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How to Maintain Automotive Window Tint

You’ve taken the plunge and decided to invest in the resale value of your vehicle by having its windows tinted. However, to secure the investment you need to know how to maintain automotive window tint.  Whether you had clear, dyed, hydrophobic, carbon or any other kind of film applied, maintenance will be required in a simple three step process. 

STEP ONE

Wait for 48 Hours

Once you have collected your vehicle from the tint film installers, it is important to keep the windows up for the first forty-eight hours. Better still would be to leave any cleaning of your vehicle for at least a week. This ensures a secure bond between the tint film and the glass. You might be tempted to squeeze out small bubbles you notice in the film, but resist the urge and allow the tint film to bond correctly. The tinted windows may also appear cloudy or hazy, but patience is key. This will go a long way to making sure your vehicle’s windows remain pristine.

STEP TWO

Prepare Your Film Washing Materials

If you’ve waited at least forty-eight hours, the day has come to wash your newly tinted windows.

DO NOT USE AMMONIA BASED CLEANERS.

If you would like to use an off-the-shelf cleaner, select the mildest one available, but we would suggest a mild homemade cleaner from the following materials: 

–        Two cups of distilled water

–        Three tablespoons of white vinegar

–        Half  a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid

You will need to fill one spray bottle with one cup of the distilled water, the vinegar and the dishwashing liquid, and mix well. Another separate spray bottle should contain only one cup of distilled dishwater.

In preparation of the next step, you will also need two microfiber cloths at hand.  

how to clean automotive window film
How to maintain automotive window tint film

STEP THREE

Wash Window Film Safely

Patience is still important even in the final step. The first thing to do is to check the edges of the tint film to ensure it is fully bonded all the way around. Remember, the tint film is applied to the inside of the window and not the outside. Once you have established that the tint film is securely bonded to the window glass and is completely dry, you can begin washing.

The method recommended for tinted windows is to first apply a light spray of the soapy mixture. This helps to loosen the dirt. Wipe the soapy mixture and dirt off with one of the microfiber cloths. Then apply a light spray of distilled water from spray bottle two to rinse the film and, using the second cloth, dry the tinted window. Ensure the two cloths don’t get mixed up, as this would defeat the object of rinsing the window.

Remember, tinted windows can get hot as they absorb some of the sun’s heat. It is best to tackle the cleaning of tinted windows at cooler times of the day; early morning or late afternoon.

WHAT NOT TO DO

The Don'ts of Automotive Film Maintenance

  • Don’t use ammonia based cleaners.
  • Don’t use newspaper of paper towels; these can scratch tint film.
  • Don’t rub; use a wiping motion.
  • Don’t use a sharp bladed squeegee. 
The don'ts of maintaining automotive window film

Now that your windows are tinted and clean, you can sit back and enjoy the benefits of a window film supplier like Profilm; a cooler environment, reduction in the fading of interiors, safety from break ins and increased privacy and security.