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Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Window Tint: What You Need to Know

Go fast. Go safe. And go in style. This is the unconscious creed of all who consider car modifications. We don�t all seek renovations for the same reasons, but we are all considering modifications for the same underlying reason. We are drivers, mechanics, and dreamers who push our cars beyond the norm and into perfection. Regardless of your own reason for considering car mods, your car can benefit from window tint.

What is Window Tint?

Window tint is a combination of polyester and metalized coating. The window tint has a scratch resistant coating on one side, and a release liner on the other. Window tint is applied by removing the release liner and attaching the film to the windows with an adhesive or a static cling technology. Window tint can be used on both residential buildings and vehicles.

Why Window Tint?

Car modifications should increase the safety, comfort, and aesthetic appeal of your vehicle. Window tint accomplishes all of this and more. Window tint can:

Block the glare from the sun that can make it difficult and dangerous to drive on the road.
Make your car more energy efficient by blocking the sun. This feature will keep your car cooler on hot summer days. A must have for cars whose air conditioning have seen better days.

Block 99% of the UV rays from the sun. This will protect the interior of your car from sun damage. This vital feature will prevent the paint, rubber, and plastic inside your vehicle from cracking and fading.

Why Forego Window Tint?

Window tint is not without its downside. If you spend the majority of your time driving around after dark, you should not use this modification. The main problem is that the more effective the tint, the harder it will be for you to see through the window after dark.

State Regulations of Window Tint

Before applying window tint, you need to check your state�s window tint regulations. In order to protect everyone on the road, states have set up laws that you must follow when applying window tint to your car. Failure to follow these laws can lead to a monetary fine and jail time. If you want to avoid both, you must check out what window tint guidelines you must follow. The state regulates:


  • How reflective a window tint can be and where reflective tint can be applied. 
  • How dark the window can be on certain parts of the vehicle. 
  • If you can use colored tint. 
  • If you must have enhanced side mirrors to go with your tint. 
  • Whether you need a sticker showing you window tint adheres to the law.  

How Do I Tint My Windows?

Tinting your windows may seem simple, but a sub-par window tint job can be aesthetically disastrous. Improperly applied window tint can have unsightly bubbles and dirt trapped beneath the window tint. In order to prevent this I would recommend that any interested car owners, leave the tint jobs to the professionals.

For those who are confident that they will be able to apply the window tint, I would recommend purchasing window tint that is applied with static cling technology instead of the adhesive. Static cling allows you to remove and reapply the window tint if you apply it improperly.

Window tint needs to be applied in a shaded, well-light, and dust-free area. It should be 40 to 98% F for three days after the installation. And you should not clean your vehicles windows with ammonia or house hold glass cleaners before you apply the tint. After you ensure that you fulfill these requirements, you can refer to this how-to video to guide you through the rest of the installation process.  

As a car mod buff, you might want to consider window tint for your vehicle. Window tint will reduce the glare, heat and UV rays allowed into your vehicle. Just make sure you follow the state window tint laws and have the skill to apply the window tint. And remember, if you�re a night owl, you might want to forego this modification.