Planning to have your car windows tinted? Make sure you do it right.
Tinted car windows offer several benefits. They give you more privacy and make driving safer by reducing glare. In case of accidents, the tint’s film can hold shattered glass together, helping lessen injuries.
Putting a tint on your car windows also helps protect against solar heat. This protects you and other occupants from UV rays. It also prevents the upholstery from fading.
However, certain mistakes and bad decisions can prevent you from enjoying these benefits. Read on to learn about seven car window tinting mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Not Doing Your Homework on Local Car Tint Laws
Did you know that each state and localities have laws on tinting car windows? They can differ from region to region, and it’s important to know which ones to follow.
For example, in Florida, side windows can’t have a tint with a solar reflectance of more than 25%. Meanwhile, in California, you’re only allowed to tint the side windows to the rear of the driver. You can tint the rear windows as long as the vehicle has external mirrors on both sides with 200 ft of visibility.
If you violate these laws, you’ll get pulled over and either get a verbal warning or a citation. You don’t want to pay for unnecessary tinting fines when you can avoid it by knowing the law.
2. Not Choosing the Suitable Type of Window Tint
There are many different types of window tints that vary in their special function. Many car window tints offer all the benefits to some degree. Yet, some are better at specific functions than others.
This means it’s important to know your specific purpose for tinting your car windows. This helps you determine what type of window tint you need.
Are you looking for protection from sun damage? Do you want to lessen the feeling of being inside an oven during hot days? Then you’re likely looking for a tint that’s best at reflecting heat.
Meanwhile, you might only be looking for some extra privacy. Making the interior and things in it harder to see can help deter thieves. If this is your only purpose, then you won’t need the best quality UV protection.
Consider your particular needs and concerns. Choose the best window film type that meets those needs.
3. Attempting a DIY Tint
If you’re inexperienced, attempting a DIY tint would be one of the big car window tinting mistakes. It might seem like a straightforward process, yet there’s a lot that can go wrong if you have no experience applying films.
It might be a case of dumb luck if you end up with a well-installed film. Yet your best-case scenario is ending up with a bubbled or torn film.
At worst, you’ll end up with damaged windows trying to fix the film. You’ll then need an expensive repair.
If you want an installation that’s clear and long-lasting, you’ll need someone experienced. It’s best to go to a window tinting service to do the installation.
4. Choosing an Inexperienced Company
Again, you want someone experienced to install the window tint. There are companies out there that offer window tinting that doesn’t specialize in it. They offer it as a bonus for their main services like car repairs and add-ons.
You don’t want a rushed installation and end up with a botched tint or even window damage. Look for companies that offer a window tinting service as a specialty. This assures you that they have the know-how and experience for a flawless fitting.
These companies often display customer reviews on their websites. Find these reviews by looking up the company’s names on Google.
Look for companies with lots of positive reviews and skip those that have a majority of bad reviews. Learn more about choosing car window tinting companies.
5. Going for the Cheapest Option
Sticking to your budget when considering your window tint options is prudent. Yet going for the cheapest option available to you is a mistake.
Cheaper window tints tend to be less durable. Some can tear or peel off after only a few weeks.
Treat your window tints as the investment that they are. It’s better to buy the highest quality tint films that can last for years.
Although it might be a big one-time expense, you won’t have to replace it as frequently as cheaper films. You also won’t have to worry about wearing away the tint every time you roll down the window.
6. Not Waiting for the Tint to Dry
Once your window tinting is complete, you’ll need to observe some drying precautions. Wait a couple of days for the tint to dry completely and adhere to the window glass. The tint will be fragile during this period, and you don’t want to ruin it.
Leave your windows rolled up to avoid tearing and damaging the tint. During the drying period, avoid carwashes as the water and scrubbing can also damage the film. Likewise, if you expect rain in your area, cover the car or store it in the garage to keep the windows dry.
7. Failing to Clean the Windows First
Your windows need to be clean before applying on the tint film. Blemishes become visible through the film if it sets over a dirty and grimy glass. This gives it an unpleasant texture and hasten the tint’s normal wear and tear.
A good window tinting company knows this and will clean your windows beforehand. Still, it’s best to clean your windows yourself before going to the window tinting service. This prudent of your window is especially dirty.
Avoid These Car Window Tinting Mistakes
Car window tints offer extra privacy, protection from sun damage, and reduce the heat on hot days. Yet several car window tinting mistakes can prevent you from enjoying these benefits.
Make sure you know what type of tint you need and have it installed by an experienced company. Know the tint laws in your region. Follow the proper precautions before and after applying the tint.
Want to know more about car window tinting? Check out our other guides here.
