Window Tinting FAQ from Auto Trim of Eau Claire, WI

 Aftermarket accessories and trim for your car or truck

Window Tint FAQs

 

Q: How much does it cost?

Depends on your vehicle. The price is vehicle specific. If you are near our store at 3136 Melby St in Eau Claire, please stop in for a free estimate. Or you can call us @ 715.835.3073, we'll be glad to help.

Q:  How should I clean my newly tinted windows?

A: Window film may be cleaned with any cleaner that is safe to use on the glass. Please DO NOT use anything abrasive like steel wool or razor blades.

Q:  How long will it take to install window tint on my vehicle?

A:  Installation can range from one to four hours depending on the type of vehicle and how many windows you want tinted.

Q:  Can you have window tinting applied to your windows in wet or cold weather?

A. Yes!  We have a heated garage.  However, the curing time may be extended in adverse conditions.  We use high quality window tint and trained installers to ensure a high quality job. 

Q:  How long should I keep my windows rolled up after I have window tint installed?

A:  We recommend keeping your windows up for at least 3-5 days.  If you roll them down before that, the tint often peels off because it has not had enough time to cure.  Should this happen we can redo your window, but it is not covered under the warranty.

Q:  I just had my windows tinted and they look a little hazy.  Is this normal?

A:  Yes, this is only temporary.  For the first few days they might appear cloudy, hazy, and you may see little water pockets underneath the film.  This is normal.  When windows are tinted, the squeegee can only remove a certain amount of the water from between the film and the glass.  As the film dries, the remaining water will form little pockets.  These water pockets will evaporate and go away by themselves as the film fully adheres to the glass.  The amount of time this takes depends upon the amount of sunlight it gets.  This time frame can range from two days to two weeks.

Q:  What causes window tinting to turn purple and bubble?

A: UV rays from the sun are usually the cause of bubbles forming in the window tint. The bubbles are a result of a failure in the film’s adhesive – usually a cheap low grade product. We use a professional grade film that will not fade or change color. That’s why we can offer a written, lifetime warranty.

Q:  Does the tint go on the inside or the outside?

A:  Our tint is computer cut based on the year, make and model of your vehicle and is installed on the inside of your car windows.

Q.  Can the seat belt damage my window tint?

A.  Yes.  Caution should be used when releasing seat belts.  Small chips can be made in the window tint due to the seat belt hitting the glass as it is released.  This is not covered by the warranty.

Q:  What are these streaks or scratches in my window tint?

A:  Though we strive to do a perfect job, some degree of dust contamination and minor imperfections are often present.   Also, pre-existing flaws in the glass are often much more noticeable after the windows are tinted.  

Q:  How durable is window tint?

A:  Many times people with children and pets are concerned about this.  This should not be a problem.  Pet damage is usually confined to smudges that just need to be cleaned.  High quality film is hard to scratch.  However, take care when loading and unloading objects with sharp or hard edges, like boxes or sporting equipment.  It is possible to tear even the best window tint.  If you cause damage to the film, the cost of re-doing the window is typically inexpensive.  Unfortunately, this type of damage is not covered under the warranty. 

Q:  How does the black dotted matrix on the rear window affect window tinting?

A:  The black dots, or matrix patterns, are made of Teflon material that is applied at the factory.  The thickness of this material makes it difficult to apply window tint, which is designed to adhere directly to the glass.  The black lines across the top of some windows can prevent window tint from sticking and cannot be covered.  When black dots are encountered, the window tint sticks to the slightly raised dot.  This can give, depending on the thickness of the material, a lighter or different look in the area of the black matrix dots.  There is no risk of peeling, however, this effect is unavoidable. 

Q:  Will tinting my rear window affect the rear defroster?

A:  No.  However, at night you may notice headlights behind you may reflect off of the defroster lines because the tint adheres around the slightly raised lines.