How Long Does Auto Window Tinting Last?
Are you trying to figure out how long auto window tinting will last? If yes, you should check out our guide by clicking here.
Look at the world through rose-tinted glasses. Or, at least, look through tinted windows.
Auto window tinting is a cost-effective way to enhance the look of your vehicle. Even a small tint makes your car look sleeker. Tinting also blocks UV rays, cooling your car down and protecting you from skin damage.
But many people have questions about tinting. Before they install it, they want to know how long it lasts. That depends on several factors.
Here is a quick guide to the window tint lifespan.
Materials for Auto Window Tinting
Not all window tints are made alike.
Dyed window tints are made from adhesives, plastic, and dyes. They are cheap, and you can usually install them yourself. But the dye fades fast under UV exposure, and the plastic can even melt in the heat.
Most dyed window tints last up to two years. Avoid dyes, and go for more advanced options.
Metalized window tints have metallic particles inside an adhesive layer. These particles reflect UV rays, keeping them outside your car. Though more expensive, they can last up to five years.
Ceramic window tints have ceramic, non-conductive particles. These particles also reflect UV rays while absorbing light. Ceramic window tints are the most expensive tints on the market, but they can last up to twenty years.
Climate and Sun Exposure
UV rays are extremely powerful. They can penetrate through clouds and burn through skin even after bouncing off of surfaces.
They will wear your window tints down through time. But where you live impacts how long your tints last.
Southern states on average have a higher UV index than northern states. The sun rises higher in the sky — and stays high in the sky — for longer periods of time. This makes UV rays more intense, even in the wintertime, fading your tints in a short period of time.
If you live in the south, park your car in an enclosed garage. Avoiding direct sun exposure will preserve your tints for years.
Cleaners
How you clean your car can also affect your tints. Ammonia cleaners can deteriorate the adhesives in tints. Clean your tinted windows with a vinegar-based cleaner.
You can also choose a cleaner specialized for tinted glass. Talk to your manufacturer about the best cleaner for your tints.
You should also be careful about debris. Sand, dust, and particles can build up in your window sills and rollers. When your windows roll up and down, the particles scrape your tint off.
Clean your sills and window rollers with rags and thin brushes. Clean with careful and deliberate strokes to avoid scraping the window with your brush.
Go to the Auto Authorities
Auto window tinting can keep your car cool and help your skin heal. But not all tints are so helpful. Purchase a window tint made with metallic or ceramic particles.
Avoid direct sunlight, especially when you're driving in southern states. Clean your tints with specialized cleaners, and avoid sand and ice that can damage your tints. These steps will help your tints last for up to twenty years.
Talk to an expert before you get your windows tinted. Wells Paint Protection and Window Film is the premier auto window tint company in Columbia, Tennessee. Contact us for a free estimate today.
