As many of us stare out the window looking for something to do this winter, adding auto tint to your favorite vehicle could help you pass the time. Cheap tint films can be found almost anywhere and then you can get to work.

Car window tint has really come down in price and many people are attempting to do this job on their own. I have tried it before, and it is hard, but I really think it can be done with a little patience and the proper technique. Be sure to follow all the instructions on the film, since each maybe slightly different.  Be sure to have enough water and either adhesive or hair spray or whatever other chemical you need to get the auto tint to stick to your car or truck.

Having a straight edge of some sort, a ruler will work if you do not have the right tool, but I do not recommend using things that are not meant for the job at hand. I would not want to screw up my car because I was lazy and did not want to use the right equipment.
Also, it is going to take more time than you think. This process is time consuming and you want to do the job right. You have to have sharp razors or a knife to trim the window tint to your proper sizes too. A dull blade can rip the tint and make it look awful. The goal is a nice clean installation.

When working outside in a garage you need to have a clean place to place your car window tint. Without it, you will get scuffs and scratches in it, or even make it more prone to bubbling or having air bubbles trapped in it. This is always a sign of a bad job. Real experts do not have bubbles in their window tinting jobs. If you have a heated garage this job will be much easier. No one wants to work in the winter without it. This will allow your hands to be free and allow them to bend easily. It takes a fine touch to apply the skill it takes to get the window tint on right.

After you have the side windows done, it is time to attempt the back one, or back-light as they call it. This one is always the hardest because their are rear defroster lines that run across it. You must put a template up and then cut out where the lines will be in the window tint. This is key because the defroster lines could burn through and maybe even cause a fire in your vehicle.

The key with this part is even more patience as it can ruin the whole job if the back-light does not look good. Remember, spend a few hours now for a lifetime of enjoying your cool new ride.

The final part is letting the tint film set up on the windows. This can take 3 – 5 days so do not roll down your glass for any reason during this time frame. I like to place some tape over the controls so I do not forget. Also, your passengers will not remember either so be sure to tape their controls too.

Ever go out into the hot sun and notice your car feels like an oven? Well, with good window tint it does not have to be that way.  Adding auto tint to your car can greatly reduce the temperature inside your car on a hot summer day.  The reason is simple, the tint reflects the sunlight, hence keeping it much cooler inside the vehicle.

So where do I go to find a quality window tinting operation?  Well, I would check with family and friends before I make any appointments. Some shops are much more reliable than others.  Any reputable car or truck performance store should offer a guarantee on their tint jobs.  If they do not, walk out the door.

Next, set up your appointment to get all your windows tinted.  Just tinting the front or back will look kinda dumb, so go all out and do the whole car.  You may want to also add a banner across the top of your windshield.  This can make it easier to see the lights when you are stopped at a red light. It is also nice to have in the mornings or evenings when the sun is going down.

The typical cost of a 4 window tint job, including the back window, is roughly $250 bucks.  Some may be more or less, but this is a good ballpark figure. Throw in another 35 or so for the windshield banner, and you should be good to go.  You may be able to find someone do this job on the side for cheaper though. Just check around and make sure they are dependable.  I have seen some messed up tint jobs with cheap window tint on them and it makes the car look really bad.

I should also mention this will help keep the heat in during the winter.  Once you have the inside warmed up, the tint acts as insulation and helps to keep it warmer. While it is not a huge difference, I can tell a bit.

This should help you get started on finding a quality place for your car or truck to be serviced.

I must say that over the last few years I have apparently gotten pulled over for no other reason besides my window tint.  While it is annoying, I have nothing to hide and do not really mind.  It just gives the cops a reason to stop a suspicious looking car or truck.  The key is to avoid getting fined, be sure to mention you are unaware of the tint laws.  Many times cops cannot see in these cars and feel threatened. Make sure you turn on your inside lights and fully cooperate with the officer.  Many times, they may just let you go with a warning.

It is very easy to see why cops are leery of cars with tint on them.  People can hide guns, weapons, among other things without any one being able to see them.  While the look of a car with the windows dark looks awesome, you must consider some of the consequences of doing so.

They use window tint tools that they keep in order to determine if you are compliant with the applicable laws on tints in your area. Each state is different so be sure to check your local ordinances to be certain of your rights and know the laws before they bite you in the back.

If it is thought your tints are too dark, they will bring out the window tint meter and test it to see what it rates at. Normally, anything under 50% will cause a fine, but they might let you off with a warning. Note that 0% is the darkest and anything over 50% does not even look tinted in my opinion. Some people go with 35% and it does not look too dark and most cops do not really mind. You can get your own meter and test it yourself if you want, but most just take a chance and drive around with their tints and hope for the best.

Many of you have seen cars driving down the road and thought, wow, look how much better that car looks.  Generally, cars with tinted windows do look better, as the dark window contrasts with the body and gives it a very cool appearance.  You may be asking yourself that auto tint is not legal.  Well, it depends, sometimes it is against the law if you tint them too dark.  However, my experience has shown that if you are not breaking any other traffic rules will cops pull you over just for the tint.  Maybe I have been lucky though.

One advantage of window tint is that it provides more shade in the summer and can keep your car cooler.  Also, it reflects much of the light easing the strain on your eyes.  Many times, I do not even have to wear sunglasses, unless the sun angle is really low.  In the winter, some say the tint acts as an insulator and can keep the heat in better.  I have never noticed this so it may or may not be true.

Another advantage of auto tint is that is just looks cool.  Most cars look tons better with tinted windows.  This is especially true with black or white cars.  To see for yourself, just look up images online and see the difference.  You will be amazed how much better your car would look with window tint.

I was always skeptical of window tint and being able to not see out of the car at night. While it is harder, if you do not tint them too dark you can still see fine.  Just be careful backing up or turning if you cannot see 100%.

Some people try to window tint their own car, and all I can say is good luck.  I will post another article on why this is so difficult, but for now do not try it.