If you own car light tints, there may be instances in which you need to maintain and care for them in order to keep them attached and functioning to the best of their ability.
In this blog, we will show you how to maintain and care for your car light tints.
The UK automotive aftermarket industry is thriving, ranking fourth in Europe and ninth in the world in terms of size, and turning over an annual £21.1 billion.
The sector supports 345,600 jobs and contributes £12.2 billion each year to the economy. And it is growing: the sector’s value is set to rise to £28 billion by 2022.
That’s why we at Car Specialist Customs are here to provide you with all the information you require to get the best car customisation possible, whilst being as informed as possible.
Car light tints explained
A car light tint is a film applied to a vehicle’s headlights, taillights, or other lighting components to alter their appearance. This film can darken the lights, giving the car a smoked or darkened look.
While primarily used for aesthetic purposes, car light tints can also offer some benefits, such as protecting the original lights from minor scratches and UV damage. However, it’s crucial to ensure the tint complies with local regulations to avoid legal issues.
What are the legalities of car light tints?
Headlight tints are legal in the UK, but with strict limitations. The primary rule is that the tint cannot reduce headlight output by more than 50%. Additionally, the color of the light must remain white or yellow.
It’s crucial to ensure that the tint doesn’t impair visibility, as this could pose a serious safety risk. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines, penalty points, and even the removal of the tint.
Essentially, while you can tint your headlights, it’s essential to prioritize safety and ensure the modification doesn’t compromise your or other road users’ visibility.
Does a car light tint help other road users?
No, a car light tint generally does not help other road users. In fact, it can pose a significant safety risk.
While some might argue that tinted headlights can reduce glare, the primary function of headlights is to illuminate the road ahead for the driver and to be seen by other road users. A tint can reduce the light output, making it harder for other drivers to see your vehicle, especially in poor weather conditions. This increases the risk of accidents.
It’s crucial to prioritise safety over aesthetics when considering modifications to your vehicle’s lighting.
How to maintain and care for your car light tints
Proper care for your car light tints will help them last longer and maintain their appearance. Here are some essential tips:
- Wait for the cure: Allow the tint to fully cure before cleaning it. This typically takes a few days.
- Gentle cleaning: Use a mild, ammonia-free glass cleaner and a soft microfiber cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals,abrasives, or paper towels.
- Regular inspection: Check your tints regularly for signs of wear and tear, such as peeling, bubbling, or fading.
- Avoid excessive heat: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can damage the tint. Park in the shade when possible.
- Professional installation: Ensure your tints were installed by a professional to minimize the risk of issues.
- Consider a protective coating: Some tint films offer additional protection against scratches and fading.
By following these guidelines, you can extend the life of your car light tints and maintain their appearance.
can a car light tint peel off if it isn’t maintained?
Yes, a car light tint can peel off if it isn’t maintained properly. Factors that can contribute to peeling include:
- Poor installation: If the tint wasn’t applied correctly, it’s more likely to peel.
- Exposure to extreme temperatures: Excessive heat or cold can damage the adhesive.
- Incorrect cleaning products: Harsh chemicals can break down the tint’s adhesive.
- Physical damage: Scratches or impacts can weaken the tint and cause it to peel.
Regular cleaning and inspection, along with avoiding harsh conditions, will help prolong the life of your car light tint. Depending on your frequency of driving, it is advisable to clean your tints every 2-4 weeks. By doing this correctly, you can expect your headlight tints to last longer than expected in some cases.
Can a unmaintained car light tint reduce its effectiveness?
Yes, an unmaintained car light tint can reduce its effectiveness.
Over time, dirt, grime, and scratches can accumulate on the tint, obstructing light and reducing visibility. Additionally,fading caused by exposure to sunlight can diminish the tint’s ability to block out harmful UV rays and glare.
Regular cleaning and inspection are essential to maintain the tint’s performance and safety benefits.
Furthermore, a unmaintained car light tint runs the risk of peeling off whilst you are driving. If this happen, it has the potential to create a hazard on the road, especially on the motorway if the tint peels off and is carried onto someones windscreen.
Who can I get my headlights tinted from?
We at Car Specialist Customs provide tinting for your vehicle lights too, and rest assured, all of our services follow the legal requirements given to us by the government. So no matter what you choose to get, we will always tell you if it is legal or not. And if it is legal, we install it to the highest standard.
Our tinting process is as follows:
- We analyse the space you would like to be tinted
- We make the necessary adjustments to our tinting films so application is smooth and hassle-free
- We apply the tinting & make sure there are no mistakes.
- We will then guide you in regard to the maintenance of the tinting.
Contact us, get your quote for a tint today.
Invest in quality car light tints
Our team members at Car Specialist Customs are extremely passionate and proud of the multiple services and products we provide for the people of Greater Manchester and beyond.
As a fully insured and approved installer, catering to the needs of vehicle owners of Greater Manchester and beyond, we are proud to let you know that we offer services for the following:
Tints:
Wrapping and PPF:
- Paint Protection Film — PPF
- Exo Shield Window Tint
- Black Packs
- Dechroming
- Custom Decals
- Commercial Wrapping
- Vehicle Wrapping
Interior customisation/ technology:
- Starlights
- Apple Play/ Android Autos
- Android Screen Upgrades
- Parking Sensors
- Reverse Cameras
- Rear Seat Entertainment
Protection/Security:
Featuring the brands, Pandora, ScorpionTrak, Meta Trak & SmarTrack, we’ve included affordable, and premium products to suit the needs of our customers. With finance options available, and the option of installation, head to our website to get your quote!
We will always go above expectations to make your car feel special to you. With even more services and options becoming available in the future, Car Specialist Customs is the home of making any car unique, secure and special.
See what we can do for you today, we hope the details we shared have helped you decide to take a step forward in personalising your vehicle with our unique service.
In this blog, we aimed to have shown you how to maintain and care for your car light tints. Whilst also providing supplementary information that can help you make an informed choice when it comes to investing in customisation options for your vehicle.
Want to get in touch? You can find us right here:
WORKSHOP:
Unit 30
Caldershaw Centre
Ings Ln
Rochdale
OL12 7LQ
OPENING TIMES:
Monday to Wednesday – 10 AM—7 PM
Thursday – Closed
Friday to Sunday – 11 AM—7 PM
TELEPHONE:
07523 971347 (Mon – Fri: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm)
EMAIL:
info@carspecialistcustoms.co.uk