How to Remove Your Car Window Tint

July 10th, 2023 by

Applying a window tint is a popular way to customize a vehicle. However, the tint may begin to peel, fade, or bubble over time, diminishing its effectiveness and visual appeal. If you’ve ever experienced this problem, you know how frustrating it can be to deal with. We at #1 Cochran Cars in Youngstown, Ohio, understand this, so we’d like to share important information about window tinting and tint removal to help you keep your vehicle looking great.

Pros and Cons of Tinting Your Windows

Understanding and considering the pros and cons of having tinted windows is important before deciding to make the change. Let’s go through what these are in this section.

Pros of Window Tinting

Here are a few benefits of tinting your car windows:

3m privacy glass on a car window

  • Provides privacy: Tinted windows make it difficult to see inside your car, which can help protect your privacy and belongings from prying eyes or potential theft. These are especially useful if you frequently park your car in public areas.
  • Reduces heat: Window tinting prevents your car’s interior from becoming too hot, making driving more comfortable and reducing the need for air conditioning. This is particularly beneficial in the summer or if you live in an area with predominantly hot and humid weather.
  • Blocks ultraviolet (UV) rays: Exposure to UV rays from the sun can cause premature aging and increase your risk of skin cancer. Tinted windows can help protect you from these harmful rays and are invaluable if you spend a lot of time on the road.
  • Prevents damage: Tinted windows can prevent several components in your car’s interior, such as leather-upholstered seats and a plastic dashboard, from fading or becoming damaged due to prolonged sunlight exposure. This can help maintain your car’s resale value and even save you money on replacements in the long run.
  • Enhances appearance: Window tints can give your car a sleek and stylish look that sets it apart from other vehicles. It can also add a touch of luxury to your car, which may be especially beneficial if you’re looking to sell it.

Cons of Tinted Windows

Make sure to consider the cons of having tinted windows so you can better decide whether to add this to your car and, if so, what type of tint you should get. These are some of the main disadvantages of tinted windows:

  • Reduces visibility: If your car has tinted windows, it may become more difficult to see clearly at night, in low-light conditions, and through rain or fog.
  • Poses legal risks: Relevant laws in Ohio specify that 70% of light should be able to pass through tinted windshields and 50% for rear windows, and tinted windows to the left and right of the driver should have a minimum of 50% transparency. If your windows are too dark, you may be subject to a ticket.
  • Makes cleaning difficult: Cleaning tinted car windows can be complicated and time-consuming because they may require special cleaning solutions and techniques to avoid damaging the tint.
  • Deteriorates with age: It’s not uncommon for a window tint to fade, peel, bubble, or accrue scratches over time, which means you may have to spend money to replace it in the future.

How Expensive Is It to Tint Your Windows or Get Them Removed?

A major reason many people choose to apply or remove car window tint themselves is the belief that this will save them money. After all, nowadays, you can easily buy what you need online or from a local auto parts store. Before you decide to go this route, though, you should know that taking on this project can end up costing you time, money, and effort. What you spend when you take your car to experienced professionals, such as our team at #1 Cochran, will likely be more than worth it.

The pricing for window tinting varies across dealerships and auto shops. It may also be affected by the make and model of your vehicle, the level of tint you want and where you want it applied, and even your location. When it comes to tint removal, you can expect to pay around $250 for all of the windows in your car to be treated. While this may seem like a significant investment, it’s worth it to ensure that the job is done properly the first time and that you don’t end up damaging your windows or worsening the issue.

How to Remove Your Car Window Tint

There are various ways to remove your car window tint. Here are several common methods that many people and businesses use to make peeling off the tint easier:

  • Steaming: Use a steamer to loosen the adhesive holding the tint in place.
  • Scraping: Starting from the edge, lift part of the tint using a razor blade or any scraper tool, taking care not to damage the glass or defroster lines.
  • Heating: Apply heat to melt the adhesive on the tint using a heat gun or hair dryer.
  • Using ammonia: Spray a mixture of ammonia and soapy water on the tint and let it sit for several hours before peeling.

Tint removal can be a labor-intensive and time-consuming process. You may need to remove adhesive residue after peeling off the tint, which can be tricky and cause damage if done improperly. There’s also a safety issue, especially if you use ammonia, which is harmful to your health if inhaled in large quantities. Given the risks, it’s best to leave this task to professionals who can do this safely and effectively.

Let #1 Cochran Help

If you’re in need of professional window tinting or tint removal services, look no further than our #1 Cochran team. We have the tools and expertise to do the job efficiently and correctly, saving you time and money in the long run. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff will work with you to determine the best tinting option for your car while considering state regulations and your budget and needs. Contact us to schedule an appointment or visit our dealership in Youngstown, Ohio, to get started.

3M Privacy glass film – IR35. by MIKI Yoshihito is licensed with CC BY 2.0

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