6 Signs Your Car Needs a Window Tint Replacement

The global window tint market is worth over 10 billion dollars. That's because a lot of people utilize window tint to protect themselves and their vehicles.



There are several signs that indicate your car's window tint needs replacement. Let's go through some of the most common signs.

1. Bubbling or Peeling

One of the most obvious signs that your car's window tint needs replacement is bubbling or peeling.

If the window tint is not installed correctly, it may be more prone to bubbling or peeling. This can occur if the surface of the window is not properly prepared, or if the tint is not applied smoothly and evenly.

Cheaper or lower quality window tint may be more prone to bubbling or peeling due to inferior materials or adhesive. Exposure to excessive heat, such as from direct sunlight, can cause window tint to expand and contract, leading to bubbling or peeling.

Over time, window tint may become brittle and start to peel or bubble due to age and exposure to UV rays.

If you notice any bubbles or peeling on the tint, it means that the adhesive is failing, and it's time to replace it.

2. Fading or Discoloration

If your car's window tint has started to fade or change color, it may be time for a replacement. Over time, exposure to UV rays from the sun can cause window tint to fade or discolor. This is because the UV rays break down the dye or pigments in the tint.

Cheaper or lower quality window tint may be more prone to fading or discoloration due to inferior materials and dye or pigment. 

Poor installation can also cause window tint to fade or discolor. So, if you installed the window tinting yourself, it might be time to get the professionals to redo the auto window tinting job.

If the tint is not installed correctly, it may not adhere properly to the window, allowing UV rays to penetrate the tint and cause it to fade.

Using harsh cleaning products or abrasive materials to clean window tint can cause it to fade or discolor over time. Exposure to environmental factors such as pollution, dirt, and chemicals can also cause window tint to fade or discolor.

3. Scratches or Damage

If your car's window tint has scratches or other damage, it may not be providing the protection it once did. Scratches can also create weak points in the tint, making it more susceptible to tearing or peeling.

Using abrasive cleaning materials, such as steel wool or rough sponges, can cause scratches on window tint. It's important to use gentle cleaning products and soft cloths or towels when cleaning tinted windows.

Sharp objects such as keys, jewelry, or other metal items can scratch or damage window tint if they come into contact with the surface. If the window tint is not installed correctly, it may be more prone to scratches or damage due to an uneven surface or other issues.

Extreme weather conditions, such as hail or heavy snowfall, can cause scratches or damage to window tint if the windows are not properly protected.

4. Difficulty Seeing

If your car's window tint is too dark, it can make it difficult to see clearly while driving, especially at night or in low-light conditions. This can be a safety hazard and may require you to replace the tint with a lighter shade.

There are other factors that can make it hard to see. Window tinting can come in different levels of darkness, or "shades." If the tint is too dark for your eyes, it can make it difficult to see through the window.

Depending on the angle of the sunlight, it can reflect off the window and make it harder to see through the tint. This can be especially true if the window is at a steep angle or facing directly into the sun.

If the window is dirty or has damage such as scratches or cracks, this can make it harder to see through the tint.

5. Legal Issues

Depending on the state you live in, there may be laws regulating how dark your car's window tint can be. If you're pulled over and your tint is too dark, you may be ticketed or required to remove it altogether.

Most locations have laws regulating the darkness of window tint. This is usually expressed as a percentage of visible light transmission (VLT). The lower the percentage, the darker the tint. It's important to ensure that your tint is within the legal limits for your state or country.

Many states prohibit or restrict tint on the windshield or front side windows. This is because it can reduce visibility for drivers, especially at night.

Some areas have regulations on the level of reflectivity allowed in window tint. This is because highly reflective tints can be distracting for other drivers and cause glare.

Some states allow medical exemptions for individuals who require darker window tint for medical reasons. However, these exemptions typically require a doctor's prescription and may have specific regulations.

Violating window tint laws can result in fines or even legal action. It's important to ensure that your window tint is within the legal limits to avoid any legal issues.

6. Difficulty Rolling Down Windows

If the window tint is interfering with the operation of the windows, such as making them difficult to roll down, it may be time for a replacement.

It's possible that the window tint film may be obstructing the window from moving freely up and down. This can happen if the tint is too thick or if it's not cut to the proper size. In this case, the tint may need to be adjusted or reinstalled.

Sometimes, the adhesive used to apply the tint film to the window can interfere with the movement of the window. This can be especially true if the adhesive was applied too thickly or unevenly. If this is the case, the tint may need to be removed and reinstalled using a different adhesive.

It's possible that the window regulator, the mechanical device that controls the movement of the window, may have been damaged during the tint installation process. This can happen if the installer applied too much pressure to the window or used tools that damaged the regulator. If this is the case, the regulator may need to be repaired or replaced.

Window Tint Replacement: Book an Appointment Today

If you notice any of these signs, it's a good idea to have your car's window tint inspected by a professional to determine whether it needs replacement.

Are you ready to get started? If you're in the Longwood, Florida area, you should reach out to Flying Window Tinters and contact us today.