When Should You Replace Your Car’s Window Tint?
As Central Florida’s most-awarded 3M Pro Shop Dealer, Pro Tint of Orlando has provided thousands of vehicle owners with industry-leading 3M window tinting services. We know just how important window tint is – not just for aesthetics, but for comfort, UV protection, and privacy.
Even the best window films don’t last forever. So, how do you know when it’s time to replace your car’s window tint?
1. Fading or Discoloration
Over time, even high-quality window films can lose their original color, especially if they were not UV-resistant or professionally installed. If your once-deep, rich dyed tint has turned purple, hazy, or noticeably lighter, that’s a clear sign it’s breaking down. UV rays are the culprit, and once film begins to fade, its ability to block UV and heat decreases significantly.
Cheap dyed window films are far more likely to fade or discolor versus a high quality ceramic tint, such as 3M Ceramic IR.
2. Bubbling or Peeling
One of the most common issues we see from vehicles older than 10 years is bubbling tint, especially on the rear glass. This typically happens when the adhesive on the film begins to degrade.
Example causes of this include poor installation, low-quality materials, or decades of prolonged sun exposure. Bubbles not only look bad, but they can obstruct your view, creating a safety hazard.
Peeling along the edges or corners is another sign that the film is reaching the end of its useful lifespan and is ready to be replaced.
3. Reduced Heat Rejection Performance
If your old window tint no longer seems to keep your car cool or protect your interior from the sun like it used to, that’s a big red flag. As window films degrade, they lose their ability to reject infrared heat and UV rays. You may notice your dashboard and steering wheel getting hotter, or that your A/C has to work harder to maintain temperature.
By upgrading to a high quality ceramic window film from Pro Tint of Orlando, you will feel a difference immediately. 3M window films reject up to 97% of the sun’s harmful infrared rays. This can mean the difference between blasting your A/C during for minimal relief versus cruising comfortably during Florida’s hot summers.
4. Scratches and Damage
Whether from normal wear and tear, pets, kids, or abrasive cleaning, it’s not difficult to scratch or damage tint in your car. These imperfections not only look unsightly, but they can also compromise the integrity of the film.
Once damaged, there’s no way to “patch” window tint. Replacement is the only proper solution.
5. Outdated Technology
If your car window tint is over a decade old, it might be time for an upgrade. This can hold true even if it still looks decent. Modern 3M window films such as 3M Crystalline offer cutting-edge nanotechnology, better infrared heat rejection, and superior clarity compared to previous generations.
At Pro Tint of Orlando, we install industry-leading 3M films that are backed by a nationwide lifetime warranty. Our films are also computer-cut to meet the exact specifications of your vehicle’s windows.
Get Your Car, Truck or SUV Tinted Today at Pro Tint of Orlando
If you’re noticing any of these signs mentioned above, it’s probably time to bring your car in for an evaluation. As Orlando’s original 3M Pro Shop Dealer, our film installers are factory trained and certified. We use laser-cut 3M window films to ensure a flawless result, every time.
Our award-winning team is here to guide you through your window tint replacement process, helping you choose the best 3M tint solution for your lifestyle and budget.
Stop by one of our three award-winning Central Florida locations or give us a call today at (407) 841-2123 to get a free quote for your vehicle.
Trust our Orlando window tint experts to help you keep your car comfortable, stylish and protected from the Florida sun.
