Car windows reject 23 to 28 percent of ultraviolet sunlight, while tinted window films reject 95 to 99 percent of UV rays [source: International Window Film Association]. Window tinting also provides increased shatter resistance in case of accidents or break-ins.
Check your state's laws to find out which of your car's windows you may tint and whether you need certification to tint windows.
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Follow the manufacturer's directions for your window tint.
Besides the window tint and the solution it came with, you'll need:
- Window cleaning solution
- Sponge
- Single-edged razor blade
- Utility knife
- Squeegee
- Lint-free cloth
When applying window tint, remember:
- Tint your car's smallest flat windows first. This way you'll get used to working with window film.
- Apply the film in a dust-free, well-lit, shaded place.
- Apply the tint when the air temperature is between 40 and 98 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 and 36.7 degrees Celsius).
- Be careful not to crease the film.
- Wet your fingertips to avoid getting fingerprints on the film.
- Have a friend help you. Applying the film is easier with two people.
Here's what to do:
- Clean the window inside and out, including the gasket holding the window in place. Use a razor blade to scrape off any residue.
- Wet the window's exterior.
- Measure the outside of the window.
- Unroll the film onto the inside of the window, with the liner facing out. Trim the film to fit. The film's bottom edge should extend ¼ to ½ inch (.6 to 1.3 centimeters) below the top of a roll-down window's gasket.
- Roll the window down about two inches (five centimeters) before trimming the top of the film.
- Peel off the film liner. Spray the exposed adhesive with application solution.
- Spray the window's interior generously.
- Remove the liner from the window's exterior. Don't let the film touch itself.
- Stick the film to the window's interior, leaving 1/8 to ¼ inch (.3 to .6 centimeters) at the top of the window.
- Spray the film.
- Squeegee top of the film to the glass.
- Roll up window.
- Slip the bottom of the film underneath the window gasket.
- Squeegee the film onto the window, pushing bubbles out to the edges.
- Dry the film with a cloth wrapped around the squeegee [Source: Automotive Tint Installation Instructions].
The film will take seven to 10 days to cure.
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