How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Window Tinting

Of all the upgrades you can make to your vehicle, window tinting is arguably one of the best long-term ways you can improve your driving experience. Window tints are well-known for reducing glare and UV radiation and for improving privacy. 

If you already have an appointment to get window tints installed on your vehicle, you need to make sure you prepare your vehicle for the upgrade. An unprepared vehicle could lead to a poor tint installation, despite your technician's best efforts.

If the tint shop you are working with has given you preparation instructions, be sure to follow them. If you do not have any pre-appointment instructions, be sure to follow the basic steps in this blog post to make sure your vehicle is ready for its window tint application. 

Replace Chipped or Cracked Glass

Unlike some vehicle improvements, automotive window tints are designed to be long-lasting and durable. Some window tinting films can stay fully effective for up to 10 years after installation. Since window tints are designed to last for such a long time, vehicle owners should make sure their glass can last for just as long. 

Before your appointment, make sure you inspect all of the glass you want to have tinted. Although windshields take the most abuse on the road, side windows can still become damaged due to rock chips or vandalism. Make sure your roll each window down to inspect its edge for chips as you search your vehicle for signs of glass damage. 

If you do find damage, get the damaged glass replaced. Some automotive tinting shops also offer glass replacement services, so you may be able to combine the glass replacement and tinting appointments for your convenience.

Clean Your Vehicle

Tinting films completely cover the inside area of automotive windows to filter light effectively. As they are applied, anything that is floating in the air could become sandwiched between the film and the glass. For this reason, most automotive tinting shops are as clean as possible.

But shop owners and technicians can't guarantee a clean working environment for your appointment if your vehicle is dirty. Dirt that enters the air as technicians open your vehicle's doors could end up marring your tint job despite your technician's best efforts.

To prevent this, get your car washed and detailed right before your tinting appointment. A clean, virtually dust-free vehicle will help your technician work faster and flawlessly apply your tinting film.

Detail Your Vehicle's Windows

Most automotive detailers focus on cleaning carpets and interior surfaces. They may leave dust on your windows, and, more importantly, they won't disturb anything you have placed on your windows. So, you should touch up your windows yourself before your tinting appointment.

If you have any stickers or static clings on the inside of your vehicle's windows, be sure to remove them carefully. If they leave a residue, remove it with soap and water or a razor blade. 

Once your windows are bare, go over every interior window surface with a lint-free rag to remove any residual dust or debris. Roll down each window to wipe down the top-most section of each piece of glass.

Although your tinting technician will also clean the windows, going the extra mile to make sure your glass is clean before your appointment will reduce the time your technician needs to install your window tints. Every step you do yourself can save you money and time and help to ensure that your window tints last as long as possible. 

At Affiliated Auto Glass, we offer both automotive glass repair and tinting services. If you have any questions about our window tints or the tinting process we use, contact us and request a quote for our services today.