Can bubbles disappear automatically after car window tinting?
4 Answers
Small bubbles after car window tinting will not disappear on their own and need to be manually punctured and expelled. Bubbles in car window tinting are caused by trapped air between the film and the glass. These bubbles are completely sealed between the window and the film with no way to escape, so they will persist and cannot disappear in a short time. Car window tinting involves applying a thin film material to the front and rear windshields, side windows, and sunroof. This film is also known as solar film or heat insulation film. Its main functions are to block ultraviolet rays, reduce heat, prevent injuries from shattered glass, reduce glare, and provide privacy protection through its one-way visibility properties. After tinting, the glass becomes tighter, and rolling down the windows may cause the edges of the film to curl or lift, potentially damaging the film. After tinting, it is advisable to park the car in a sunny area to ensure the evaporation of moisture trapped under the film, which helps maintain the tint's effectiveness. Washing the car is strictly prohibited for three days after tinting to avoid water causing the film to peel off. Therefore, it is recommended to wash the car before applying the film. For the first week after tinting, park the car in a sunny location to ensure complete evaporation of any moisture under the film. To ensure the film adheres firmly to the glass, avoid attaching or hanging any objects directly on the tinted windows for two months after application. This prevents creating gaps when removing suction cups or adhesives and avoids damaging the film.
Don't worry too much if you find bubbles right after getting your car tinted. My own car had the same issue. Actually, small water bubbles will disappear on their own in a few days because the moisture hasn't fully evaporated during installation. However, if the bubbles are very large or there are dust particles at the edges, those usually won't go away. I've seen people try to poke them with needles, only to puncture the film and end up needing a complete redo. The safest approach is to wait a week and observe—if they don't disappear, go back to the shop. Tint shops have professional tools to fix edge bubbles, and if it's a quality issue, you can request a replacement, especially since most shops offer warranty coverage.
Whether bubbles after film application can disappear on their own depends on their nature. Last month, I just had my car windows tinted, and initially, there were small water bubbles at the edges. The technician said they would disappear after a few days in the sun. Indeed, after three days, they were mostly gone because the moisture evaporated. However, if the bubbles are in the center or appear rainbow-colored, it means air or dust has gotten in. These permanent bubbles must be fixed by returning to the tinting shop. They will use a heat gun to soften the film and re-smooth it, which requires skilled technique. It's recommended not to roll down the windows for three days after tinting to prevent new bubbles from forming due to moisture not drying properly, which could affect the self-healing effect.
There are two types of car film bubbles: self-healing and non-self-healing. Moisture bubbles are usually the size of a fingernail and appear randomly, often disappearing within a week. However, if the bubble diameter exceeds that of a coin or the edges turn white, it usually indicates a construction defect and requires manual intervention. My experience suggests requesting a three-day maintenance period from the installer after applying the film, during which they will address bubble issues for free. DIY fixes are risky, as hard objects may scratch the film surface or even damage the rear window heating wires. High-quality films come with a self-repairing coating, allowing small moisture bubbles to disappear, whereas bubbles in low-quality films tend to spread.
