Is It Worth It to Tint Your Own Car Windows?
The weather is warming up here in South New Jersey, making it a perfect time to get window tint installed on your car, truck, or SUV. If you enjoy making DIY improvements to your vehicle, you may be wondering if it’s worth it to buy a window tint kit and do the work yourself instead of taking it to a professional window tint installer.
The short answer is you could do the work yourself, of course, but applying window tint to your car yourself means taking the risk of spending more time and money than you hoped for a result you may not be happy with. Before you buy a window tint kit, here are a few important factors we’d like to encourage you to consider.
Cost Considerations
While DIY kits may seem like a cost-effective option initially, once you add up the cost of materials and tools, the time it takes to research the supplies and learn the process, and the time you’ll spend doing the actual installation, you will most likely not be saving any money at all. Here’s a breakdown to consider:
Materials: High-quality tint films can be expensive, and lower-quality films may not provide the durability or look you want.
Tools: Essential tools include squeegees, utility knives, heat guns, and cleaning solutions. Professional-grade tools, which ensure better results, can add to your costs.
Mistakes: Any errors in cutting or application can result in wasted materials, requiring you to buy more.
Quality of Workmanship
While professional tinting services may seem pricey upfront, these shops offer long-term value by using professional-grade materials and having expert installers who will do the job right. Plus, most reputable window tinting shops guarantee their workmanship and materials, so you have peace of mind that you’ll get exactly what you hoped for. At Shine Pro, we offer our window tint customers a 100% lifetime guarantee!
Materials and Durability
Another reason to take your vehicle to a reputable shop is that professional window tinting is designed to last, using high-quality films that resist fading, bubbling, and peeling. Using a DIY window tint kit may result in premature wear and deterioration, requiring costly repairs or replacements sooner than expected.
Professional Expertise
Do you have the right materials?
You may know what tint you want, but are you sure it’s the right choice for your vehicle? Window tint professionals will know which tint is the right one for you based on your preferences, and they will use high-quality materials that will help ensure a flawless finish.
Do you have the right tools?
DIY window tint kits may include basic tools, but they often lack the precision instruments needed for complex installations. Professional tinters, on the other hand, invest in high-quality tools that help ensure precise cutting and seamless application.
Environmental Considerations
Do you have access to the right environment?
Professional window installers have climate-controlled environments that minimize contaminants, ensuring a smooth and consistent window tint application. To do the job right, you will need access to a clean, dust-free, climate-controlled space, which may be challenging to come by. Keep in mind that if even the tiniest particle of dust or debris gets in between your glass and the tint, it will ruin your perfect application, resulting in a bumpy, uneven finish.
Time Commitment
Do you have the time?
Unless you’re a professional who is experienced in window tinting, you will most likely find the process to be painstaking and time-consuming, requiring a lot of patience and allowing little to no room for interruptions. Tinting your own windows can take several hours or even days, depending on your experience and the complexity of the job. In contrast, professional installations are often completed in a few hours.
Legal Considerations
Do you know the laws about window tint in your area?
Our team at Shine Pro knows the laws about tint darkness and visibility for South New Jersey and its surrounding areas, including towns like Egg Harbor Township, Atlantic City, and Galloway. Local regulations can vary significantly, and having a tint that is too dark can result in fines and the need to remove the tint entirely. Reputable window tint professionals will ensure your tint complies with local laws, saving you potential legal headaches down the road.
Long-Term Benefits of Professional Tinting
Professional window tinting offers numerous benefits that DIY kits cannot match:
Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal: Professional tinting provides a sleek and uniform appearance that enhances your vehicle's look.
Improved UV Protection: High-quality tints block up to 99% of harmful UV rays, protecting your skin and the interior of your car from sun damage.
Increased Privacy and Security: Tinted windows offer greater privacy and can help deter theft by obscuring the view into your vehicle.
Better Heat Rejection: Professional-grade tints can significantly reduce the heat inside your car, making it more comfortable during hot South New Jersey summers.
Local Expertise and Community Connection
Shine Pro is deeply connected to the South New Jersey community. Our convenient location near Egg Harbor Township allows you to drop off your vehicle and enjoy local amenities while we work on your tint. You can visit the nearby Storybook Land with your family or explore the scenic trails at Egg Harbor Township Nature Reserve. For those looking to shop or dine, Harbor Square offers a variety of options to keep you entertained while we enhance your vehicle.
Conclusion
While we understand that doing DIY projects on your vehicle can be rewarding, you risk wasting your money, time, and energy doing the window tinting yourself. Instead, why not put your trust in professionals like Shine Pro? We tint hundreds of cars each month for customers in the greater South New Jersey area and are happy to help you get your job done right.
Reach out to us today for a free window tint estimate! Visit our shop conveniently located near Egg Harbor Township, and enjoy local landmarks like the Storybook Land and Egg Harbor Township Nature Reserve while you wait for your tint to be professionally installed.