More and more people know realize the importance of having their car windows tinted. If you are still not sure whether to go for it or not, here is everything you have to know about car window tinting:
What is window film?
Window film is a thin, multi-layered polyester material that incorporates the many different layers to control different properties, including Ultra-Violet (UV) light, heat, glare, and privacy. Window film comes in a variety of performance levels and shades.
What do the different levels/percentages of tint film mean?
Film percentages stand for light transmission, or the amount of light that is allowed through the film. The lower the percentage, the darker the film. In the United Kingdom, the percentage of tint on vehicles is very closely monitored because of all the potential damages offenders can get involved in.
The law rules that front windscreens and front side windows depend on when the vehicle was first used. If the vehicle was first used on April 1, 1985, then the required percentage of the darkness of the tint should be at least 75% of light through and the front side windows must let at least 70% of light through. For cars that are first used before April 1, 1985, the front windscreen and front side windows must both let at least 70% of light through.
The UK government is very strict and specific in implementing this law because all the possible tragic scenarios and unfortunate incidents in which very darkly tinted cars can cause to happen. Dark tints restrict visibility in poor light conditions, meaning that you might not see other road users as well as you would with a clear window.
This law aims to give protection to those who is seated behind the wheel and the pedestrians, as well as the property the driver may damage or hurt.
Is the film installed on the outside or inside of the window?
In most cases, window film is installed on the inside of the glass. This allows for maximum durability. The window tint is heat shrunk on the outside of the glass allowing it to conform to the curve of the window, then installed on the interior of the glass.
How long does it take to tint my vehicle?
Car window tinting takes time and patience for the films to be installed properly. The entire process requires careful attention to detail and precise hand work for best results. Rushing the process can only result in early fading, peeling or bubbling of the tints, making your car older than it really is. The amount of time it takes to install tints to your car varies depending on several reasons including the size of your car, type and model of your vehicle, films used, and of course the quality of tint installation depending on your chosen tint company.
How much tinting costs?
Determining how much it would cost to tint your car depends on many variables such as your car size, model, and of course, the quality of the tint films you will pick. The company you choose can also be a factor on the total cost of the service.
Why should I have my car windows tinted?
Tinting your car may be an easy decision, but it is usually installed for the usual reason of privacy. But, did you know that there are other benefits of car tint other than that? The long list of window tinting includes comfort, UV protection, aesthetics, and increased safety, privacy, and energy savings.
Car window tint will shield your eyes and prevent glare from all sources of extreme and blinding light. By installing car tints, you protect yourself and your driving companions from possible road accidents because of the sun’s brightness and rays.
Also, thicker “automotive protection” films are available, which can provide an extra level of safety in case of an accident. Tint helps to keep your car’s window from shattering upon impact with an object or in the event of an accident. Making the windows “stronger” is also a way of protecting your belongings to smash and grab car thieves. The tint will make it impossible, or at least hard, for them to break it.
Thieves and robbers are not the only ones you need protection from. You also need to think about the sun and how it damages your ride. The heat and UV rays from direct sunlight can turn your upholstery into a mess in a few short years. At the same time, the wood trim and dashboard can also suffer from the heat too! More over, direct exposure from sunlight and associated UV rays can be harmful to our health. It can potentially cause skin cancer when exposed over a prolonged period of time.
Car tinting blocks 90% or more of harmful UV rays while also significantly reducing heat. By installing it to your windows, you prevent your car’s interior from deteriorating on a much faster pace.
Can I tint my own vehicles?
With all the available DIY Car Tinting kits offered in the market today, it is tempting to just tint your car on your own instead of leaving the job to professionals. Although a DIY window tint is generally less costly, it definitely pays dividends to invest in professional installation.
Before proceeding, assess your skills and ask yourself these questions: Are you aware of the UK Tinting Law? Can you do it flawlessly on first try? Why not just leave it to the professionals?
Most probably, when you decide to DIY your car tinting, it is your first time to do it. The room for error is bigger because more likely than not, you’re just winging it. For a first-timer, window film in general is hard to work with.
Which tinting company to choose?
Now that many car owners have realized the importance of car tinting, more and more tinting companies have been springing in business. Since tint application is a meticulous job, you need to entrust your most valuable possession to someone you can trust. It is important to have a clear idea and qualifications that will be needed to pass before you choose a specific store. Before deciding which shop to choose, it’s better to know what qualities to look for.
Go for established companies. A business gets credible after at least five years since opening, at the same location. Take note: good dealers pay close attention to their customer service. The tint shop’s customer desk should always be accommodating and willing to spend a good amount of time to talk and explain matters to you. It’s also a good sign when a company guarantee their customers the best possible service and those who maintain good communication even after installation.
How do you know they did a good job?
One of the most obvious sign that the tinting job is done bad is the forming of bubbles in between the tint film and the glass windows. Another most common sign of bad tinting job is the peeling off the window. Ideally, tint films, once applied, are hard to remove and peel off from the glass’ surface. Fading, or the purpling of the tint is also one of the classic indicators that poor tinting services are provided for your vehicle.
How long does tint last?
The longevity of your tints may depend on different factors such as film quality, too much sunlight, or even the type of window cleaner you always use. The lifespan of your tint can also be determined by the tint film’s quality and the quality of the service of your chosen tinting company.
If it needs replacement, why tint in the first place?
Car window tinting is a long term investment because it protects and offers a more comfortable state for the most precious property anyone can have and possess: their lives. It may be an additional cost at a certain time, but, the rewards you reap and the benefits you will experience from it will be worth it. In reality, car tinting is a long term investment for you, your family’s and your valuables’ safety in the long run. It is an investment in protection and peace ofmind.
