Did you know that over 75 percent of UVA radiation can pass through almost all ordinary glass?
Yep, that’s right. The UVA we are talking about is one of the three common types of UV light from the sun. UV light is the same that causes skin aging signs, photoaging, and even wrinkles.
Also, an independent study has shown that UVA rays are behind the damage to the melanocyte cells. Therefore, UVA light may be a trigger to the development of cancer. But the good news is windshields in cars block most of the UVA radiation. However, most other windows don’t.
As such, it is vital that you should consider investing in tinted windows as soon as you can. Tinted windows are especially great in protecting from both the UVB and UVA light. But with so many tinting solutions in the market, how do you choose the best? And select the one that lasts longer? What exactly should you be looking for?
We believe you need information that would aid you in these questions. We have rounded up the essential advice that’ll help in evaluating a great option and an option that will last. Be sure to keep reading!
Make a List of What You Want From the Tint
Car window tints have always been of different forms; dyed, carbon, high visibility, ceramic, or metal. Each comes with its pros and cons. So, it is vital that you understand what you want from the window tint.
Remember, tinted windows can also serve different purposes. It’s also your responsibility to determine your needs and how you’d like your car window tint to function. Do you intend to use it for aesthetic reasons, blocking harmful sun rays, or filtering out the heat? Once you know what your necessities are, you can then relay this to the tint installer to help you get what suits your car best.
High Level of Protection From UV Rays
Ceramic tints will protect you from the sun’s UV rays for up to 99 percent. Also, they have a very high heat rejection rate that protects the car’s interiors. And since they reject heat without absorbing it, they are sure to last longer than the dyed tint.
Due to its superb performance, ceramic tint is the most expensive among all the types of car tints. However, a drawback is that it can cause “ghosting” (blurring or smudging) when driving in low-light conditions or at night, something that you must take into consideration.
Utmost Privacy
If you want tinted windows to boost privacy in your car, metalized and ceramic tints are your best bets. Make sure to check the state’s tint laws before going for the darkest shades. As you can imagine, the darkest shades are the ones most likely to be illegal.
Tints That Enhance Your Car’s Paint
Do you want to have a tint that doesn’t stray too far from your window’s original color? Metalized tint is a great option for you. The high-quality metalized tint will make your windows up to 95 percent darker. Their charcoal shades will match your window colors and boost the overall appeal of the car. And to top it off, they offer protection from UV rays. Also, they help cool your interiors by rejecting heat, and they last longer than cheap dyed tints.
Avoid “Too Good to Be True” Cheap Tints
Maybe you just want to darken your car’s windows on a budget. In this case, you might go for the low-priced dyed films. While it’s true that these products will reduce the heat penetrating your windows, they absorb heat rather than rejecting it. Therefore, they last just a couple of years and tend to form bubbles after a shorter time. Bubbling will reduce your car’s appeal. Indeed, cheap can be expensive.
Be wary that window films are of different levels of durability, from basic ones meant for everyday use to police-grade films designed for superior protection in harsher environments. When buying a window film, also check if the film comes with a scratch-resistant coating that will help it last a long time.
Choose a Trusted Tint Brand
It is best to spend a little more on a tint that will last much longer. Experts at SmartFilmAZ.com believe that a great tint brand should offer a warranty on the products to make the cost of high-quality products worth it. As always, don’t compromise the quality over price.
Invest in Professional Tinting
To ensure that your tint is well installed and lasts longer, make sure to get a skilled professional technician for the job. Tinting experts will give skills and tools that will deliver a proper job. Their job is safer, faster, and better. Remember, installing tinting involves preparation, curing, and a detailed post-treatment. Before applying the tint film, make sure the windows are clean, dry, and debris-free. Otherwise, creases and bubbles will ruin the film.
Also, the film itself should be of the same size as the window. In short, be precise with the cutting and use sharp tools. Incorrectly cut films show in the ugly gaps and spots it leaves on your windows. Then, be cautious not to damage or leave deep scratches on the glass with the cutting tools.
To help you choose the best shop in your area, here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Look up reviews and ask for recommendations
One of the best ways to find a reputable shop is by checking out the reviews available online to gain a better idea of the quality of their services, price range, etc. From there, you could filter your choices depending on positive and negative feedback. Take note 1-2 bad reviews are acceptable, but if they’re piling up, it’s a red flag, and you should avoid them.
Alternatively, you may also ask your friends, colleagues, and family members if they have an establishment they can recommend. They have firsthand experience with their service, making their insights valuable in your decision and rendering it easier to choose a company that’s worth your trust.
2. Check their years of experience
Once you have narrowed down your options, ensure that the company also has years of experience in the window tinting industry. See how long they have been providing service. The longer they have been existing means that they have survived other competitors and are most likely offering the best possible services.
Apart from the company, you should also see if the technicians who will work your car also boast several years of hands-on experience. Ask how long they’ve been doing the job, where they get training, and how many cars and models they’ve already handled.
Remember, each car model requires different tools and strategies. Opting for a team with proven experience will provide you with better peace of mind.
3. See if they have proper licensing and insurance
Another thing to look at when choosing a car window tinting team is their credentials. See to it that the company is licensed locally and it’s up-to-date. Ask if they are insured as well. If the company can’t show any proof of their license and insurance, you’d be better off taking your vehicle somewhere else.
4. Make sure that they’re knowledgeable of the state laws
Each state has its own regulations in terms of window tinting percentages. So, make sure that the company understands these legal limits, as going beyond them can cause you to pay a fine. It’s a good sign if they discuss these laws with you right away. After all, a good establishment will be proactive and communicative about what to expect and what is going to happen when you have your car tint done.
Choose a Dealer Offering Free Estimates
The cost of tint films depends on how dark you want them to be and the exact type you want. The model of your car also influences the total cost. With this many variables, make sure to know the estimates before committing.
Is There a Warranty?
While tinting experts are sure to do a perfect job and offer long-lasting services, make sure, these services are backed with a guarantee. In fact, guarantees are a sure way of knowing the installer is confident with their services.
Ask how long the warranty is and what it covers. Know what happens when the tint color changes, the tint peels, or the film starts to bubble. If they don’t have a warranty, it may entail having your vehicle retinted, which is a waste of time and money.
Taking Care of Your Window Tint
Your car window tint won’t last forever, but there are several ways to take care of it and make it last longer, keeping your car protected and looking great.
1. Wait to Wash
A common question that most car owners ask is, “when to wash their car after having its windows tinted?” Expect some bubbles and haziness to appear after the installation of the window tint. While it may be tempting to clean them, it’s something that you should never do.
Even if the tint is applied inside the vehicle, washing your car may add enough moisture, impeding the drying process, loosening the adhesive, and forming more bubbles. With that, wait for several more days to allow the tint to fully cure before washing your car.
2. Use proper equipment
Always use a microfiber cloth or a rubber squeegee when cleaning them. Skip abrasive products like brushes, newspapers, paper towels, and scouring pads that can scratch and damage the window film. Thus, leaving unpleasant marks on your car’s exterior. When cleaning, be gentle on the edges, as these are the areas where the tint starts to peel off.
3. Be careful when using cleaning products
Apart from veering away from abrasive cleaning tools, you should also avoid abrasive cleaning products, as well. Harsh solvents and cleaning solutions, especially ammonia-based ones, will discolor, damage, and cause your window tint to become hazy and brittle. Look for ammonia-free cleaning to avoid such scenarios or simply make a DIY solution containing baby shampoo or dish soap mixed with warm water.
4. Remove dirt and debris
If you see any dirt and debris accumulating on your tinted windows, remove them right away using a microfiber cloth. If not, they lead to contaminants getting trapped inside the tint’s protective layer, which may hoist it from the surface over time.
5. Park your car in shady areas
While protection against harmful UV rays is the primary purpose of getting your car windows tinted, it’s still not advisable to expose your vehicle to excessive heat and direct sunlight. Doing so for a long duration can lead to early fading, aging, and deterioration of the film, requiring you to get a replacement sooner and spend more money.
Keep the Sun’s Damaging UV Rays out of Your Car
There you have it, the ultimate tips on having high-quality and long-lasting tint on your car windows. For most car owners, ceramic is usually the top pick. But, for darker shades, metalized tint is the better option. Either way, these solutions are sure to protect your car’s interior from the dangerous UV rays. Just don’t forget to check the state’s laws on tinting your windows to ensure you won’t get into any trouble while prolonging the life of your window tint.