle. It adds to the aesthetic and provides privacy. Tinted windows minimize your exposure to UV rays. This keeps your car’s carpets, seat paddings, and dashboard from deteriorating over time due to sun exposure. But most importantly, it keeps the harsh sunlight from penetrating your view as you drive.
Given its utility and the added value to your car, it’s natural to want it to last long. If you’re not expecting auto recall payments anytime soon, invest in a high-quality tint for your car windows. Extend the life of your window tint with these recommendations.
Table of Contents
Choose Quality
In general, films last between five and 10 years. But even then, maintenance plays a huge role in their longevity and quality over time. To give you a good head start on that, choosing a tint that fits your preferences and needs will help. Consult an expert for their opinion about this, and have it installed by them.
Window tints come in different types, and choosing one should be aligned with what you’re looking for. The different types of window tints are dyed, metalized, ceramic, carbon, and hybrid.
One of the main reasons people have for installing film on their car windows is to block the glare of the sun, which can be bothersome, especially when driving. If this is what you want, have carbon tint installed for high-grade heat protection.
Proper and Professional Installation
The film can only work as well as its installation. Poor installation can result in the film not adhering to the glass properly. It might even get some air bubbles. This will affect its longevity and its function to provide UV protection. So if you’re thinking about installing one as a DIY-able project, you might want to reconsider.
Additionally, installation must be done by professionals alone because they are aware of the approved tint percentage in the area. Both their expert skills and expert opinion will make a difference in getting value for your money and the longevity of the tint.
Care and Maintenance
Clean the windows with a soft microfiber cloth or sponge. Remember that the film is installed inside the vehicle, so it’s important not to use more water than necessary. When it comes to cleaning agents, stay away from anything containing ammonia. Ammonia can damage, deform, and discolor window tints over time. If you insist on using a cleaning agent or solution other than water, opt for something on the milder side. You can also go for a homemade solution as an alternative.
Sun Exposure
Although it’s natural for things to have some wear and tear, lower-end quality films tend to degrade quicker. Common signs of tint degrading are changes in color, formation of bubbles, cracking, and peeling from the edges.
One of the main things tinted windows have to offer is protection. Protection from glare, scorching heat, and UV rays. They help keep the interior stay cool and even help prevent skin damage and skin cancer. But the sun also contributes to damaging the tint over time. When not in use, keep your car stored in the garage or anywhere there is shade. This might not be a steady and permanent solution, but it definitely helps the tint to last longer.
Other Tips
Here are some extra tips worth mentioning to better take care of your car’s tinted windows and make them last for a long time.
Be Mindful of Cleaning Materials
Other than using tint-friendly cleaning solutions, being mindful of which cleaning tools to use is important. Avoid using coarse or rough cleaning tools, like scrub brushes. Stick to microfiber cloths and rags.
Be Careful with the Edges
As much as possible, don’t disturb the edges of the tint, especially when cleaning. Should you clean areas along with it, be gentle and apply light pressure only. Avoid lingering on the edges of the film with brute force to prevent peeling or chipping.
Don’t Put Just Anything on the Back Seat
Although the back seat might just have the room you need to carry heavy things, be mindful of long, pointy objects or anything that might rub against the film. Remember that the tint is installed on the interior part of the window. Having something scratch against it can cause scratches or rips.