There are a few upgrades in the automotive industry that are as functional as car window tint. First of all, applying a film is a non-invasive modification, so no manufacturer or warranty provider would have an issue with it. Then, it’s both practical (blocks UV rays, reduces glare, and heat) and aesthetically pleasing.
However, we’ve observed many individuals making the same mistakes when installing window tint. Let’s discuss that in this blog post so you can avoid doing the same.
Choosing the DIY Route
DIYs are awesome. Making something like car window tinting your plan for the weekend sounds super fun, but the mistake here is assuming it’s an easy thing to do. The availability of DIY kits has not helped this.
Window tinting is a real art, which requires skill, technique, and even some tools. If you haven’t done it before, the chances of you messing up are rather high. Nothing wrong with it, no one is perfect on their first attempt, but improper fit results in bubbling, peeling, and tints not performing as advertised. Oh, also, the warranty won’t be applicable if the tints aren’t applied as per the manufacturer’s standards.
So, in the majority of cases, look for a professional for window tinting in Herriman or any other place you might be located.
Not Knowing What Kind of Tint You Want
What is the agenda of that window film installed? Do you want your car to look more aesthetically pleasing? Reduce glare or perhaps your reliance on the AC (heat reduction)? Or is it protecting yourself against UV rays?
Knowing your expectations makes it easier to know what kind of tint ought to be installed and why. After all, there are various tints out there. You don’t want to end up getting a dyed tint that only darkens the windows when you really wanted a ceramic tint for your expected heat reduction, UV protection, as well as glare reduction without darkening the windows too much and maintaining nighttime visibility.
Select Tint Percentage
The darkness of a tint is determined by its VLT or Visible Light Transmission percentage. The lower the VLT, the darker the tint. For reference, those extremely dark tints you might have noticed on limos are known, unimaginatively, as the limo tint, which is 5% VLT.
By default, most individuals would go for the dark tint because it looks better. Aesthetics matter, but so do legality and practicality.
A general rule of thumb is to select the tint with a VLT percentage that is legal in your state, looks good, and still keeps your car drivable at night.
Installation Procedure and Environment
Alas, car window tinting cannot be performed just anywhere, anytime. There is a time and place for it, and some procedures to follow before you start the process. Here is what you do:
Step 1: Clean the Windows
This should be fairly obvious, but you should never apply a film on dirty windows unless you intend to seal the dirt forever inside the film cocoon. If that isn’t your goal, clean the windows properly and let them dry before applying a tint.
Step 2: Installation Area Must Be Non-Interfering
If you’re installing outside where dust, pollen, moisture, etc. are all in the air, they are going to, more likely than not, ruin the tint job. Ideally, what you want is a garage or a climate-controlled facility or your driveway on a clean and clear day.
Post-Installation Care
There is post-installation care to worry about, also. Don’t worry, it is fairly straightforward and doesn’t particularly require much effort. Once the film is installed, avoid rolling down the windows for 72 hours.
After a week has passed, you can clean them using a microfiber cloth with a cleaner that is ammonia-free or a mixture of mild soap with warm water.
Going for Cheaper Tints
Window tints aren’t invasive, but they’re still a mod that can last you a decade or more if the tint is from a reputable brand that offers a warranty, and most decent brands do so.
A cheap tint may save you some money up front, but it will not provide you with the benefits commonly associated with car window tinting. It will fade faster, and you’ll just have to apply it all over again after a year or two (if they aren’t ruined before that).
It is best to invest in a high-quality tint like Kepler Dealer from the get-go to avoid this situation later on.
Conclusion
Car window tinting can make a world of difference in terms of appearance and your overall riding experience. It makes the car look cooler, and, literally, be cooler on the inside. However, to have that experience, you must apply window tints the right way and of the right kind. Best to take help from a professional or do thorough research and practice before attempting a window tinting job.
Guest post written by Olivia Harper
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