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Window Tint Care: Importance and General Tips

Tuesday, December 8th, 2020

If you’ve recently had your vehicle’s windows tinted, congratulations! You’re bringing your vehicle several major benefits, from sun and heat reduction to visual security, plus improving its aesthetic and style in a sleek, modern and long-lasting way. Now it’s time to properly care for these windows.

At Pro Tint Utah, we’re here to offer not only quality window tint options like our Nano Ceramic film and many others, but also expertise on the long-term care and upkeep of our window tint materials. In this two-part blog series, we’ll go over why window tint care is important in the first place, plus the general tips we offer our clients on how to keep your tinted windows in great shape for years into the future.

Why Care Matters

There are several reasons why basic upkeep of your window tint is important, from the maintenance of its aesthetic to its practical value. Perhaps the single most important, though: Your warranty.

There are a couple warranty types to consider here. One is the overall vehicle warranty, which can be voided in several ways – in some cases, this includes poorly-cared-for window tint areas that have created damage or related issues. Another is the warranty that may come with your actual window tint; in nearly all such cases, this warranty will be voided if the windows are not cared for in the proper ways.

General Use

Our first basic tip for the care of tinted windows revolves around their general use and how they sit when the vehicle is not being used. The primary piece of advice we give to our clients here: Especially during the first few days after the tint has been installed, but then even beyond this period, we recommend keeping tinted windows rolled up.

This is because risks of peeling tint are higher when windows are rolled down – particularly for new tint, there may be a small risk of the tint peeling off if you roll down the windows too soon. Just in general, though, keeping them rolled up anytime you park the car is ideal for both their long-term durability and areas like visual car security.

Curing Time

Another important area for the immediate aftermath of your tint installation: Wait at least a few days before you clean the windows or take the vehicle to the car wash. This is because tinting film needs some time to cure, and washing the windows before this happens may lead to damage or other concerns. To be as safe as possible here, you might want to wait as long as a week before you wash the vehicle yourself or take it to the car wash.

For more on how to care for and protect window tint film on your vehicle, or to learn about any of our window tint services, paint protection solutions or other programs, speak to the staff at Pro Tint Utah today.

Posted in Blogs, Window Tinting | Comments Closed

Paint Protection Film Basics and Variables, Part 2

Tuesday, November 10th, 2020

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the basics on paint protection film (PFF) for vehicles. A broad category that covers a few different areas, paint projection film is highly valuable for protecting several elements of a vehicle, from its paint coat and surface to tint and others.

At Pro Tint Utah, we offer a variety of paint protection film solutions to our clients, including products like ceramic coatings, Clear Bra and more. In today’s part two of our series, we’ll go over some additional areas to be aware of when it comes to paint protection film and its benefits, from how to maintain it for optimal longevity to why we strongly recommend you leave any PFF installation to our trained professionals.

PPF Maintenance and Longevity Themes

Like other elements of a vehicle, some basic care and maintenance will be required for any paint protection film you have installed on your car or truck. These areas include:

  • Frequent washing: PFF protects the car, but this is not the same as keeping it clean. Wash the vehicle just as frequently as you would have otherwise, using only high-quality materials and avoiding abrasives or chemicals. Do not use a power washer, which might damage the PFF. We do not recommend using automated car washes, and we would advise against washing in direct sunlight. Finally, if your PFF was just recently installed, you should give it at least seven days to cure before washing.
  • Removal: If you notice any oil stains, bird droppings or other stains on the vehicle, remove them right away so they don’t damage the PFF coating.
  • Wiping: If wiping the surface, be sure it’s hydrated – wiping dry PFF often leads to damage.
  • Wax: Waxing the vehicle around once a month will not only make it look great, but will make cleaning easier for both it and PFF.

Value of Professional Installation

In some cases among handy individuals, there may be a temptation to attempt a PFF installation on your own. Just because a YouTube video makes it look easy, however, does not mean this is reality. There are several variables that are specific to professional installers like ours, from correcting current paint imperfections to installation equipment you simply won’t have on-hand.

Our pros have experience with several related areas. Installation involves applying film on a perfectly even basis, which is tough for many who haven’t done it before. It also requires a squeegee being used to push out bubbles – this may seem simple, but it’s tougher than it looks without training. We strongly recommend you count on our pros for this installation, which is far more affordable than some of the issues often created by amateur attempts here.

For more on paint protection film for your vehicle, or to learn about any of our window tint, anti-fog devices or other services, speak to the staff at Pro Tint Utah today.

Posted in Antimicrobial Film, Blogs, Paint Protection | Comments Closed

Paint Protection Film Basics and Variables, Part 1

Tuesday, October 13th, 2020

Vehicle aesthetics and exterior qualities are extremely important to many owners for both personal and long-term value reasons, and paint protection methods are a major resource available to those who place big value on this area. A vital way to keep your car in mint condition, paint protection – known more directly as paint protection film in many circles – keeps paint and other exterior areas looking pristine for years.

At Pro Tint Utah, we’re proud to offer high-quality paint protection film installation to any client in need, from Clear Bra products to several other paint protection varieties. What exactly does this area encompass, and what are some of the important variables (cost, longevity, maintenance) you should be keeping in mind when considering paint protection film? This two-part blog will go over several variables to keep in mind.

Paint Protection Film Basics and Terms

Generally speaking, paint protection is a relatively broad area. It can include a wide variety of products and terms, including ceramic coating and Clear Bra products but also including standard wax and others.

At Pro Tint Utah, we’re happy to primarily offer ceramic coatings and advanced Clear Bra products that provide excellent protection. Our ceramic coatings, for instance, involve liquid polymer nano ceramics that are applied by hand, creating extremely strong protection that not only block against physical damage, but also UV rays and oxidation. And of course, our products make your vehicle look fantastic and make it much easier to clean.

Similar Products

As we noted above, “paint protection” is a broad term that may include a few other products besides those we offer. Some of the primary products here are various forms of car wax, including carnauba wax – while this wax can provide a decent shell for some vehicles, it does not offer the same overall level of protection.

Down similar lines are paint sealant products, which often include wax plus other synthetic enhancements. Again, while these provide decent protection for a certain length of time, they are nowhere near as robust as true paint protection film and will require significant maintenance and re-application to keep them viable. Over time, such variables often lead to heavy cost burdens as well.

Cost Variables

What will paint protection film cost, and is it worth it? There are a few factors that will dictate the cost of paint protection film for your vehicle:

  • Condition: If your car already has several cracks or other damage points, these need to be corrected before film is applied, which will impact cost.
  • Smoothness vs. curves: Smoother vehicles are much easier to apply film to – those with odd shapes or curves make it harder, and installation may be more expensive.
  • Coverage area: Do you want to cover the entire vehicle, or just vulnerable paint areas? The larger surface area covered, the more expensive installation will be.

Luckily, even higher-cost paint protection film installations tend to come with great ROI by allowing you to avoid numerous costly issues down the line.

For more on paint protection film, or to learn about any of our window tinting or other services, speak to the staff at Pro Tint Utah today.

Posted in Antimicrobial Film, Blogs, Paint Protection | Comments Closed

Window Tint Benefits for Commercial Vehicles, Part 2

Tuesday, September 8th, 2020

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the basics on why owners or managers of commercial vehicle fleets should strongly consider tinting their windows. There are several practical value-add areas associated with window tinting for commercial vehicles, whether you own a single such vehicle or an entire widespread fleet.

At Pro Tint Utah, we’re happy to provide car window tinting services for a wide variety of vehicles and specific needs, including commercial vehicles. The potential benefits of such tinting for commercial vehicles are so vast, in fact, that we needed a second blog entry just to get through all of them. Here are a few other reasons why you should strongly consider window tint for your commercial fleet.

Reduced Upholstery Fading

If you’ve been an owner or manager of a commercial fleet for some time, chances are you’ve seen upholstery damage due to sun issues. Faded seats are a common problem for older vehicles due to this issue, including issues so severe that performance is actually impacted.

Window tinting, however, prevents these risks. It stops direct beams of sunlight from bleaching seat upholstery, allowing vehicles to retain both their use and resale value.

General Comfort

Both in terms of your drivers and any passengers who may spend time in your company vehicles, window tint is also highly valuable for basic comfort. Drivers will see more clearly and have to wear sunglasses less often, allowing for a safer and more comfortable ride.

Passengers will also benefit greatly, enjoying travel without baking and squinting in the sun. This is especially valuable for companies that commonly drive clients to and from destinations.

Glass Protection

Window tinting also offers a safety value in the form of glass protection. Window tinting is actually a thin plastic film applied to the glass, which is intended to block out the sun – but also acts as shatter protection. If glass breakage does take place during an accident or collision, the pieces will stick to the window film instead of shattering all over the place and risking injury to vehicle occupants.

Fleet Aesthetics

Finally, commercial businesses who employ vehicle fleets want to look professional and enticing while on the road. If your vehicles look sleek and stylish while being driven around in public, this will leave an impression with prospective clients – they’ll view you as modern and willing to go above the bare minimum for your clients and employees alike. This will be reflected in your new business acquisitions, even if it takes a few months for the effect to show up.

For more on the benefits of window tint in commercial vehicles, or to learn about any of our vehicle tint, paint protection or other services, speak to the staff at Pro Tint Utah today.

Posted in Blogs, Window Tinting | Comments Closed

Window Tint Benefits for Commercial Vehicles, Part 1

Tuesday, August 11th, 2020

While most tend to think of window tinting as something that’s done primarily for personal vehicles, it’s also an area that holds several benefits for commercial vehicles. Federal law allows for tinting of windshields and side windows on commercial motor vehicles, and companies who own and operate these vehicles often will utilize these laws to add a tint for several specific reasons.

At Pro Tint Utah, we’re happy to provide window tinting services to a variety of vehicle types, from personal vehicles to commercial options as well. There are numerous benefits of window tinting for companies and other commercial needs – this two-part blog series will look into many of them and help inform business owners and managers of the potential plusses of obtaining this service.

Cooling Benefits

First and foremost, as we’ve gone over in this space previously, window tint is a huge asset for cooling down vehicles, particularly during the hot summer we’re currently in. And for companies with many commercial vehicles on the road, these sorts of benefits add up quickly.

Consider a commercial vehicle driver with tinted windows compared to one without. The former driver will require less time to cool the vehicle when starting it after a period of inactivity, while the latter will have to wait longer and use more energy to cool the vehicle down because it’s become far hotter. Now multiply the potential energy benefits by hundreds of such occasions per year, plus by the number of commercial vehicles you have on the road – you can see how the financial benefits of tint will begin to pile up in a hurry.

Equipment Damage

Down similar lines, heat from the sun can even damage certain pieces of equipment inside vehicles. Plastic products are at risk in sweltering heat, for instance, and some metal products can also be damaged. Window tinting keeps vehicles cooler, however, and never allows certain pieces of equipment to reach temperatures that put them at risk, which is a big benefit for their owners.

Visual Security

Commercial vehicles may contain expensive equipment in some cases, and tint is an extra layer of security to protect from burglary or related issues. Some burglars will look inside various vehicles when deciding which to try and break into – tint will stop them from being able to see precisely what’s inside your commercial truck or van.

Glare Reduction

On top of cost benefits, window and windshield tint make the driving experience safer for many commercial drivers. They reduce glare on or around the road, allowing drivers to see conditions more clearly and reducing accidents or related concerns.

For more on the benefits of window tinting in commercial vehicles, or to learn about any of our window tinting, paint protection or related services, speak to the staff at Pro Tint Utah today.

Posted in Blogs, Window Tinting | Comments Closed

Window Tint Damage and Repair Approaches

Tuesday, July 14th, 2020

At Pro Tint Utah, we’re proud to offer comprehensive services when it comes to window tinting and vehicle paint protection. Not only do we perform high-quality tint and protective substance installations or upgrades, we’re also happy to assist clients with previous tint jobs from other manufacturers – including some that may not have been done so well.

We also understand that our clients vary in terms of vehicle and related component expertise – some may easily possess the skills to handle a tint issue on a DIY basis, while others are not so knowledgeable and will need the assistance of our team. Whatever your level of expertise here, let’s go over some important factors to consider when it comes to repairing window tint issues, including important warranty variables plus a few specific tint issues that may crop up if you use a less experienced installer.

Warranty Concerns

Vehicle warranties are a very important area to consider whether you’ll attempt to fix a window tint issue on your own versus taking it to a professional – in multiple ways, too. For starters, many professional tint jobs will come with a warranty, and those who are still under it should return to the installer for any fixes that are covered.

If this is not the case, and the tint issue is not covered by a warranty, you have to be very careful that any action taken to remedy it does not void your entire vehicle’s warranty in the process. There are some vehicles where this might be the case, especially if you attempt these fixes on your own and don’t take the to professionals. You should strongly consider warranty before moving forward with any such repairs, especially on your own.

Our next several sections will look at some basic tips for DIY repairs in common tint issue areas, should you determine this is the prudent approach to take.

Peeling Tint

In some cases, peeling tint can be repaired by rinsing it in soap and water, then using a squeegee to re-stick it while smoothing out any bubbles. Usually, though, peeled tint will require cutting away the damaged area with a razor blade, then cutting a new section of tint and reapplying it to the area. If you’re doing this, be sure to use the same tinting film that was originally used.

Wrinkled Tint

For wrinkled tint, spray the edges of the affected area with distilled water, then lift the window tint from the area using a razor. Spray water on both the film underside and the glass, then use a squeegee to press it firmly back onto the window, beginning on the inside and working outward. Let it sit for an hour – if this does not work, you’ll have to use the same replacement method listed above.

Tint Bubbles

If you notice tint bubbles very soon after tint has been installed, our best advice is to wait a bit: These usually go away within a couple weeks, or perhaps even longer if it’s cold outside. Larger bubbles that do not go away after this period can be pricked with a pin and then smoothed – but if you have a ton of these bubbles, this is an installation defect and you should be asking for a redone job from the manufacturer.

For more on how to approach tint damage or repair needs, or to learn about any of our window tint, paint protection or other services, speak to the staff at Pro Tint Utah today.

Posted in Blogs, Window Tinting | Comments Closed

The Damage UV Rays Cause Inside and Outside Vehicles, Part 2

Tuesday, June 9th, 2020

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the damage UV rays can cause to both the interior and exterior of your vehicle. UV rays can create damage that’s harmful to both safety areas and aesthetics, including some that significantly lower your car’s value.

At Pro Tint Utah, we’re proud to provide numerous vehicle protection methods that limit the impact of UV rays and many other risks. We offer window tinting, paint protection, vehicle wraps and several other services to keep your vehicle looking and running optimally. In today’s part two of our series, we’ll discuss a few additional impacts of UV rays on vehicles to be aware of.

Weather Stripping Issues

In virtually every single vehicle on the road today, there is rubber weather stripping present around every door to keep the interior comfortable. This rubber creates a layer of protection against elements like moisture, dust, debris and even cold or warm air entering the vehicle space, meaning drivers and passengers stay comfortable and safe.

With significant exposure to UV rays, however, weather stripping may begin to experience what’s known as sun rot. Over enough time, it will become less useful and eventually even completely useless. If you apply window tint and protect the stripping with silicone, however, this will not be a concern.

Electrical Component Damage

Another high-risk area when it comes to UV rays is a broad one: Numerous electrical components within the vehicle. We’re talking radios, navigation systems, electrical connectors and many others.

When temperatures rise inside the car on a hot day, these exposed components may expand significantly under the heat. They also might crack or even melt away in some cases, or leave the actual electrical wires exposed as their coverings melt off. This makes it far easier for electrical systems within the vehicle to malfunction, leading to expensive repairs on your end – but once again, proper window tinting will limit the temperature rise in your car even on the hottest day.

Other Components

A few other vehicle components that can be impacted by UV rays include:

  • Fluids: Enough heat may cause evaporation of some fluids within the engine, which can lead to overheating or other breakdowns.
  • Antifreeze: One specific such fluid is antifreeze – you should have your levels and strength tested.
  • Belts and hoses: In some cases, extreme heat from the sun can lead to breaking or detachment of belts and hoses within the vehicle’s engine.

If you’re concerned UV rays are beginning to damage certain components in your car, or even if you’re just looking for an upgrade to your vehicle’s aesthetic and theft prevention, speak to our team at Pro Tint Utah about window tint and many of our other vehicle protection services today.

Posted in Antimicrobial Film, Blogs, Paint Protection | Comments Closed

The Damage UV Rays Cause Inside and Outside Vehicles, Part 1

Tuesday, May 12th, 2020

Many vehicle owners are aware that prolonged exposure to the sun may damage a car’s paint, but fewer are aware of the numerous other impacts UV rays may have on a vehicle. There are several such potential impacts, both outside and inside a given car, and in some cases they are significant.

At Pro Tint Utah, we’re happy to offer several vehicle protection methods to keep your car safe from UV rays, from window tinting to paint protection film, wraps and numerous others. In this two-part blog series, we’ll go over several other ways UV rays may damage your vehicle during prolonged exposure, plus how many of our various products protect you from these risks.

Safety Risks

This isn’t the first area many car owners think about, but it’s often the most important when it comes to driver and passenger safety. High temperatures inside the car, generally caused by UV rays, can damage the airbags, for starters – they may be rendered inoperable in high enough temperatures, a major safety hazard.

In addition, consistent exposure to high temperatures and UV rays has been known to impact tire pressure. If you are not regularly checking your pressure levels, you might be driving unsafely without even knowing it based on over-exposure of UV rays.

Fading Dashboard

Between that same heat that builds up over time due and the actual UV radiation entering the space, dashboards are often at risk here. This combination can damage many dashboard materials – and these are often extremely expensive fixes due to the rarity of many of their components.

In many cases, the windshield only increases this exposure through reflection. Over a period of time, dashboards may fade and lose their shine, plus begin to crack or split in certain areas. Window tint, however, minimizes the dashboard’s exposure to UV rays – even if there are high levels of heat still present in the car, the combination needed to damage the dash will not be present.

Upholstery Problems

Another potential interior issue with UV rays is the risk of deteriorating upholstery. Leather, for example, is known to dry out and stiffen with enough UV exposure – even in cases where this leather is treated to resist sun damage, the upholstery itself will still be damaged by UV radiation with enough exposure.

In any situation where you’ve previously spilled liquid or food on the upholstery, the combination of these and UV rays could create even worse issues. They often cause permanent damage if they are baked into the material by UV rays. This is why it’s important for those with this sort of upholstery in their cars to strongly consider window tint that will block these UV rays from entering.

For more on the impact of UV rays on vehicles, or to learn about any of our window tinting, paint protection or other services we offer, speak to the staff at Pro Tint Utah today.

Posted in Antimicrobial Film, Blogs, Paint Protection | Comments Closed

How Window Tint Provides Heat Reduction

Tuesday, April 14th, 2020

There are several reasons why vehicle owners consider adding window tint to their cars, from glare reduction and UV ray prevention to a stylish, modern aesthetic. One practical benefit of window tinting that many also prioritize: The way tinted windows reduce heat inside the car.

At Pro Tint Utah, we’re proud to offer a variety of window tinting services for any vehicle you require them performed on, whether your primary goal is style or practicality. If you’ve never had tinted windows before, you might be curious precisely how they block heat from entering, and also how effective your tint will be in this area. Today’s blog will go over exactly how window tint blocks heat, plus how different tint levels bring varying benefits here.

Window Tint Heat Reduction Methods

Window tint is achieved by applying a thin film to the window, and some might be wondering how just an item like this could effectively stop heat from entering a vehicle. The answer lies in the way this film interacts with the sun’s rays.

Window tint film will primarily be comprised of polyester, with varying other complementary fragments or materials also used. These materials reject many of the sun’s thermal rays – the ones that create heat and warm up a given surface or area. The goal is for heat to be blocked, while wavelengths that create light are still allowed through.

Measures and Effectiveness

There are three metrics you’ll need to know when it comes to window tint and effectiveness:

  • VLT%: Visible light transmittance, or the amount of light that comes through a given tint format.
  • VLA%: Visible light absorption, or how much the tint absorbs a given light.
  • VLR%: How much light is reflected back off the tint’s surface.

If a vehicle has no tint at all, it will usually have a VLT% of around 90% and a VLA rating of just 5%, meaning the vast majority of light will make it through.

Interpreting Metrics and Choosing Tint

Now, it should be noted that the metrics above show how much light will be blocked – not necessarily the amount of heat that will be blocked during the process. Areas of research, however, have shown that there is a clear connection between window tinting and blockage of heat: Even weaker tint levels showed major ability to reduce heat levels within vehicle, often by several degrees. Stronger tint levels, then, are expected to produce even greater results.

When it comes to making your choice, speak to our pros about both heat blockage and other factors you want to prioritize in your window tint. To learn more about this or any of our other window tinting, vehicle wrap or paint protection services, speak to the staff at Pro Tint Utah today.

Posted in Blogs, Window Tinting | Comments Closed

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