Tag: Car Window Tinting

Woman Washing Tinted Windows

10 Vancouver Window Tinting Maintenance Tips

Vancouver window tinting offers several advantages to vehicle owners. Read a full list of the pros and cons of tinted windows here. Tinted auto glass enhances the appearance of your vehicle and offers practical benefits such as heat reduction and privacy. Still, it’s crucial to maintain your auto glass tinting to ensure superior results.

You’ll need to follow proper care and maintenance practices to ensure your tinted windows maintain their aesthetics and functionality. Let’s discuss tips on how to care for and maintain your tinted auto glass for long-lasting results. 

Top Tips to Maintain Your Vancouver Window Tinting

Here are 10 tips to help you maintain your tinted auto glass for superior results:

  1. Don’t Clean Your Windows Right Away

After getting your windows tinted, you must allow sufficient time for curing. The window-curing process usually takes at least a week. Ask your Vancouver window tinting professional how long to wait before cleaning your windows You’ll also need to avoid rolling your windows down for a few days to prevent film damage. 

  1. Use the Right Cleaning Products

Tinted auto glass requires mild, non-abrasive cleaning solutions to prevent damage. While you should avoid harsh chemicals and ammonia-based cleaners on all glass, it’s particularly important for tinted windows. Ask us about designated window cleaners to help remove dirt and residue without damaging your tints. 

  1. Stick to Soft Cloths for Cleaning
Person Carefully Cleaning Tinted Windows
Source: Shutterstock

You’ll also need to be careful with the type of cloth and sponges you use to clean your windows. Find a soft, lint-free cloth that’s reserved for your auto window cleaning. Avoid using paper towels or other rough materials that can scratch your Vancouver window tinting. Microfiber cloths are an excellent choice. 

  1. Be Mindful of Sharp Objects

Be cautious of what goes near your tinted windows as well. Sharp objects like rings, tools, and keys can scratch and damage your window film. You’ll want to be careful not just around your windows but also while cleaning windows. Since the edges of your windows are more susceptible to damage, take extra care to avoid scratches. 

  1. Follow Proper Cleaning Techniques

You should never rigorously scrub windows or add excessive pressure to remove dirt and debris. The best method of dirt removal is to use gentle, circular motions. Start from the top of your windows and work your way down to ensure your windows are thoroughly cleaned and prevent damage. 

  1. Choose Car Washes Carefully

Many automated car washes use cleaning brushes that are too abrasive for your Vancouver window tinting. If you need to go through a car wash, choose a touchless or hand-washing company to reduce damage risk. Always take the extra time to inform the attendant about your tinted windows. This will ensure they take the proper precautions to protect your windows. 

  1. Be Careful with Window Treatments

Although there are various do-it-yourself window treatments marketed for your Vancouver window tinting, most aren’t safe for your windows. Glass treatments, such as rain repellents and protective coatings, contain chemicals that can damage your tint film. Carefully read the labels on these products and avoid using them directly on tinted surfaces. Talk to your professional auto glass company in Vancouver for more advice. 

  1. Shield from Direct Sunlight When Possible

Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can accelerate the fading and discoloration of your film. Park your vehicle in shaded areas when possible or use sunshades to protect your tinted windows. This helps ensure the longevity and aesthetics of your tinted windows. 

  1. Inspect Your Tints Periodically
Window Tints Are Professionally Applied
Source: Shutterstock

You’ll also want to periodically inspect your tinted windows for signs of damage. Look for peeling, bubbling, or scratches. Contact your tinting service immediately for repairs to avoid risking the integrity of your entire film. 

  1. Consider Professional Maintenance

Professional detailing services offer specialized cleaning and maintenance for tinted windows. Contact our experts to inspect your window tints and ensure they are in optimal condition. 

Hire a Professional Vancouver Window Tinting Company for the Best Results

Following these care and maintenance tips extends the life of your tinted windows, but it’s also crucial to hire a professional company to apply your tints at the outset. Our experts at Avenue Auto Glass are here to ensure the best results for your tinted windows. Call us to schedule an appointment for the best Vancouver window tinting available.

auto window tinting

Choosing the Right Auto Window Tinting Color for Your Vehicle

Are you considering investing in auto window tinting? Tinted windows are prevalent, with most cars sporting some tint. Auto window tinting is an excellent option if you don’t want to feel like you’re sitting in a fishbowl. Here’s what you need to consider before choosing your window tints. 

Finding the Right Auto Window Tinting Option for Your Vehicle

auto tints
Source: Google Images

Your vehicle doesn’t just get you from point A to point B. It is also a way to show off your personality and unique style in your daily life. The fun part about auto window tinting is that you aren’t limited to black and grey. Paint protection film, ceramic coating, lights, headlight tint, and window ting come in various options, allowing you to upgrade your vehicle to match your vibe. 

When it comes to auto window tinting, the first thing you’ll need to consider is color. Remember that some colors are not legal, depending on where you live. Always refer to your local window tint laws before installing colored tints on your ride. 

Color Options for Auto Window Tinting

auto tints
Source: Google Images

While black and grey are the most common choices, more and more car owners are turning to colored tints. Here are some colors to consider when choosing the correct tints for your vehicle:

Jet Black

Black is a deep, rich option that exudes class. It’s a great way to move away from the traditional grey tints without going too crazy! As the darkest option on the market, opting for jet black results in minimal light transmission. 

Charcoal or Grey

Charcoal is the most common choice for auto window tinting and is legal in most places. If you want something that’s subtle and effective, charcoal or grey is a great option. These colors offer privacy and protection while reducing solar heat and light transmission. 

Blue 

Blue window tints are commonly used on commercial vehicles and front visor strips. The shades of blue used vary from turquoise to classic blue. 

Yellow

window tint colors
Source: Google Images

Yellow or amber tints are becoming increasingly popular, especially for luxury sports car enthusiasts. Since this auto window tinting color isn’t authorized in most areas, this color choice is typically reserved for show cars. It is also commonly used on headlights. 

What Should I Consider Before Choosing My Auto Window Tinting Color? 

Now that you know your options, it’s time to decide. To make the right choice, you’ll need to consider local and state laws, your budget, resale intentions, visibility and safety, and your personal style. 

Having your tints applied by a professional is imperative. Cheaply produced products and improperly installed tints can impact visibility, fade, deteriorate, and even affect your glass. Find a reliable Vancouver window tinting shop to ensure you get the best results. 

Contact Avenue Auto Glass to Discuss Your Options

Avenue Auto Glass offers tinting options to meet your needs. We’re dedicated to enhancing your vehicle’s security, protection, and aesthetic to ensure you’re safely riding in style. Our experts have the skills necessary to install your window tinting seamlessly so it lasts. If you are ready to discuss your tint options, contact one of our tint specialists to discuss our products and services. 

pros and cons of window tinting

Pros and Cons of Window Tinting

Window tinting is a standard service auto glass companies provide for vehicle owners. Tinted windows do more than make your car look good. They also offer benefits for you and your vehicle. If you’re considering investing in this service, you may be looking at the pros and cons of window tinting. 

While you can request tinted windows when you first purchase a vehicle, most window tint films are installed by a professional auto glass company. Hiring a professional to install your window tints is the best way to ensure you get quality installation with legal tint in BC. Still, there are some things to consider before hiring someone to tint your windows. 

Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of window tinting before deciding which direction. 

What Is Window Tinting? 

window tinting near me

Window tinting refers to the process of adding a film to the inside of your vehicle’s windows that darkens the glass. The primary purpose of car window tinting is to reduce the amount of heat and UV rays that enter your vehicle’s interior. Still, many people choose to tint their windows because it looks cool. 

While the thickening of the window tinting film can vary, the pros and cons of window tinting remain the same across the board. However, many countries and states have varying restrictions regarding the darkness of film that can be legally used on your vehicle’s glass. 

Today, various types of tints are available in the automotive accessories market. Some manufacturers apply car options before a sale, and several aftermarket options are also available. The lower the window tinting film number, the darker the tint. Since tints require a specific process for a successful application, it’s best to hire a professional Vancouver auto glass company for the best results. 

What’s the Darkest Tint You Can Get for Windows?

One thing you’ll need to discuss with your window tint pros is the darkness of your tints. The legal tint in BC is as follows:

  • Back and rear windows can be tinted at any level of darkness. 
  • Front side windows cannot be legally tinted. 
  • You can only tint the top 75mm of your front windshield. 

Window tinting films are measured in visible light transmission levels, corresponding with the percentage of visible light passing through your window. Tint percentages are simple to understand when you break them down—the lower the percentage, the darker the tint. For example, a 25% tint means 25% of visible light will pass through the window. 

What Type of Window Tinting Is Best? 

If you’re looking for the best window tinting, carbon or infrared rejection films are top of the line for UV and heat protection. These films block the infrared lights that create a greenhouse effect inside your vehicle. Most new cars come with a small amount of tint today. Still, most car owners want to adjust their window tinting to meet their unique style or preferences. While you can apply window tints yourself, it’s best to hire professional window tinting near Vancouver, BC, to get the best results. 

What Are the Pros and Cons of Window Tinting? 

car window tinting

Now that you understand what to consider when choosing window tints and a professional tinting company let’s look at the pros and cons of window tinting. This will help you answer some of the most common questions vehicle owners ask. Is window tinting worth it? Does window tinting reduce visibility? Should you tint your front windows? Let’s dive in!  

What Is the Benefit of Car Window Tinting? 

Many vehicle owners choose to tint their car windows because of the many advantages. Window tint pros include:

Safety

One of the most well-known benefits of window tinting is safety. Your car’s windows are made of tempered glass. If you are ever in a car accident, tempered glass will shatter into a thousand pieces that can cause significant injury. Window tinting adds an extra layer of safety that holds most of your glass pieces together when broken. 

Privacy

Another great benefit of car window tinting is privacy. Tints make it harder for outsiders to see into your vehicle. This can be a great theft deterrent. It also gives you peace of mind that your belongings are safe and secure. 

Glare Reduction

Even a low tint percentage can significantly reduce sunlight glare. The glare reduction you get from tinting your windows also goes for light reflection. Not only will you squint less with tinted windows, but you’ll also have a safer commute. Wet roads, buildings with lots of windows, and light reflection from other vehicles can impact your visibility on the road, leading to car accidents. 

Harmful UV Ray Reduction

Window tinting also blocks a significant UV light from entering your vehicle. This protects your skin while driving and your vehicle’s interior from fading. Ultraviolet light can damage your interior upholstery and trim. This can lead to fading, cracking, splitting, and other irreparable damage. 

Solar Heat Reduction

Investing in car window tinting can increase the lifespan of your vehicle and its interior components. Tinted windows also reduce the solar radiation that turns your vehicle into a hotbox. Even light tinting can keep your car cooler. This doesn’t just make the inside of your car more comfortable when you need to hit the road, but it also reduces fuel consumption and lightens the load on your air conditioner. 

Visual Aesthetic

Finally, some people add window tinting as a personal preference. Tints create a visual aesthetic that looks cool. With various darkness levels available, tints can fit any size and style of vehicle you have. They can make your car look classy, sporty, rugged, or modern. 

Are There Any Disadvantages of Window Tinting? 

window tinting near Vancouver, BC

As with everything in life, there are pros and cons of window tinting. Although there are more advantages than disadvantages, some vehicle owners consider these reasons not to tint car windows:

Visibility

Some dark-tinted window tinting film can impair your vision under certain driving conditions. For example, darker tinted windows can decrease visibility with low-light conditions, rain, and fog. At Avenue Auto Glass, we understand the visual limitations of dark tints and work with you to meet your aesthetic goals and simultaneously keep you safe. 

Cracking/Peeling

Do-it-yourself or aftermarket films can crack, peel, and bubble when not correctly applied. This doesn’t just reduce visibility when driving, but it also creates an unsightly aesthetic. If your window tinting film is damaged, you’ll need to remove the tint and reapply it. This isn’t just time-consuming, but it’s also expensive. If you want your tints to last for the life of your vehicle, you need to hire experienced professionals offering high-quality window tinting near Vancouver, BC

Regulation

Finally, laws vary from one location to another regarding how much tint can be applied to your vehicle’s windows. If your tints are too dark, you risk getting a costly fine. Check your local restrictions and regulations before tinting your windows to avoid this issue. Avenue Auto Glass has the knowledge and expertise to ensure your vehicle has a legal tint in BC. 

Now comes the big question: to tint or not to tint? Understanding the pros and cons of window tinting allows you to combine your personal preference with the information you need to make the best decision. Choosing a quality window tinting film and the right professional to install it can ensure you get the best results from your investment. If you’re looking for window tinting near me, call us. Our auto glass experts provide the highest quality window tinting to meet your needs.