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Purchasing a used car is one of the most fiscally responsible choices you can make, and buying a once-loved luxury car can have far more benefits than purchasing a new car. If the previous owner was a car enthusiast like you, it stands to reason that they likely took great care of their ride — keeping up on routine maintenance and making minor upgrades that collectively made you want to purchase it. Some cars, on the other hand, have seen better days and you know that you can offer them the love and attention they deserve to make them purr. Either way, if your new-to-you car came with aftermarket window tint installed, there are a few things you need to know.
At Jet Black Tint, we have 14 locations to help vehicle owners optimize their car’s aesthetics and keep their rides looking sleek. We’ve been removing, installing, and replacing car window tints on vehicles of all kinds for years. Our tint experts can repair some film issues and skillfully remove even the stickiest, oldest tint. And, if there’s an underlying issue with the glass, we can also replace that. Let’s take a look at some things you need to know about hand-me-down window tint.
If the tint on your used car looks fine, it’s a good idea to still have it inspected by your local tint shop to ensure there are no issues that will soon result in major problems.
One of the first signs of worn-out car tint is peeling edges which is most often caused by the breakdown of the film and the adhesives exposed to the sun over time. You may be able to see more obvious peeling edges, or early signs may cause you to hear a crackling noise as you roll your car windows up and down as the edges snag. Peeling edges will eventually peel off the tint and can flake off inside your door panel, so you should have them removed and replaced sooner rather than later.
Blisters or bubbles are the result of several things but is most often due to adhesives as they begin to wear out or never completely adhered to the glass, to begin with. These air bubbles won’t go away on their own, but will eventually crack and peel. Once this happens, not only is it an unsightly mess, but the dried film can scratch the glass.
Scratched car tint is another sign of wear and tear you shouldn’t ignore. Scratches in the tint are often caused by trauma to the film and could be a sign of scratched glass beneath. If the glass is lucky enough to be unscathed beneath, the compromised window tint film is no longer offering protection and will soon begin to peel.
The sun’s rays shining through dyed tint film will cause fading and color changing over time, resulting in a purplish hue. The adhesive that holds the film to the glass can also fade or change over time, resulting in an amber color. What’s worse is that fading is not usually uniform, meaning the discoloration is often uneven, so your car’s tint becomes a smorgasbord of different colors. Not only does this significantly impact the curb appeal of your car, but it is a big safety concern, distorting your vision.
Car window tint should keep your car nice and cool, and the temperatures consistent. If your windows are tinted, there is no good reason that your car should get too hot. An increase in internal temperature means that your windows are not rejecting the solar heat penetrating your windows and your tint is ineffective. While it may look okay, it is not functional and you should consider a practical upgrade.
One of the main benefits of car window tint is that it resists heat which helps to keep your car cool without running your HVAC system continuously. When you use less AC, it reduces the stress on your car’s engine, and your fuel gauge in turn. If you are noticing that you are filling up your tank more frequently than you should, it may be an ineffective car window tint that is to blame.
For your sake, we hope that none of the above-mentioned issues are occurring with your window tint and you can ride on into the sunset with your new ride, feeling confident in your investment. If, however, any of these issues are present, not to worry, we’ve got a few solutions for you.
In some cases, tint repair is possible. Where there is a minor scratch, some peeling on the edges, or poorly adhered film that is not damaged, there is a good shot that a little finesse from an experienced tint technician can correct the problem and have you on your way. Signs of inexperienced installation can sometimes be corrected if the adhesive isn’t gummed up or folded over on itself. For instance, a majority of the time, bubbles can be corrected if addressed quickly. One of the biggest problems with this, however, is that on used cars, the tint is far from new — we mean, who is going to install a new tint on a vehicle they are selling? If you’ve got any issues you think could be repaired, we’d be happy to check it out for you.
When the tint is damaged or was cheap or poorly installed, to begin with, oftentimes it’s just best (and more cost-efficient) to simply scrap it and install a new tint. Window tint removal can be achieved in a variety of ways, but the type of tint and adhesive will dictate which way makes the most sense for your car. At Jet Black Tint, we regularly remove the shoddy tint and replace them with a stunning new tint that is rich with color. Our professionals can do all of this without damaging your glass.
At Jet Black Tint, we are happy to inspect and diagnose any tint problems and repair or replace it in about an hour. Visit us online to learn more and find a JBT location near you to book your appointment today!