Whether you’re looking to stay cool in hot weather, or simply look cool all year round, tinting your car’s windows provides some serious benefits.
Not only does a darkened window deter thieves from breaking into your car, they also help to reduce glare, protect you from harmful UV rays and absorb heat from the sun – all while providing you and your ride with a slick new image.
Interested to find out how to apply an element of cool without paying someone else to do it? Check our handy DIY guide below and get tinting today!
1. Before you do anything, you need to know what’s legal and what’s not. In the UK, all vehicles that were first used on or after April 1 1985 must allow a minimum of 75% light through the windscreen and 70% through the front side windows. The good news is there are no restrictions on rear or rear side windows.
2. One of the most common forms of tint is known as film tint. What’s great about this form of tinting is that it’s really cheap to buy, and often comes in a roll that’s capable of covering multiple windows at a time.
3. Once you’ve bought a roll of film tint, start by cleaning your windows not once, not twice, but three times. Removing every speck of dust and dirt will help to guard against air bubbles – it’s worth investing in some proper cleaning kit before you start. After you’ve done this, lightly dampen the window you’ll be tinting.
4. Next, place the film against the inside of the window, with the backing liner facing you, and cut it to roughly match the size of the window. Use a razorblade for this, just make sure you’re extra careful, one slip could ruin the entire job.
5. Once you’ve done this, use a heat gun to mould the tint to match the shape of your window.
6. After this is done and you’re confident the tint will match, remove it and clean the windows once again.
7. Peel away the adhesive layer and apply it to the newly cleaned window. This will provide the surface where your tint will sit – so make sure all air bubbles have been smoothed out with a squeegee and heat gun.
8. Finally, lightly spray and then roll up your tint before placing it over the adhesive surface. Again, use a squeegee to iron out any imperfections.
So there you have it! Just remember, tinting your windows isn’t the easiest of jobs to carry out, so if things go wrong, don’t worry – just buy another roll of film and have another go. After all, practice makes perfect!
For more motoring tips and DIY hints, check back to the CP4L blog soon!