After installing window tints on your car, you’re probably already enjoying several benefits. These include enhanced privacy, UV protection, and a sleek aesthetic. However, to ensure the window tint and its advantages last for a long time, proper aftercare is essential.
The adhesive used for window tinting takes time to cure fully, and you’ll have to take some precautions to avoid issues such as peeling, scratching, or premature wear. Whether you’ve got a window tint for the first time or upgraded to a higher-quality windows film, knowing the right steps after tinting windows can protect your investment and make all the difference in maintaining its look and functionality.
This blog explores the top window tint aftercare tips.
What to Expect After Tinting Windows?
Here’s what you can expect after tinting windows of your car.
- It’s perfectly normal if you see bubbles, air pockets, or hazy windows in the beginning after installing window tints. These are usually caused by water trying to work its way out of the tint material and should go away within a few days.
- The drying time for the tint will vary depending on the weather and season. In summer, it may cure or dry within two to four days. However, if you get window tints during winter, it can take anywhere between three and four weeks for the tint to cure.
- Your car windows are stronger and scratch-resistant. However, they are neither completely scratch-proof nor safe against damage from sharp objects, etc.
Top 5 Things You Must Do After Tinting Windows
Let’s look at the top 5 things you should (and shouldn’t) do after tinting windows.
1. Keep Your Windows Rolled Up & Let the Tint Cure
The first and most important thing you should do after tinting windows is that you should keep your windows rolled up for at least three days. It will allow the window tint to fully cure and stick to the window glass. If you don’t give the window tint the time to cure, it can cause it to peel, wrinkle, or bubble.
The time the window tint takes to cure will depend on the type of cure you choose. It can take anywhere from 2 days to a week to even more for a window tint to cure. You shouldn’t touch the tinted windows until it’s completely cured. Even after it’s cured, avoid touching the inside of the window excessively and unnecessarily.
2. Avoid Sharp Edges & Objects
Avoid bringing tools with sharp edges near your car’s window. These include ice suction cups, scrapers, parking permits, etc. Sharp objects can scratch the window tint and even cause it to peel off. Though window tints are designed for durability, they are neither invincible nor invulnerable to damage.
3. When It’s Time, Clean Your Windows with Great Care
You should avoid cleaning your windows right away. Once it’s time to clean the windows, almost after a week, make sure you’re very careful. Don’t use any abrasives or liquid solutions. You should also avoid cleaning the inside of the window for a week because the window tint is installed on the inside of the window. The outside of the window is comparatively safer to be cleaned. However, the moisture from the water used in washing the car can slow down the drying process and extend the curing period.
Eventually, you can use a dry microfiber cloth or a very soft sponge to clean the inside of the window and gently wipe away any dust. Even the cleaning solution you use should be a gentler one. It should be free of ammonia, vinegar, and other harsh chemicals. These chemicals can damage the window tint, causing it to peel off and discolor. Ammonia can whiten your window film. You can look for cleaning products specially designed for cleaning tinted windows.
4. Park the Car in the Shade to Avoid UV Rays
Park your car in the shade whenever possible. It’s because extended exposure to the sun may cause the window tint to fade or even lose its color.
5. Take Extra Care of Your Car Windows
One of the most underrated (yet highly effective) window tint care tips is that you should avoid blasting off aftermarket sound systems. These sound systems can create air pockets between the glass and the film. For the first few days after tinting windows, you can keep the volume low.
Moreover, you should avoid slamming the doors too hard and rolling the windows up and down too quickly. Avoid roughly handling your car windows to prevent any damage. You should also take special care when you’re loading or unloading any objects into and from your car.
Don’t alter or modify the window tint on your own once it’s installed. It can result in improper fit and uneven edges, ruining the entire look.
What Advantages Does Tinting Your Car’s Windows Offer?
There are several benefits of tinting your car windows. Let’s examine a few advantages.
- Window tinting can block most of the sun’s harmful UV rays. It can protect your car’s interior from excessive heat, preventing the upholstering from fading and discoloration. It also protects your skin.
- It blocks solar heat, keeps the temperature of your car lower, and reduces the need for excessive air conditioning.
- When the need for air conditioning reduces with the heat reduction qualities of window tinting, the fuel efficiency significantly increases.
- Window tinting reduces the glare from the sun. It enhances your visibility and overall driving experience.
- It ensures privacy by preventing people from looking inside your car.
- Lastly, it enhances your car’s appearance, making it look sharp.
Conclusion
Caring for your car’s window tint is a simple but crucial part of ensuring its longevity. By following a few key after tinting window tips —such as avoiding rolling down your windows too soon, using non-ammonia-based cleaners, and being mindful of potential scratches—you can keep your tinted windows in top condition for years. Not only will this preserve the window tint’s aesthetic appeal, but it will also help maintain the privacy, comfort, and protection it provides. With the right care, your investment in window tint can continue enhancing your driving experience for a long time to come.
Bravo Protection: Enhance Your Ride with Premier Window Tinting Services
Bravo Protection in Minneapolis is a leading provider of window tinting solutions when it comes to improving your car’s functionality, appearance, and style. Our team of experts uses the highest-quality window films to enhance your car’s aesthetic appeal with great practical benefits. We ensure that each application delivers excellent heat rejection, protection against UV rays, and glare reduction. The comfort and privacy we offer make us the go-to choice for automotive window tinting.
In addition to window tinting services, we offer PPF and ceramic coating packages for your vehicle. We also offer window tinting services for residences, commercial buildings, and boats. Call (952) 476-7025 Bravo Protection today for affordable and superior window tinting solutions.