One of the most common concerns we get from our customers about window tint is the appropriate way to clean and care for tinted car windows. That is why we have written this article with the dos and don’ts of automotive tinted windows care.
Let us start by discussing window film installations and how it fits the glass. As you all know, an automotive window tint is installed on the glass surface. The tint construction is such that once fitted, that exterior surface is a long-lasting scratch-free coating. This offers the film tints a chance to slide up and down in the appropriately-adjusted window channels for an extended period without getting spoilt. While this surface is long-lasting, it cannot last forever.
Moreover, the automotive window tint is compatible with the glass due to its optically clear, thin, and pressure-sensitive features. Once cured, the bond ought to last for a prolonged period without showing any signs of defectiveness. Now that we have already discussed how the film is installed and how it is compatible with the glass let us now divulge how to appropriately care for it to guarantee a prolonged lifespan.
Will any Glass cleaner do?
Technically, no. The adhesive type mentioned earlier is utilized to make the film compatible with the glass, and it establishes a mechanical connection between the glass and the film. Some chemicals can spoil this bond and make the window tint peel or bubble. Most times, you might observe a window film task that has a myriad of huge bubbles and assume that it was a wrong tint or inappropriate tint job. Although it might have been any of the two things or even both, it can also be the case where quality tint was installed appropriately but cleaned with the wrong glass cleaner. Several glass cleaners are available on the market that we cannot describe individually, but you should consider purchasing an Ammonia-free cleaner. Ammonia breaks down the mechanical bond between the glass and film. It will creep beneath the film and result in a mechanical failure between the film and the glass that in turn leads to the bubbles you might have likely seen. Most brands manufacture ammonia-free glass cleaners but ensure to always cross-check the label. If the label does not indicate it is “ammonia-free,” you should assume it has ammonia in it and look for another cleaner.
Do you want to avoid utilizing an ordinary paper towel to wipe your windows down? This might be okay for specific surfaces, but not that most paper towels can trap dirty particles between the film and the towel and result in scratches. This mainly happens because the piece of dirt has nowhere to absorb in the towel, so it gets pulled across the surface of the film while you wipe the windows down.
The best option is to utilize a soft microfiber towel, which absorbs more solutions and offers the dirt particles a chance to sink inside the fibers and away from the film’s surface as you clean. These towels will not only offer you a streak-free cleaning, but also they will help to avoid abrasions.
One of the most critical things to keep monitoring is the sudden appearance of minor scratches on the film’s surface running from top to the bottom of your car window. This shows that the window controller inside the door might be out of adjustment, or dirt particles are stuck on its surface. Once you notice this issue, get the car to a mechanic immediately to check the guide surface and the adjustment. Continued use of the vehicle without getting the problem resolved may worsen the scratches, and the only option will be to get a replacement.
If you want to learn more about the ways to appropriately clean and care for tinted car windows, contact San Antonio Window Tint by dialing (210) 236-0585 and we will be happy to assist and talk to you.
