How Long Does Car Window Tint Normally Last?

It's important to be familiar with the average lifespan of car window tint. Luckily, this informative guide has you covered.

Many people have been amazed at how fast demand for window tinting services in the United States has been growing in recent years. These days, the window tinting industry in the United States earns more than $525 million every year. More than 3,300 people work in this industry to apply window tints to our cars.

As car window tint installation becomes more popular, more people are wondering how long these tint applications last. There are a number of factors to keep in mind to estimate how long a car window tint will last.

If you want to maximize the longevity of your window tint, it is essential that you receive an excellent installation. But assuming you have your tint installed by a quality company, how long can you expect your tint to last?

Read on to learn all about the lifespans of some of the most common kinds of car window tints!

Different Types of Window Tint

The first thing to understand is that there are many different kinds of car window tints. Depending on the kind you choose, its longevity can vary by several years.

You should also keep in mind that the way you take care of your window tint will have a lot to do with how long it lasts. We will discuss extending the lifespan of your window tints with proper maintenance after we look at the typical lifespans of common window tint options.

Dyed Auto Window Tint Lifespans

Dyed auto window tints have some of the shortest lifespans. They also provide fewer benefits than many other kinds of window tints. Most people get dyed auto window tints because they enjoy the appearance rather than because they expect to get special functionality out of them.

Of course, dyed window tints do provide some privacy. By darkening your window, they can also block out some light and heat.

However, a typical dyed window tint might last for only somewhere between 3 and 5 years. After that, its color will begin to fade.

Metalized Window Tint Lifespans

Metalized window tints are a much more durable option. With proper care, your metalized tint can last for about 10 years.

On top of that, metalized window tints help block out significant amounts of solar heat and light. As a result, they can protect you and other car occupants from sunburn. This will also help keep the car cabin cool and protect your interior from fading due to the harsh rays of the sun.

If you get a metalized window tint, you should keep in mind that it can sometimes interfere with cellphone and GPS signals.

Ceramic Window Tint Lifespans

Ceramic window tints are an even more durable choice that can block out almost all of the rays of the sun. They also avoid the problem of interfering with some electrical signals. They can enjoy an even longer lifespan than metalized window tint, lasting up to 15 years or even longer.

However, it is important to keep in mind that ceramic window tints tend to be more expensive than many other options that provide less functionality and do not last as long.

Hybrid Window Tint Lifespans

There are many different kinds of hybrid window tints.

Generally, a hybrid window tint will last longer than dyed window tints but not as long as metalized or ceramic tints.

The Importance of Window Tint Maintenance

It is important to keep in mind that all of these estimates assume that you receive an excellent installation job and that you take good care of your window tints.

If your installation service does not do a good job, your window tint lifespan might decrease by several years. The same is true if you neglect your window tint.

When you clean your car windows, make sure to be gentle. If you use abrasive cloths or cleaning products, you can decrease the lifespan of your tint.

In particular, it is important to avoid using cleaning products that contain ammonia on your car window tints. In most cases, cleaning products with ammonia will be colored blue. However, it is important to check the ingredients on all cleaning products to make sure before you risk using them on your car window tint.

You should also make sure to avoid unnecessary sun exposure to help your window tint last longer. Of course, window tints are designed to block out the sun. However, whenever possible, finding some shade to park under will help your window tints last longer.

Mistakes to Avoid After Tinting Car Windows

After you have your window tint installed, make sure not to roll down your windows for at least a week. Some people forget about this and end up causing damage to the adhesive that holds the tint to their windows. Sometimes, it helps to put a piece of tape or another reminder over your window buttons to remind yourself not to roll them down too soon.

You should also be careful about putting stickers, suction cups, or anything else on your window tints that might pull them off.

Know the Lifespan of Your Car Window Tint

If you don't know how long your chosen car window tint will last, you might be in for a surprise down the road. Knowing more about how long different kinds of window tints last might update your opinion about which one might be the right choice for your situation.

Of course, the better you take care of your window tint, the longer it will last regardless of which kind you choose.

To learn more about how you can get the best window tint for your car, reach out to Cookeville Window Tint and get in touch with us here at any time!