Top 6 Signs Your Car Needs Window Tint Replacements

Having reliable tints for your car's windows requires when their lifespan has ended. Here are the top signs your car needs window tint replacements.

If you have auto window tint, it's because you care about your car. You want to ride in style and comfort, protect your skin from UV rays, and make it easier to cool your car in the hot summer weather. 

There are a lot of reasons to tint your car windows, but installing window tint film once isn't enough. Eventually, you're going to need window tint replacements.

How can you tell when it's time to head in to replace those old window tints? We're here to help.



Read on to learn about all of the signs that it's time for window tint replacements.

1. Air Pockets Beneath the Window Tint Film

Take a look at your windows, both inside and out. Are you noticing air pockets or bulging anywhere between the window and the tint film? If the window film wasn't just installed, it's unlikely that you'll be able to smooth those air pockets out.

Air pockets can indicate a few different things. One is that the window tint film wasn't installed the right way. If your last window tinting service didn't clean the windows and remove all dirt, debris, and grease, you're going to end up with air pockets sooner rather than later.

Air pockets can also indicate that your window tint film has reached its limit. Bubbling can occur in response to prolonged sun exposure.

2. Peeling Window Tint Film Edges

If the edges of your window tint film are starting to peel or curl away from the window, it's time for window tint replacements. Window tinting services apply a thin, even layer of adhesive before applying the film to the window. For years, this will keep the window tint film flush against the window, as it's supposed to be.

Why does this peeling effect happen? While it can happen quickly if the adhesive wasn't well applied, it will happen after several years because heat and sun exposure cause the adhesive to break down. You'll notice this effect around the edges first, although it can cause huge sections of the film to peel away from the window. 

3. Fading or Purple-Colored Tint

Most of the time, old window tint will start to bubble or peel before it starts to change color. Premium window tint is the least likely to fade or change color. That said, it's important to mention that if your window tint is starting to look faded or if it's developing a purple hue, it's time for a replacement.

Once again, the culprit behind this symptom is sun exposure. You might notice that your window tint is changing color in patches or streaks. Fading and color changes shouldn't be neglected, because they can start to impact visibility.

4. Scrapes and Scratches

Window tint film is durable and resilient, but it can start to deteriorate over time. After several years, the outer protective layer can start to wear away, leaving the film susceptible to scrapes and scratches.

These marks will make your car look older or worse in quality than it actually is. Like fading and discoloration, scrapes and scratches can also impact visibility, making it harder to see the road, lights, and other important features of the road. A few scratches or scrapes don't need immediate attention, but once those scratches and scrapes have spread across your windshield, it's time for a replacement.

5. Diminished Effects

We mentioned already that window tint comes with some serious perks. Window tint increases your privacy, protects your skin, protects your interior from cracking or fading, and makes it easier to cool your car by deflecting heat. What happens when window tint ages?

After several years, you may start to notice diminished effects whether or not you're looking at window tint damage. For example, your interior might start to fade as a result of sun exposure that old window tint is no longer preventing. You might struggle to cool down your car on a hot day.

Why hang on to window tint that isn't doing its job anymore? Get an upgrade with window tint replacements. Depending on how old your window tint is, you might find that the latest window tint technology is a major improvement. 

6. New Laws in a New State

You might know by now that every state has different window tint laws. Does that really matter? The short answer is yes.

The long answer is that you can get pulled over if a police officer suspects that your window tint does not meet state laws. If you're passing through, you shouldn't have a problem. If you're a new resident, you could end up with a traffic violation.

Take a look at Florida state window tint laws. If you believe that your window tint is too dark or you have colored window tint, it's time to get a replacement to stay compliant. 

Should You Remove Old Window Tints Yourself?

Once your window tint starts to bubble or peel at the edges, it might seem tempting to go ahead and peel it off, yourself. We're here to warn you about the danger of doing so.

For starters, the first layer may come off with ease, but without the right tools, you'll be looking at some serious adhesive residue. This can make your car look unsightly and can attract all sorts of debris.

More importantly, if you don't know what you're doing, you can accidentally cut your defroster lines. It costs a lot less to have old window tint removed by a professional than to have your defroster repaired.

Head to Velocity Tinting for Florida Window Tint Replacements

Car window tints make great additions to any Florida vehicle. However, they aren't built to last a lifetime. Take heed of these signs and know when you need window tint replacements.

Velocity Window Tinting is proud to serve car owners in and around Sanford, Florida. Contact us to ask for a free estimate and set up an appointment today.