Pros and Cons of Each Car Window Tinting Option
Professional window tint installation is one of the most common aftermarket car upgrades drivers get at Auto Image. Although window tint lacks the bells and whistles of a new car audio system, it remains one of the most popular upgrades because it’s practical, affordable, and does a lot in terms of interior protection and privacy. Window tint can also add some style points to virtually any vehicle, including your grandparent’s old station wagon with the wood paneling.
Car window tinting itself isn’t a hard sell. Professional window tint installation, however, is a topic of much debate among car aficionados and DIYers.
We get it – why pay for installation when you can perform it yourself? To put this nicely, the results we’ve seen from self-installers are decidedly mixed.
In this blog, we’ll compare the pros and cons of DIY window tint installation and professional window tint installation to help you make an informed choice. We’ll also provide some information on how to find car window tinting near you in the New Jersey area.
DIY Window Tint Installation: What to Know Before You Attempt It
DIY window tint installation means that you’ll attempt the entire process yourself. Naturally, you have probably already located several promising instructional YouTube videos and WikiHow guides. Most window tint installation guides include the following steps:
- Prepping your windows for tint application
- How to measure and cut your window tint to the right size
- Applying your window tint to the windows
- Window tint trimming and detailing
- Removing bubbles from beneath the window tint
- Best practices to ensure window tint adheres and correctly cures
As detailed as these guides are, the onus is on the installer to follow them with precision.
Pros of DIY:
- DIY kits are often more affordable than professional installation services.
- Drivers have the flexibility to install their film when it’s convenient for them.
- Successfully completing a DIY project can be personally rewarding.
Cons of DIY:
- Achieving a seamless, bubble-free application requires skill, practice, and refined technique. First-time installers are almost guaranteed to make mistakes because they’re learning as they go.
- DIY installations often take longer, especially for beginners.
- Errors in cutting or misapplication can lead to less-than-perfect results, including tint fogging, blurriness, bubbling, or debris stuck between the film and glass.
- DIY installation may void the window film product warranty. Read the terms carefully when you buy it.
- You’ll need to spend extra to get specialized tools that you likely don’t already own.
Professional Window Tint Installation: Expertise Comes at a Price (And It’s Worth It)
Drivers who opt for professional installation of their window tint must leave their vehicle with the installation crew for approximately two to four hours. Speed of the install is determined by the size of your vehicle’s windows and the installation team’s workload. When multiple installers are working on the same car at the same time, the process goes by much faster.
After the installation is complete, drivers are debriefed on the dos and don’ts regarding their window tint as it cures. For example, drivers should avoid applying any cleaners to the inside of their windows for at least a week and avoid ammonia-based cleaning products after that. Other than this restriction, drivers can operate their vehicles as they normally do and enjoy all the perks of their newly installed window tint.
Pros of professional installation:
- Trained installers have the experience and special tools to ensure a flawless application.
- Professional installation is typically much quicker than DIY.
- Reputable tinting services often offer warranties for their work and the film itself. If something is defective with the tinting product or installation, they will remedy the situation.
- If your installer makes a rare mistake, you don’t have to pay for additional materials.
- Professional installers work in a space made especially for window tinting, free of debris or other environmental factors that can affect smooth applications.
Cons of professional installation:
- Professional installation comes at a higher initial cost (but doing it yourself may require you to spend more on spare materials after you make an error).
- Drivers need to schedule an appointment, which may not be as flexible as a DIY project.
- Some shops may not carry the exact window tint products vehicle owners are looking for, which is why you should carefully choose where you take your car.
Factors to Consider When Weighing Your Options
If you’re still on the fence about DIY versus professional window tint installation, here is some additional food for thought.
- How important is quality to you? When you opt for professional installation, you can bank on getting a flawless final product that’s covered under a warranty. The same can’t be said for DIY. Any installation mishaps you make will carry into the final product.
- Are the savings with DIY enough to warrant the time and effort you’d need to invest? DIY window tints can be bought for under $100. By comparison, a professional installation costs roughly $250 to $500 when it’s all said and done. You will need to decide if the savings of the DIY route are enough to take on the project, which will likely take several hours if you’re doing everything yourself.
- How confident are you in your installation skills? Pulling off professional window tint installation is the result of countless hours of practice and utilizing the right tools and technique, including a clean, well-lit indoor environment. It’s incredibly meticulous work where every detail matters. If this doesn’t sound up your alley, there’s no shame in enlisting the services of professional installers.
Ensure Your Window Tint Gets Installed Right the First Time at Auto Image
In the DIY versus professional window tint installation debate, the best choice depends on your priorities, skill level, and budget. If you’re confident in your abilities and have the time to spare, DIY may be a cost-effective solution. On the other hand, if you prioritize a flawless finish, value your time, and are willing to invest a bit more upfront, professional installation may be the way to go.
The best way to get started is to get a quote on professional window tint installation so that you can compare it to the DIY route. After you get a rough figure on how much you stand to save, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about your installation options.
Because window tint products vary in price, we suggest visiting one of our Auto Image locations in Brick or East Brunswick, New Jersey. One of our team members can walk you through window tint products and pricing. After you’re up to speed on car window tinting products, you can book your installation to kick off the process.
Got questions or want to make an appointment? Use the contact form on our website and a member of the Auto Image team will get back with you. Looking for window tint for your home or business? We recommend checking out Energy Solutions.
