Window tinting provides a host of benefits, from cooling your car’s interior to protecting it—and you—from harmful UV rays. However, ensuring your window tint looks great and delivers lasting benefits requires some care. Here’s how to ensure your car tint lasts a long time.
The Importance of the Initial Cure
Steps to care for your car window tint begins right after the tint is installed. This means not rolling down your windows for at least 48 hours (76 hours in colder conditions). Why? Because the adhesive used to bond the tint film to your windows needs time to cure properly. If you roll your windows down too soon, it can lead to bubbles forming or the tint lifting or peeling off at the edges.
Choose the Right Cleaning Products
Harsh chemicals should never be used when cleaning tinted windows. Many standard glass cleaners are ammonia-based, and these can damage the film, causing it to fade, bubble, or become discoloured. Look for cleaners specifically designed for tinted windows or stick with a gentle mixture of soapy water and a soft microfibre cloth.
Use Gentle Cleaning Techniques
When cleaning your tinted car windows, avoid using abrasive cleaning tools, or anything that could scratch the film. Stick to soft cloths, sponges, or squeegees to protect the surface of your tint. You should also avoid using the same cloth you just cleaned the rest of your car with, as it could have picked up small bits of dirt that could scratch the film.
Avoid Intense Sunlight
Consistent exposure to intense sunlight will deteriorate almost anything over time, and window tint is no exception. While it protects you from harsh sunlight and keeps your car cool, it isn’t immune to the effects of UV rays. Park your car in shaded areas whenever possible or consider using a windscreen sun protector when the sun is at its strongest. This will help slow down fading or discolouration.
Drastic changes in temperature can also damage the tint over time. Gradually adjust the temperature of your air-con to cool the interior down on hot days instead of going straight to the highest setting.
Don’t Stick Anything on Tinted Windows
Don’t put stickers, decals, or phone mounts on any tinted windows. The adhesives in these could damage the film, but trying to remove them later could scratch the film. Minor scratches shouldn’t be a problem, but if a scratch breaks through the film it will lead to peeling and lifting later. The only way to fix this would be to have the film replaced.
The Benefits of High-Quality Tint
Like most things in life, you get what you pay for when it comes to window tint. While the cheapest DIY tint might be tempting, higher-quality, professionally installed films will be more durable. They will include a warranty too against flaws and installation problems, and they resist fading, discolouration, and scratches better.
Professional window tint installers will also share essential maintenance advice before you drive off in your newly tinted car.
At Instant Tinting we offer a range of car window tints to suit every need. Our high-quality films are durable and provide years of benefits. Contact us today for a quote or to schedule an appointment.
