Can Car Window Tint Go Bad?

Yes, car window tint can go bad, but standard car window tint can last up to five (5) years on average.

What’s more, higher quality films made with high-grade polyester, ceramic, and metal can last up to (and sometimes more than) 10 years.

Remember, the lifespan of your car window tint will vary based on tint material quality, installation, and maintenance.

Another huge factor for car window tint going bad is sun and heat exposure. The more often your tint is exposed, the quicker it will fade. We use “quicker” relatively, here, because five years is the average most car window tints will last.

However, in this article we’re going to share how car window tint can go bad, how to remove car window tint, and how to maintain it once you get a new film installed, among other things.

If you’re ready to get your car windows tinted, then click the button below to schedule your appointment now.

Read on to learn how car window tint can go bad, how to remove it, and how to maintain it once you get new tint installed.

How Does Car Window Tint Go Bad?

As car window tint ages, it loses it’s adhesive properties. This leads to peeling and/or bubbling of the tint, removing it from the glass.

If you leave your car window tint going bad alone, then you may experience a few of these outcomes:

#1. Your car window tint gets less effective over time.

Sun deflection, heat reduction, and your comfort levels all reduce if your car window tint is left unattended.

It’s imperative that the moment you see your tint “going bad” to get it into a car window tint professional.

#2. Your car window tint could get you a citation

Yes, your car window tint bubbling, peeling, cracking, or otherwise could put you at risk for a car window tint citation.

Per California’s Vehicle Code, your car window tint must be intact and functioning properly or else you’ll be fined and asked to remove it.

#3. Your car window tint will embarrass you

Pull up to a friend’s house with bad car window tint and you’ll get a side glance or a question from your friend, but…

Pull up to a public restaurant with bad car window tint, and you’ll get an entire crowd of people wondering why you’d let your car look so bad. They may not say anything, but take a look the next time you pull up somewhere with tinted windows. People look because they want to know who’s driving the car. How your car looks tells people how they should treat you.

How To Tell Car Window Tint Is Going Bad?

There are a few telltale signs your car window tint is going bad. Some more obvious than others.

Here are the common signs your car window tint is going bad:

• Bubbles or air bulges – these are what they sound like. Pockets of air between your car window tint and your glass OR thoes pockets bursted and now you have “stretched” tint bulging outward (or folding over).
• Purple hue or shade fading – As your window tint ages, it will fade. However, the purple hue is more than car window tint going bad; it’s a sign that you got low quality tint materials. If you
  paid for high-quality, you may want to get your money back.
• Curling and peeling – If your old tint doesn’t bubble or bulge, it will curl or peel. This is usually along the edges of the glass OR after the tint tears, leaving a loose piece.
• Scratches and gouges – This can be from accidentally catching your glass with your keys or another object. But, this is usually common wear and tear if you’ve got a lot of stuff happening around your car on a regular basis.
• Reduced Sun Protection – If you start to notice your interior car temperature consistently higher than normal, as in you sweat while you drive to work with the AC blasting… then your car window tint may be going bad. It could also be your AC, but get your car window tint checked, too.

With all this being said…

If your car window tint does not look “new,” it is old. Obvious? Sure, but…

If you see anything about your car window tint to ask, “is that right?” then it’s probably time to replace your car window tint.

How To Replace Car Window Tint

Yes, you can DIY your car window tint, but we’d highly recommend you get a tint professional’s help instead.

Here’s why:

You can remove your car window tint with a razor blade, some hot water and soap, and a few other ways… this is possible. But, once you have your car window tint removed, you’ll need to prep the glass, install the new tint, and post-cure the tint. This is a more involved process than what most YouTube videos will show you.

It is possible, but we’d rather you spend time with friends and family then spend your weekend ruining your car window tint installing your own car window tint (unless you’re into that kind of thing.

Finally, the convenience of car window tint shops or mobile car window tint offers makes it more of a hassle to do it yourself.

That’s why we recommend you trust a car window tint installation specialist with your glass.

How do I get my car windows tinted?

If you’ve got aging or old car window tint and it’s time to replace it, all you have to do is schedule an appointment with our team.

We take care of bubbles, bulges, curling, peeling, cuts, tears, and more. While we’re not able to repair your existing tint, we can install a new tint that will most likely last longer than your last tint. How do we know? We use high-quality material, and we employ experienced tint installers to take care of your vehicle.

We don’t “cut corners’ when it comes to your car window tint.

Click the button below to schedule your car window tint appointment now: