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There are so many great benefits of installing window film on your car. Temperatures remain much more stable, it keeps passengers more comfortable and safer, and it makes your ride look sleek and finished. But, perhaps one of the greatest benefits is that it’s virtually maintenance-free! Good window tint upkeep mainly consists of keeping it clean. In today’s post, our window tint experts will review basic tint care and maintenance tips to extend the life of your film and keep your vehicle looking great.
For the initial few days, there are a few protective measures you can take to promote the best outcome for the term. First things first, since not all tint is the same, it’s important to take all post-installation care directions from your installation tech. For the most part, however, basic immediate care is the same for the majority of tint films. Keep the windows dry and as free from debris as possible. It’s recommended to not roll the windows down for 48 hours after the initial installation to allow the film to fully adhere. Don’t fret, if you do need to roll your windows down, there is only a slim chance that it will ruin the tint.
If you’ve just had your window film installed recently, it’s best to wait a few weeks before you clean the windows. During the first 30 days, your window film is still drying and attaching itself to the glass. If you try to clean it during this time, you may move it out of place or damage the tinted surface. You’ll notice, though, that high-quality tint film does not require much cleaning and resists dirt and debris from sticking, meaning you’ll be cleaning your windows less often for the long haul.
Once the film has thoroughly dried and set, it’s safe to clean. Follow these care steps for proper window film maintenance:
Most glass cleaners are fine to use on window tint, although we’d avoid concentrated or abrasive window cleaning Solutions. To make a good, streak-free cleaner at home, mix ½ ounce of Dawn liquid dish soap with 1 quart of fresh water in a spray bottle. When using any window cleaner, avoid those that contain harsh chemicals including ammonia. If the cleaning solution drips down the window, be sure to completely dry the area to avoid chemicals entering your door panel.
Always use clean microfiber materials to wash and dry your window film surfaces. A soft cloth or a clean sponge is recommended for wiping and cleaning the window film, followed by another cloth to dry in a gentle, circular motion. To avoid scratching the film never use bristle brushes, abrasive scrubbing sponges, or any cleaning materials that are intended to scrub. Some brands of paper towels are coarse enough to cause fine scratches in the film, which may be too thin to see initially, but, they can damage both the film and the glass underneath over time.
Since window tint is installed on the inside of the glass, you don’t necessarily need to avoid automatic car washes for the sake of your tint, but we highly recommend staying away from automatic car washes for a number of other reasons. Did you know that the brushes on mechanical car washes are calibrated to service every car and surface? Therefore, the same bristles that are cleaning mud off the dually in front of you and the window paint off of the Volkswagon in front of it are coming for your car’s paint. Not only will these brushes simply transfer the debris from one vehicle to the next, creating a swirl of sludge that’s slopped onto your car along with the highly-concentrated soap and wax that leaves a residue that traps everything against your paint, but the mico scratches they create can crack and damage your paint and window glass. We’d advise you to always wash your car by hand if you want to extend the life of the aesthetics. Don’t feel like hand washing your ride? That’s what the crew at JBT is here for! Simply locate the Jet Black Tint nearest you and stop by for a wash that leaves your car gleaming.
Although there is no maintenance required for window tint film to perform as intended, there are some steps you can take to keep the film looking new for many years.
Perhaps the best tip we can offer is to have your car’s window tint professionally installed by a tinting expert using the latest techniques and the market’s best products to prevent issues to begin with.
If you’re looking for the best tint shop in the Bay Area, look no further than the area’s 13 Jet Black Tint locations. Whether you’re looking to have your rear windows tinted, your current cracking tint replaced, or simply want us to hand-wash all of your windows, connect with us online or in person to schedule your glass service today!