CARING FOR WINDOW TINT
Window tint is a popular addition in many cars, especially in areas where blazing summer sun can fry an egg on your dash, as well as fade interior upholstery into relative obscurity. Like the rest of your car, film tint lasts longer with periodic care. Its worst enemy is grime, which builds up and scrapes across the film every time a window is raised or lowered.
Keeping the window clean helps prevent this. Tint experts advise washing the film with a solution of 1-oz biodegradable dishwashing detergent dissolved in a 20-oz spray bottle of distilled water. (White-, pink-, or green-colored dish detergents often contain oils and lotions that build up and cloud the tint.) After application, clean the window with a soft, pliable squeegee. Stubborn spots can be removed by carefully rubbing with a soft cotton cloth.
TINT TIPS
• Be extra careful with cola drinks inside your car. These will quickly deteriorate tint.
• Never use ammonia-based cleaners on window tint.
• Don’t use paper towels to clean windows, since wood fibers can scratch the film. A cotton cloth works best.
• Wash the windows often if you smoke or use hairspray inside the car. Added buildup hastens deterioration.
• Consider washing your own windows instead of having them done at the car wash. You’ll be gentler on the tint.
• Use a silicone-based vinyl protectant like Clear Guard to aid scratch resistance and enhance ultra-violet inhibiting qualities.
• Be careful when releasing seatbelts. Some belts retract quickly, striking the window and damaging tint on the way.
• Too-tight window rollers wear tracks into the film. Keep windows clean to minimize wear, and adjust rollers if needed.