Can Car Window Tinting Be Done in Winter?
3 Answers
Winter is also a suitable time for car window tinting, but there are several precautions to note. After tinting in winter, you may not be able to roll the windows up or down for 10 days to half a month, as the moisture inside the film evaporates more slowly. Additionally, avoid wiping the tint with a towel and refrain from using the rear windshield defroster. If the front windshield is also tinted, be cautious when using the defroster by keeping the airflow low to prevent damage. Should any issues arise, promptly return to the tinting service for resolution. Below are key considerations for car window tinting in winter: 1. Avoid excessively dark tint films. Dark films with low light transmittance can delay a driver's reaction time in emergencies, increasing the risk of accidents. High-quality films with high light transmittance enhance driving safety. 2. Opt for films with high heat insulation rates to better control the interior temperature, maintain warmth, and reduce fuel consumption. 3. Steer clear of unknown or substandard tint films. Some inferior films may have uneven thickness, leading to uneven shrinkage when temperatures rise in spring, causing premature cracking and rendering the film unusable. 4. Ensure the tinting is done in a dust-free indoor environment to prevent dust particles from becoming trapped between the glass and film. In extremely cold weather, allow the car to sit in the tinting workshop for a while to let the glass temperature adjust to room temperature. When heating the film, carefully monitor the duration to avoid cracking the front or rear windshields.
It's no problem to apply car film in winter. I had mine done last January. I chose a sunny noon when the shop temperature could stay above 15°C, and the film adhered quite firmly afterwards. The key is not to let it get too cold - if temperatures drop below freezing, the adhesive might freeze and lose its stickiness. I recommend choosing a clear day and doing it in an indoor garage or professional film installation shop where technicians usually use heaters to warm up the area. Of course, there are advantages to applying film in winter - shops are less crowded and prices are often cheaper. Just remember not to wash the car for several days after application to ensure complete drying. I used this method to avoid the summer rush myself, and my film stayed perfectly intact for the whole year.
From my experience, applying car film in winter is completely feasible, but there are a few details to note. The temperature should preferably be above 5 degrees Celsius with moderate humidity, as excessive moisture can slow down drying and affect results. I prefer doing it in mid-winter when weather is more stable and installers can focus better without the rush of peak seasons. Don't forget to choose quality materials - modern film technology allows many products to bond quickly even in low temperatures. After application, avoid water and frost contact for a few days. Winter's advantage is its dry air and less dust, allowing smoother film application. My own car's film has lasted over a decade - I inspect it every winter to ensure no bubbles form. These tips have helped me successfully complete many projects even in northern China's harsh winters.
