What You Should Know About Window Tints

There are many reasons to tint the windows on your Porsche, Mercedes Benz, Mini, BMW, Volkswagen or Audi beyond the esthetics. Proper tinting can protect you and protect your investment for years to come.

Five reasons to tint your windows:

Although there are many reasons to tint the windows on your Porsche, Mercedes Benz, BMW, Volkswagen or Audi, here are just a few to keep in mind.

1) Reduce interior temperature:
Proper window tint can reduce the temperature inside your Porsche, Mercedes Benz, BMW, Volkswagen or Audi by upwards of 60%. By reducing the interior temperature, your vehicles Air Conditioning system does not have to work as hard to overcome the heat soaked into your interior trim.

2) Prevent cracking and fading:
The UV rays from the sun are the number one cause of fading and cracking within the interior of your German vehicle. Proper window tint can dramatically reduce the UV rays by 99%, helping to preserve your interior trim and upholstery. UV rays have also been linked to skin cancers, and by adding window tint you are also reducing your exposure.

3) Reduced glare while driving:
Window tint will help reduce glare while you are driving, creating a safer driving environment.

4) Safer in an accident:
In the unfortunate event of an accident with your Porsche, Mercedes Benz, Mini, BMW, Volkswagen or Audi, having window tint on your glass will help hold the glass together if shattered in an accident.

5) Privacy and esthetics:
The proper selection of window tint in your Porsche, Mercedes Benz, BMW, Volkswagen or Audi will not only enhance the esthetics of your vehicle but will increase privacy.

Types of window tint film:

Although there are several types of films available for your Porsche, Mercedes Benz, BMW, Volkswagen or Audi, they all have some basic common qualities. Most all commercially available window tint films are built up from a polyester sheet(s) ranging from 2 to 7 mils thick. Depending on the film quality and grade, often several layers will be bonded together. To permit adhesion to the windows in your vehicle, on one side a pressure-sensitive water-activated adhesive is applied. The exposed surface is treated with a coating to block UV rays and to create a hard scratch resistant coating.

Removing old film:

Removing old window tint film from your Porsche, Mercedes Benz, BMW, Volkswagen, Audi or Mini can be a slow process, but if done properly, the film will be removed with no trace. Household ammonia is the best solvent for loosening old film adhesive. It is recommended that ammonia be applied to the tint and covered with a sheet of plastic to hold the ammonia up against the old film. Gently scraping with a soft plastic scraper or fingernail is best. Be sure to cover carpets and your seat upholstery before beginning this process. Or simply visit a professional or auto parts shop in your area if you are a hands-on type person.

At German Auto Center, we can assist you with Porsche, BMW, Audi, Mini, and Volkswagen service and repair in Austin. If you have any questions, come see us at German Auto Center of Austin. We will happy to assist you!