Window Tinting Myths Busted: Nighttime Visibility, Bubbling, and More

Myth 1: Window tint is only for aesthetics

As you explore window tinting options for your vehicle, you’re likely to come across mixed information and common misconceptions. In this blog post, we'll cover and debunk a few of those common myths and provide facts to help you make the right decision for you and your vehicle.

Myth 2: Window tint impacts nighttime visibility

Myth 3: Window tint damages windows

Myth 4: Window tint will always bubble over time

While upgrading the look of your car is a significant benefit of window tint, it's not the only improvement tint can make. Automotive window tint offers many benefits, including UV protection, temperature control, and privacy.

✹UV Protection: According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, “When UV window film is applied to the windows of vehicles... it can block more than 99% of UVA and UVB light.” This helps to protect both your skin and the interior of your vehicle from UV damage.

✹Temperature Control: Nano-ceramic film helps with both heat retention and heat rejection—meaning your car will stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

✹Privacy: Adding window tint can obscure the view into your vehicle, offering improved privacy.

While tint that is darker than the legal limit can obscure your vision at night, tinting experts at Tinterz suggest that "Night driving issues usually stem from film quality or installation, not the tint itself."

Common causes of impaired visibility include:

✹Low-quality films that lack clarity and make it difficult to see on poorly lit roads.

✹Tinted windshields can also affect your visibility through other windows. Because it is the largest window in your vehicle, the amount of light the windshield lets in can significantly reduce nighttime visibility.

✹Old, deteriorating film that is cloudy, streaky, or bubbly can compromise visibility at any time of day.

If you are still concerned about nighttime visibility, you have options. Consider choosing a tint at the Georgia legal limit of 35%. This offers a balance of clear nighttime visibility and reduced glare from headlights, streetlights, and other bright light sources.

If you want to go darker than 35%, consider nano-ceramic film, which provides excellent optical clarity and improves visibility with darker tints.

With proper installation and high-quality window film, tint will not damage your windows. If you choose to remove the tint yourself, there will be adhesive residue left behind, but a professional can remove the tint, clean off the glue, and restore your windows to their original state.

However, problems can arise from poor installation, including:

✹Lifting and peeling edges.

✹Hazy or blurry appearance.

✹Debris trapped between the window and the film, causing bubbling.

High-quality window tint can last for up to ten years before fading. Tint industry leader CeramicPro explains, “Bubbling and peeling window tint typically occur due to installation errors, environmental exposure, poor-quality materials, or improper care.” Each of these factors can contribute to the deterioration of your tint, but recognizing them early can help you prolong the life of your film.

Here are some things you can do to prolong the life of your tint:

✹Choose a reputable tint shop: Experienced shops that use high-quality film help ensure a long-lasting result.

✹Invest in high-quality film: Nano-ceramic film will last longer and provide superior UV protection and heat rejection.

✹Follow proper aftercare: Be sure not to roll your windows down for the curing time (typically 3-5 days), and only use an ammonia-free cleaner when cleaning your windows.

SOURCES:

https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/uv-window-film/

https://tinterz.net/tinted-windows-at-night-is-it-safe/

https://ceramicpro.com/how-to-prevent-window-tint-from-bubbling-or-peeling/

At Suntamers, we understand that tinting your windows is an important decision, and we want to arm you with all the knowledge you need to make the best choice for you and your vehicle. If you have any questions, or want to get a quote or schedule an appointment, click the button below to give us a call.

Going to a reputable tint shop will significantly reduce the chance of these issues arising. At Suntamers, we have been tinting windows for over 30 years and have the experience to make installation flawless.