Window tinting on cars can do a lot to protect your privacy, keep the heat away, and even give your car a nice look. Still, there are plenty of people who own a car and are willing to make a crucial mistake just so they can get a tinted window.
We are going to give you a hand in securing your investment as well as your vehicle. Below, we have listed the 5 most common and costly car window tinting mistakes that owners make while choosing Window Tinting services.
Choosing a Service Based on Price:
When deciding on a window tinting service, if the decision is made solely based on price, then you should be aware that a low price almost always is a signal that there is a compromise in the materials, labor, or both. This is probably the greatest mistake of car window tinting that you could think of.
Why Are Cheap Window Tinting Priced Higher in the End:
- The cheaper window tinting films usually have inferior dyes that quickly fade to a purple or brownish color. Their adhesive gets weaker faster, thus there is the problem of bubbling and peeling that occurs within a year or two.
- Less expensive films (dyed tints) provide only a minimal shield against solar heat and UV rays. This defeats the main functional goal of tinting, thus the interior of your car will still be hot and exposed to the sun.
- Unskilled window tint installers who charge low prices may also bring you unskilled technicians that will rush the job and thus provide poor quality service. This, in turn, leads to inaccurate cutting, dust that gets trapped under the film, and hence the short service life of the film.
| Quality Service | Budget Service |
| High-Quality Film (e.g., Ceramic, Carbon) | Low-Quality Film (e.g., Basic Dyed) |
| Full Warranty Coverage | Warranty is often limited or non-existent |
| Perfect Installation by qualified specialists | Installation is rushed and therefore may be characterized with bubbles/peeling |
| Excellent UV & Heat Rejection | Minimal UV and Heat Rejection |
Ignoring Federal and Local Tint Laws:
Regulations concerning car window tinting are not the same everywhere, but they differ a lot by state and county. The second mistake of car window tinting is that the user fails to research and comply with the Required Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentage for the area. Visible Light Transmission (VLT) is the percentage of light that goes straight through the window glass and film. A lower VLT means a darker tint (e.g., 5% is very dark, 70% is very light).
Window Tint Specific Rules:
- Most laws specify different VLT limits for the front side windows, rear side windows, and the back window.
- It allows the front windshield to have a tint strip above the “AS-1 line” (or a very light, high-VLT film on the rest).
- If your window tint is too dark, then you are risking penalties, being stopped by the police, and ordered to remove and possibly replace the illegal film that will bring you extra expenses.
The Fix: Check the VLT limitations for your state and vehicle before deciding on your tint shade. A professional window tinting service installer should be knowledgeable about local regulations and will not install an illegal tint. However, the owner has the ultimate responsibility to be aware.
Choosing the Wrong Window Tinting Film Type:
Different films offer different levels of heat rejection, UV protection, and clarity. Car owners focus mainly on the shade (VLT percentage) and disregard the material of the film, which actually determines its performance. Discuss the different materials with your service provider to ensure the film meets your functional needs. For a detailed breakdown of every film material, consult The Ultimate Guide to Car Window Tinting.
The Most Common Film Types:
- Dyed Film is the cheapest window tint film which absorbs light but provides almost no heat rejection and will discolor quickly over time.
- Metalized Film has small metal particles in it. It gives a good heat rejection but the metal can block electronic signals (GPS, satellite radio, tire pressure sensors, mobile phone reception).
- Carbon Film has a deep, non-glossy black color and offers good heat rejection. It will not cause any electronic interference and is more stain-resistant than dyed films.
- Ceramic Film is the most expensive option. It uses non-metallic ceramic particles to block the maximum amount of solar heat and UV rays without causing electronic interference. It is the most efficient way of keeping a car cool and protecting the interior.
The Fix: First, figure out what your primary goal is. If it is mainly for looks, then either dyed or carbon would be fine; if it is for the maximum heat rejection/interior protection, then ceramic would be the better choice. Talk with your service provider about the different materials to make sure that the film meets your functional requirements.
Neglecting to Verify the Installer’s Reputation and Warranty:
Tinting is a skill that requires utmost cleanliness of the work area, a dust-free environment, and the use of professional tools. Usually, the quality of the installation matters more than the quality of the film itself. This is another point where car window tinting has gone terribly wrong.
Not Following Post-Installation Care Instructions:
A new tint job isn’t fully cured until the installation moisture has completely evaporated. Ignoring the care instructions right after the service is an easy yet costly car window tinting mistake.
The Path to Flawless Tint:
The decision of which window tinting service to choose should not be based merely on the darkest shade or the cheapest price. Quality film, experienced installation, and adherence to the law are the main factors that matter. By refraining from these five major car window tinting mistakes, you make sure that your investment yields a beautiful, high-performance tint that will be with you for a long time.