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.

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.