Do You Need to Wash the Car Before Applying Window Tint?
2 Answers
It is necessary to wash the car before applying window tint. If the car body is not clean, bumps will appear after the film is applied, which not only affects the appearance of the car but also makes the raised areas prone to damage. Precautions for car window tinting: 1. After applying the film, avoid rolling the windows up or down for three days, and do not wash the car during this period; 2. For vehicles with a sunroof, avoid opening the sunroof while driving, especially at high speeds, within three days; 3. If bubbles appear at the edges of the film, they should be repaired at the installation site within 24 hours. Delaying beyond this time may cause the adhesive around the bubbles to dry completely, making the film edges immovable and resulting in creases during repair; 4. Do not use highly adhesive labels directly on the film for one month after application to prevent partial detachment of the film from the glass; 5. Be aware of the vehicle inspection policies in various cities when applying car window tint.
When preparing to apply window tint film, washing the car is an essential step—not optional. I’ve seen too many cases where dust, fingerprints, or grease on the car’s surface act as 'hidden enemies' of the film, leading to bubbles, gaps, or even peeling. The ideal approach is to thoroughly rinse the car with warm water and a pH-neutral car wash soap, focusing on the glass areas to ensure no residue remains. After washing, dry it with a towel or use compressed air to eliminate moisture, as it can interfere with adhesion. Some people skip this step to save time, only to find the film wrinkling days later, forcing a redo that costs more money and wastes time. Remember, a clean surface ensures stronger, longer-lasting film adhesion, improving results while avoiding future headaches.
