When should you replace your car window tint?

RACQ recommends removing old window tint when it starts to affect your vision, for safety reasons, or when signs of deterioration have become visible.

The film’s performance often deteriorates along with its appearance, leaving you and your car’s interior susceptible to harsh UV rays and sun exposure.

RACQ Autoglass Window Tinter Brandon Wilson explains some of the signs your window tint is deteriorating and should be replaced:

Why does my tint look faded?

Fading is often a sign of a film’s deterioration. This is usually due to a combination of heat and direct sun exposure and occurs faster in lower quality films.

Why is my tint turning purple?

Window tints typically turn purple when the dye that provides the films black colour begins to break down from sun exposure.

Why does my tint look bubbly?

Bubbling often occurs when the film’s adhesive slowly breaks down due to sun exposure, allowing parts of the film to lift off the window resulting in a bubbly or wavy appearance.

Why is my tint peeling?

Similar to bubbling, if the adhesive begins to fail, the edges of the film may lift and peel away from the window.

Why are there cracks in my tint?

Cracking can occur over time when the window film has become brittle due to sun exposure.

Why doesn’t my car feel as cool?

As a film deteriorates, the performance of the film deteriorates along with it. This includes UV, heat, and glare rejection, and your car’s interior protection.

Should I wait to replace my old window tint?

Over time window tint breaks down. You may think it is safe to allow your film to deteriorate further, but as the film continues to deteriorate, the more brittle and therefore harder it becomes to remove. If the film becomes too brittle to be removed correctly, then the only option left is to scrape it away, losing any heater bars in the process. Therefore, it is always better to remove your old tint when you notice signs of deterioration.

Tips to avoid film deterioration

• Avoid using chemicals that may break down the window tint such as glass cleaners with ammonia. Instead, opt for ammonia-free cleaners or simply water with a good and clean microfibre cloth to avoid scratching or other damage to the surface.
• Ideally, when parking your car for long periods, choose a shaded location to limit sun exposure.
• Use higher-quality windows tints with long-lasting colour stable warranties.
• Ensure your window tint has been installed by trusted professionals, such as RACQ.

Drive in comfort and style with RACQ car window tinting