Faded window tints are a death sentence for any car window tinting enthusiast. Window tint provides many practical benefits, such as rejecting solar heat and damaging UV rays, as well as improving the look of your car. Many Boston drivers considering installing tints to their vehicles may ask themselves, “Does window tint fade over time?”. With the average vehicle on the road now reaching over ten years of age, it’s essential to know if a tint will last throughout the vehicle’s lifetime or if the owner will need a tint removal performed down the road. With high-quality film, faded window tints shouldn’t be a worry for owners. However, there are some things that you should be aware of to have the best possible chance of preventing tint fade.
Tint Fade Factors
How long your tinted windows last depends upon a variety of external and internal factors, such as the composition of the film itself and the environment it sits in. Some of the factors that can result in faded window tints include:
Tint Quality
The durability of window film is significantly influenced by factors such as the type of film used and the installation process. Lower-quality films may exhibit color fading within months, while higher-quality films can endure for up to 20 years. With subpar dyes, the yellow additives may fade faster than the blue and red pigments, leading to tinted car windows gradually turning purple over time.
Films lacking ultraviolet-blocking (UV) polyester tend to fade quicker than those with this feature. Films containing extruded dye or metal deposits generally have a longer lifespan. High-quality films incorporate color-stable dyes, ensuring that all colors fade at a consistent slow rate to prevent discoloration. Opting for a film made from top-notch materials, such as ceramic tints or carbon tints, by a reputable manufacturer guarantees color stability and resistance to scratches for an extended period.
Equally crucial is selecting a highly skilled professional installer. A competent installer will choose the appropriate film for your windows and apply it correctly. Professional installation ensures a seamless, bubble-free application that resists premature peeling or cracking. Professionals also skillfully cut the film to fit the window shape and secure it behind the car windows’ rubber lining. As such, a DIY installation may not match the longevity of a professional job.
Climate
Car window tints offer the advantage of blocking heat from entering your vehicle, protecting interiors even when parked in the sun. However, prolonged exposure to heat can gradually wear down the film’s adhesives, leading to bubbling or peeling.
The longevity of your window film is influenced by the climate of your location. Thankfully, those living in the Boston area should enjoy longer lifespans for their tints than those in the hotter southern climates. Still, as we all know, it gets hot in the area, so parking your vehicle in a garage can mitigate the impact of weather conditions.
Sunlight Exposure
Sunlight, containing invisible UV light, is known to fade dashboards and damage leather upholstery. This is one of the great benefits of car window tinting, as many films incorporate UV-blocking technology, protecting your interior. However, as the film absorbs and reflects energy, UV radiation can cause gradual fading. The more sunlight, the higher the rate of fading.
Controlling this process involves limiting your car’s time in direct sunlight. Parking in a garage helps maintain darker tinted windows for a more extended period. The fading process also depends on the film’s materials, with poor-quality films fading quickly, while films made with quality dyes, as well as carbon and ceramic films, can last over ten years.
Careful Maintenance
Choosing a car window film with a long lifespan requires thorough research. Once installed, proper maintenance and cleaning are crucial to slowing the fading process and ensuring the film’s durability. Be sure to ask our qualified technicians how to clean tinted windows to ensure they last as long as possible.
Your Local Car Tinting Service
By adhering to these guidelines and investing in high-quality materials installed by experienced professionals, you can avoid faded window tints and enjoy the benefits for upwards of ten years. It’s imperative to choose a qualified installer like ProCarSound&Security who can give your tints the best chance of living out their entire lifespan. If you currently have faded window tints, no worries; we also offer tint removal services.
