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Three factors determine how long your new car window tint will last: tint, installation, and maintenance. The quality of your tint determines how it will perform. The installation of your tint will determine how durable and well it adheres to your glass. And how you maintain your tint will determine how long it will last.
In this article, we will go over all three factors plus some common questions people ask about car window tints.
If you’re ready to get your car windows tinted, then click on the button below:
Continue reading to discover why the tint, installation, and maintenance of your car window tint matters to you, your glass, and your vehicle.
A car window tint or film is an overlay adhered to the windshield and/or windows of your car.
This tint/film allows for you to darken the interior of the car, keep UV light out, decrease invasion of privacy, lower the interior temperature of the car, and so much more.
There are 6 general types of car window tint to consider:
This is not an exhaustive list of types, but you can choose “budget tint” or “baller tint” or anything in between.
The type of tint will determine how it performs, functions, and looks for you and your vehicle.
It’s important to keep in mind that shopping for tints based on a budget is not advisable. You’ll want to ask yourself:
Answer these three questions before you start looking at prices. Why? Because these answers will guide you to the “best” car window tint for you and your vehicle. Get the “best” tint for your car the first time, and you won’t regret it 12 months down the road.
You wouldn’t go to a back alley to buy car parts (or maybe you would. We don’t judge), so don’t get your car window tint installed by a guy your friend knows.
Instead, work with trained and certified professionals, who will get your tint installed correctly — the first time. No hiccups, mistakes, or false promises.
A bad car window tint installation can result in your tint scraping, peeling, or melting off your glass in as little as six months after installation. This costs you time, money, and reputation.
Get pros to install your car window tint, and you can expect your tint to last years (maybe a decade, depending on the material and how you take care of it).
Car window tint jobs can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to complete.
Get it done right the first time.
Yes, you will want to clean and maintain your car window tint, as well as your car glass.
Can you wash car after windows get tinted?
We recommend you wait at least a week after window tint installation before cleaning. When you do clean your windows, use window cleaner that’s ammonia-free with a soft cloth OR a rubber squeegee. DO NOT use paper towels to wipe down your windows.
Your car window tint can last anywhere between six months and 10 years. The range for window tint is based on the quality of the material, the installation process, and how you maintain your tint after installation.
It depends on a few factors: installation, maintenance, and environment. If you get a professional installation, your 3M window film can last upwards of 15 years. If you maintain and take care of your tint and glass, this increases the film’s lifespan. Finally, where you drive your car can affect how long the 3M film performs. Dryer climates will see the film last longer than wet or humid climates. However, you can counter wear and tear with a pro installation and proper maintenance of your tint.
In most weather and driving conditions, metallic tint can last between four and six years. How the tint is installed and the local driving conditions can affect how long it will last. If your tint starts to scrape, tear, bubble, or otherwise “fall off” your window, something went wrong. You got a poor installation, chose a poor material, or waited too long to get it replaced.
If you choose a quality tint, get it professionally installed, and maintain it properly, then your tint can last upwards of 10-15 years.
You can expect to pay between $99 – $1500 to tint a 4-door car. Why such a wide range? It depends on the tint quality, tint performance, difficulty of the job, who does the job, and when you get it done.
For example, the difference between tinting a Honda Civic versus a Rolls Royce Phantom is vast. While they have about the same amount of glass, the other factors we mentioned above weigh heavier for the Rolls than they do for the Civic.
This is why no matter your care make and model it’s best to get professionals to tint your car windows.
The cost of getting your 4-door car windows tinted truly does depend on:
If you’re concerned about how long your car window tint will last, then it’s time to have a real talk about which tint you choose.
Choose cheap material and get cheap performance.
Instead, choose a quality car window tint, get it professionally installed, and maintain it properly.
You’re investing in yourself, your car, and your image.
Do it right the first time — and every time after that.