What causes auto window film to fade?

The primary cause of film fading is ultraviolet energy, which breaks down the dyes and pigments. Winners Window Tint films contain advanced UV inhibitors which help delay UV deterioration; however, colored films will lighten in time, as they absorb and block the UV rays that would otherwise fade interior vinyl and upholstery. Metalized films maintain their original appearance longer. Ceramic films will provide the longest protection and look the best over time as they contain special UV absorbers in addition to the UV inhibitors in the adhesive.

How do I remove the car window film and the adhesive?

Use a steamer to steam the film away from the windows. Start by loosening the film at the top of the window with a razor blade. Grip the film firmly and pull it from one corner across the window, all the while fanning the steam over the window film. Some adhesive may remain on the glass. Spray with ammonia (like Windex) onto the adhesive residue. Rub this mixture into the adhesive to soften. Repeat if necessary until the adhesive turns white and gummy, then shave the adhesive from the glass with a new razor blade. Keep the surface wet until you have removed the adhesive residue. Then thoroughly clean the window with the original soapy water solution and dry with a cloth.

On the rear window where defroster lines may be, do not razor blade. Use a steamer to soften the glue, peel back an edge at the top and fan the steamer and you pull the film down. If glue remains, use the ammonia and rub until it turns gummy. Then instead of the razor, use 4-Zero steel wool (the softest steel wool) or a non-scratch nylon pad to scrub away the glue. Be patient and use care; do not pull film forcibly from glass with defrosted lines as you could possibly damage them.
   

You can also call Winners for an estimate to professionally remove your window tint.  Trust us when we say that you’ll be glad you aren’t doing the job yourself.

Is the smell and overspray from the application solution harmful?

Our secret solution is baby shampoo.  That’s why many of our clients actually like it when we hand them over the keys to their new window tint job! It is hypoallergenic but if you do see overspray, just use a paper towel to clean.

Can window film be installed on car sunroof windows and windshields?

Most sunroofs are tempered glass. This type of glass can absorb a lot of heat. This means that film can definitely be installed on sunroofs. It is the same type of glass as most side windows and rear window.

Windshields, and the side windows of some luxury cars, are laminated glass. This type of glass cannot handle high heat loads, thus it is not recommended to install film with less than a 35% visible light transmission.

Are there any special auto glass cleaning tips?

Soap and water, vinegar and water, or a non-ammonia commercial cleaner are recommended. Some traditional window cleaning solutions (like Windex) contain ammonia. While one or two accidental usages will not hurt the film, continued usage does eat through the film.
 

Is it safe to install film over defroster wires on the back window of a car?

It is safe to apply film to windows with defroster lines, provided the lines are factory-installed. These lines are (1) completely imbedded in the glass, or (2) laminated by an amber or orange plastic coating on top of the glass. We  DO NOT apply film over painted-on defogger lines or the exposed silver-colored lines of aftermarket kits.
 

Does window film on cars improve gas mileage by reducing air-conditioning needs?

During the summer, running your air conditioner reduces gas mileage by roughly 10%. By installing film, you are increasing your personal comfort, reducing the temperatures of otherwise exposed interior surfaces of your car (steering wheel, upholstery, etc), and protecting the cars interior from UV light. Exactly how much gas consumption is decreased with the addition of a solar control film is very difficult to say, and the issue is controversial. The problem is that newer cars have compressors that do not cycle on and off, running continuously so long as the AC option is selected on the dashboard control switch. There is legislation being considered in some states that may require very high solar performance glass, so as to allow the reduction in size of the AC compressor, thus definitely improving gas mileage. Cars that have fully automatic climatic control systems appear to enjoy the benefit of delayed compressor use with high performance film or glass, and thus improved gas mileage. As things stand now, the most we can say is that with film you are less likely to need to turn the AC on with window film as soon as with a car without film.

Moreover, a car's AC system can cool the interior down more quickly with film, and fan speeds do not need to operate as high to get comparable cooling effects from an AC system.