Tinted Windshield and Auto Glass

Tinted auto glass is similar to protective film, except that the film is thinner, colored and applied to the inside surface of the glass.

Window tinting can dramatically change the appearance of your vehicle.

This level of windshield tinting would not be legal in a number of states.

Tinted auto glass comes in a variety of tint colors, patterns and intensities. Like the protective film, tinted auto glass has many advantages, including:

• reducing occupants' exposure to harmful sun rays
• preventing fading of upholstery and dash
• keeping vehicle cooler (especially for dark interiors)
• protecting occupants' from broken glass in an accident

Tinting can be installed by professionals or even by a vehicle owner with the right tools. The tint is applied as a film to the inside surface of the glass, and can be quite complicated to install correctly. Therefore, it is recommended that a professional, with the necessary tools and experience, should handle the job--especially if only one car is being done.

The newly applied tint can take several days (up to 2 weeks) to fully dry, so plan accordingly. Driving is okay during the curing/drying period, but rolling the window up and down is not allowed. Additionally, window tint may not be perfectly clear until it is fully dried.

Since tinting is applied to the inside surface of the glass, any raised or jagged areas in the glass may create imperfections in the applied tinting. Carefully inspect any glass that is to be tinted before deciding whether or not tinting is right for you. If the glass is not perfectly smooth, you must decide how many imperfections you are willing to accept with the tinting application.

Tinted windows can be cleaned with a soft cloth and an alcohol based cleaner. Ammonia cleaners should not be used on tint applications, since they will shorten the lifetime of the film. Tinted windows can scar or 'ding' if they are hit with hard objects, such as seat belt buckles. Care is required to prevent damage and scarring to tinted window applications.

The lifetimes of tints vary by product, sun/heat exposure and quality. The cheaper films can last 2-4 years on average, with more expensive products lasting longer. When it comes time to remove old tint, there are options. Non-professionals can remove tint, but care must be taken to protect any other features on the auto glass surface--such as defrosting wires. If there are other specialty features on the glass, professionals will be able to remove the old tint without damaging the other functions of the auto glass. Tint can also be repaired at the first sign of damage (bubbling), thus extending the lifetime of the product.

State laws limit the darkness of 'tint' applied to auto glass for safety reasons (relating to crime and adequate visibility). The tint allowed often varies from window to window, vehicle to vehicle and state to state.

Take a look at other special windshield options.