Capable of blocking out harmful UV rays and an added layer of security, tinted windows are a fantastic upgrade to any car, truck or SUV. Whether you own a car with tinted windows (or plan to have Wicked Auto Detailing tint them for you) one thing is for certain — you need to read this list of the do’s and don’ts of window tint care.
Thanks to the pros at Wicked Auto Detailing this list of tips makes it easier than ever before to care for the window tints on your car, truck or SUV.
Newly Tinted Windows
So you just rolled out of the Wicked Auto Detailing shop here in Santa Ana with some freshly tinted windows and a smile on your face. If you want to keep those tinted windows looking great and a smile on your face — you’ll want to keep the following information in mind.
Do Keep Your Windows Rolled Up
In the days following the installation of your window tint, the adhesive that bonds the film to the glass is still curing — so avoid rolling your windows down for up to four days after installation. Rolling your windows down before the adhesive cures can be detrimental to the quality of your window tint, causing the tint to peel or form bubbles. If you want to ensure your newly tinted windows will look great for years to come, let them properly cure before you roll your windows down.
Don’t Stress
When windows are newly tinted it can be quite common to see water pockets or even appear cloudy. That’s right, your freshly tinted windows may have pockets of water or look cloudy — and it’s completely normal. If you notice pockets of water or cloudy film, don’t stress out right away thinking your window tint is faulty.
During the installation process, water and a squeegee is used to smoothly apply the tint to the window. This may cause excess water to be left behind, thus forming those small pockets of water you noticed right before you typed in “Bubbles in new window tint” on Google and found this blog post. As the header of this section says — don’t stress — those bubbles will dry out in a few days, and any cloudiness will go away too.
If you notice cloudiness or water pockets in your window tint, know that window tint is porous and the water will eventually evaporate. How long it takes for the water pockets to evaporate varies — with warmer weather evaporating them quicker — however, one can expect it to take up to a month. Still noticing cloudiness or water pockets a month after installation? Then bring your car, truck or SUV back to Wicked Auto Detailing and we’ll help you diagnose the problem!
Do Wait to Clean Your Windows
Now, this may seem counterintuitive, but you will want to hold off on washing your car or cleaning your windows for a few days after tint installation. This waiting period allows the window tint to cure properly which ensures a long lifespan. After a few days have passed, feel free to use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe down the window.
With window tints being applied on the inside of the window, it’s not the outside elements you should worry about so much as it is your passengers. From wet-nosed dogs to messy kids, the inside of your windows see a lot of action. That’s why it is important to regularly clean them as it helps elongate the lifespan of your window tint film.
The best way to clean the inside of your windows is to use a microfiber cloth and any cleaner without ammonia. Now, soap and water will do just fine, but truly we recommend one of the window tint-friendly cleaners sold here at Wicked Auto Detailing. No matter what cleaner you opt for, the most important thing to keep in mind is to avoid ammonia in any products — ammonia ruins window tint.
Already Installed Tints
So you own a car with window tints already installed — now let’s learn how to take care of them! Here at Wicked Auto Detailing, we’re all about keeping your favorite car, truck or SUV looking great and that means maintaining your window tint too. Check out this shortlist of the do’s and don’ts of window tint maintenance that we put together for vehicle enthusiasts just like you!
Do Brush Away Debris
Before you tackle the task of cleaning your tinted windows, you’ll want to brush away any debris first. Wicked Auto Detailing recommends doing so with a soft-bristled brush or soft cloth — both of which are available online or in our store in Santa Ana. The goal of brushing away any debris is to ensure that no dirt or debris is able to scratch your window while you’re wiping them down. This extra precaution will save you plenty of headaches and anguish that is caused by a scratched window or window film.
Don’t Use Ammonia
This is perhaps one of the most important tips to remember when caring for a vehicle with tinted windows. Using any cleaning products with ammonia is an absolute “don’t” when it comes to window tint as it can break down the adhesive and the film used — ruining the window tint forever. If you’re unsure if a product you want to use contains ammonia or is safe for window tint, remember, you can always use warm soapy water as an alternative.
If you want to keep your window tints in tip-top shape with a tint-friendly cleaning product, Wicked Auto Detailing can help you! Here at Wicked Auto Detailing, we have a wide selection of professional-grade cleaning products that are safe for tinted windows for sale — so stop by our Santa Ana today!
Do Roll the Window Down
Unlike our advice for newly tinted windows, it is important to roll down your windows frequently if they haven’t just been tinted. Rolling down your window will expose the bit of glass that retracts into the window track when rolled completely up. This bit of glass can get extremely dirty, which in turn causes the window tint to start peeling, cracking or bubbling — all things you don’t want your window tint to do!
In order to avoid this, simply roll down your windows each time you clean them and get that bit of glass nice and clean. Doing this ensures a long life out of your window tints and helps you get the most out of your hard-earned money. If you’re looking for the perfect cleaning product for your tinted windows, just stop by Wicked Auto Detailing and check out our selection of cleaning products today!
Do Stop By Today
Now that you know just how to keep your window tints in tip-top shape, the only thing left to “do” is to stop by Wicked Auto Detailing today. Here at Wicked Auto Detailing, we offer a variety of vehicle services including detailing, paint protection, window tinting, ceramic coatings and more! Whether you need a set of cleaning products to keep in your garage or you’re looking for the best professional detailing services in the Santa Ana area, Wicked Auto Detailing is here to help you — so stop by our Santa Ana location today!