Most individuals will agree that tinted windows are beneficial. They help to minimize heat, deflect sun glare, and maintain your automobile’s interior, among other things. But, with such a long list of benefits, there must be a few reasons not to tint car windows, right?
Simply stated, too dark a window tint can obstruct your visibility or bring unwanted attention. Also, tinting your windows too dark may result in a penalty depending on where you live.
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Should I Tint the Window in My Car?
The majority of car owners have asked themselves this question at some point. On the one hand, it looks good because it blocks out bothersome sunlight and reduces glare, but it’s also pricey and could result in a citation. What should you do?
It falls to personal choice and what you want out of the vehicle when deciding whether or not to tint your windows. Tinting car windows may be a smart option if you want the car to be a little more aesthetically beautiful while also helping to lower the heat in the car during the summer months. However, if the cost of having your windows tinted and the possibility of unwelcome police attention (if tinted too dark in some jurisdictions) isn’t worth it, you shouldn’t consider it.
Key Reasons Not to Tint Car Windows
There are a few disadvantages to having overly dark car windows. Here are five reasons why you should think twice before applying color.
1. Car window tinting may obstruct your vision
Although tinted windows might save your eyes from the sun, they can obstruct your vision on foggy or wet days, making it impossible to see outside through heavily tinted car windows. This means you might miss a strange automobile driving without headlights, an animal darting into the road, or even a child or other person crossing to your left or right. For this reason, think about how dark your tint is and whether you’ll be able to see clearly on overcast days or at night.
In fact, overly dark window tinting can cause accidents. So be careful!
2. Tinted car windows could be illegal
Dark tinted windows are common in southern states like Texas, Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi. This is because they help to keep heat and UV rays from entering the house through the car’s windows, putting a burden on already overworked air conditioning systems. On the other hand, dark-tinted windows are generally associated with someone who has something to cover in northern states. Many states have window tint laws; in most cases, if a police officer cannot see you through the car window, especially the windshields, your tint is too dark, and the fines can be rather significant.
3. It catches more attention of the cars
People tint their car windows for various reasons, but one of the most popular is its security. People believe that a dark tint will hide people from seeing them inside their vehicles, which at first appears to be a good idea. Cars with excessively dark tinted windows, on the other hand, attract more attention, which could have the reverse effect. Even if no one can see you inside your automobile, they will see your car, and you may attract extra attention from law authorities.
4. It obstructs law enforcement and rescue workers
The heavy tint might make it difficult for rescuers and cops to work. A police officer on the lookout for a suspect, for example, cannot see through dark tinted windows, so if your vehicle resembles a description, they will have to divert attention from their search to stop you and verify your identity. Furthermore, emergency responders will have difficulties seeing inside your vehicle to assess your condition in the event of an accident, which might be the difference between life and death.
5. It has the potential to raise your auto insurance rates
A variety of seemingly innocuous circumstances might impact your insurance prices. Many insurance companies will even raise your premiums if your car is a different color. For example, a window tint that is too dark might increase your insurance rates because many companies consider it a hazard to your driving abilities. As a result, eliminating too dark tint can save you money on auto insurance.
While dark window tint may give you the aesthetic appeal you desire, it can also impair your driving skills, attract more police attention, raise your insurance rates, and even result in a hefty fine if you live in areas where the tint is outlawed.
How to Remove Old Window Tint: 3 Easy Methods
Whether you just want to replace window tinting or get rid of it entirely, you can do it yourself. There are several reasons why car owners want to remove window tint. Bubbles and discoloration are the main reasons they wish to remove the old tint film.
Window tint can be simply and affordably removed using a variety of methods.
Even professionally installed car window tints can be easily and successfully removed by heating the glue to melt it or by using ammonia or soapy water to pull the tint off.
Method 1: Using a steamer to remove tint window
Items needed:
- A steamer
- A pair of gloves
- Razor blade
Step 1: Slightly roll down your car window to see the top edge of the tint covering.
Step 2: Hold the steamer a few inches away from the window and completely steam the window’s outside, paying particular attention to the borders of the window tint. If you do this instead of just steaming the inside of the car glass, the glue will disintegrate more quickly.
Step 3: Using the same method, steam the inside window until it is wet evenly.
Step 4: Using a razor to lift up the window tint’s corners delicately after steaming. If the window tint’s edges are difficult to remove, add extra steam to weaken the adhesive further.
Step 5: Once the edges are peeled off, you can slowly peel the remaining tint off with your hands, starting at the top of the window and working your way down. As you peel, keep applying steam, and add more steam where the tint is extremely tacky.
Method 2: Use a heat gun or hair dryer to remove old window tint film
Items needed:
- A heat gun/ hair dryer
- A pair of gloves
- Razor blade
Another successful technique to remove the adhesive from window tint is to use a hair dryer, however, this will take more time than using a steamer. Roll the window down so that you can see and easily peel off the window tint’s top edge.
Run the hairdryer on high over one corner of the inside window tint until the glue starts to soften and you can take it off. For this technique as well, peel the edge off with a razor until you can take the remainder off with your hands.
Continue to apply the hair dryer to the window tint where you are peeling while you are peeling. Although it could take some time, the adhesive will eventually melt as you continue to apply heat to the area you are removing.
Method 3: Using soap and water or ammonia
Items needed:
- Black trash bags
- Sticky tape
- A razor blade
- Ammonia or soap
Prepare the car
Tarps, plastic sheets, or even trash bags can be taped to your automobile’s inner door and window frames to shield the interior from the ammonia.
Black trash bags should be cut to fit the interior and exterior dimensions of your car windows. To make the garbage bags stick, spritz a solution of soap and water on the exterior of each window. Apply one garbage bag to the exterior of each window.
Place the waste bags on top of the ammonia-coated insides of the automobile windows, making sure that every window is thoroughly covered. Use tape to help the trash bags stay up if they won’t attach to the window.
Soak the ammonia
Wait a couple of hours for the ammonia to soak in, then take off the window tint by peeling off the glue.
Peel the tint off
After removing the trash bags, peel up the corner of the window tint with a razor. Peel it off gradually until the window tint is gone. Use the razor to lift up any sticky portions of the window tint and keep peeling.
Use the same spraying and peeling technique with hot water and soap if you don’t have ammonia or would rather.
Conclusion
Although window tinting has many pros, there are several reasons why you would not want to tint your windows, as you can see. These tinted car window disadvantages may or may not concern you, but they are worth consideration before tinting your windows.
Before getting your windows tinted, double-check your state’s laws. This may prevent you from receiving a ticket later. In addition, a reputable business will be able to tell you what is permitted and what isn’t if you have your windows tinted.
Hi there! I’m Naomi O’Colman. I’ve got years of experience working at an auto repair shop here in Texas under my belt. On top of that, ever since I was a kid I’ve been passionate about the auto industry. Since I’ve joined the team at automotivegearz.com I’ve been enthusiastically sharing my passion and insights with my readers. I’m dedicated to delivering high quality content and helping you stay up to date with the latest automotive trends and products out there!