Tinting car lights is a legal customisation option available to you. Although it isn’t required as standard, there may be reasons relevant to you that can benefit your overall driving experience, or aesthetic preference.
In this blog, we will share why you should tint your car lights
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.
Can I apply headlight tints myself?
Disclaimer: While it’s possible to apply headlight tints yourself, it requires precision and patience. If you’re unsure about your abilities, consider having a professional do it. Additionally, check your local laws regarding headlight tint, as it may be illegal in some areas.
If you neglect to check the legal parameters, you can end up with further issues including fines and/or removal orders.
Materials Needed:
- Headlight tint film
- Soapy water solution (dish soap and water)
- Squeegee
- Razor blade
- Heat gun (optional)
Steps:
- Clean the Headlights:
- Thoroughly clean the headlights with soapy water to remove dirt, grease, and wax.
- Ensure they are completely dry before proceeding.
2. Measure and Cut the Tint:
- Lay the tint film flat and measure the headlight.
- Add a few inches to each side for overlap.
- Carefully cut the tint film to the desired shape.
3. Prepare the Headlights:
- Spray the headlights with a light mist of soapy water. This will help the tint slide into place and allow for adjustments.
4. Apply the Tint:
- Peel off the backing of the tint film.
- Carefully position the tint film over the headlight, ensuring it’s centred.
- Use the squeegee to remove excess water and air bubbles, working from the centre outwards.
5. Trim Excess Tint:
- Once the tint is firmly in place, use a razor blade to carefully trim away any excess film.
6. Heat Gun (Optional):
- For a smoother finish and to remove any wrinkles, gently heat the tint with a heat gun while using the squeegee to smooth it out. Be careful not to overheat the tint.
7. Drying Time:
- Allow the tint to dry completely before driving.
Tips:
- Practice on a scrap piece of tint before applying it to your headlights.
- Work in a clean, dust-free environment.
- Be patient and take your time.
- Consider using a heat gun for curved headlights.
Visual Guide:
If you prefer a visual demonstration, there are many helpful tutorials available on online. Search for “how to apply headlight tint” for step-by-step instructions. Remember, the quality of the tint film can significantly impact the final result.
Choose a reputable brand for better durability and appearance. But for the best possible results, a professional application is the best option.
Why you should tint your car lights
While it’s essential to prioritise safety and legal compliance, there are some potential benefits to tinting your car headlights:
- Aesthetic appeal: Tinted headlights can give your car a more aggressive or sporty look.
- Protection: The tint can act as a barrier, helping to protect the headlight from minor scratches and chips.
- Reduced glare: In some cases, a light tint can reduce glare from oncoming traffic, improving night vision. However, this is dependent on the tint’s quality and darkness.
It’s crucial to weigh these potential benefits against the risks of reduced visibility and legal implications before making a decision.
The risks of tinting car headlights
- Reduced visibility: The primary function of headlights is to illuminate the road and be seen by other drivers. Tinting can significantly reduce light output, making it harder for you to see and for others to see you, especially in poor weather conditions.
- Increased risk of accidents: Reduced visibility directly increases the risk of accidents.
- Legal issues: In most places, tinting headlights to a degree that significantly reduces light output is illegal. You could face fines or penalties if caught.
- Damage to headlights: Some tint products can damage your headlights over time, causing them to become cloudy or yellow.
While tinting might offer a slight aesthetic appeal, the potential dangers far outweigh any benefits. It’s essential to prioritise safety when making modifications to your vehicle.
What are the legal consequences of illegal headlight tints?
If your car light tints are illegal, there are established consequences you can deal with. Law enforcement officers may issue a fine, penalty points on your driving licence, or require you to remove the tints immediately. In some cases, they might even seize your vehicle.
To determine if your car light tints are legal, you should check the specific regulations in your jurisdiction. Generally, headlight tints are illegal if they significantly reduce light output or change the colour of the light.
Additionally, headlight tints are often restricted or prohibited altogether. It’s essential to prioritise safety and comply with local laws to avoid legal issues.
Where to get headlights tinted?
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.
Buy car light tints today
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