What are the precautions after applying car film?
4 Answers
Do not wash the car within three days after applying the car film, as this may cause the film to peel off. After the car film is applied, do not roll down the side windows for 24 hours in summer and 48-72 hours in winter, as rolling them down may cause the film to shift. Here are some relevant details: 1. If bubbles are found, they should be addressed within 24 hours at a professional car beauty and maintenance shop. Additionally, after applying sunshade and heat-insulating film, avoid using strong adhesive labels directly on the film for one month, as this can cause the film to partially detach from the glass. 2. Before applying the film, protect the interior facilities by covering the seats and dashboard with plastic covers. During the application, avoid using lubricants that may cause the film to fade, and do not apply the film under direct sunlight, as this can lead to wrinkles and bubbles, significantly affecting the appearance of your car. The cleaning of the glass is a fundamental step for the quality of the film application. 3. Generally, cleaning the glass involves three steps: glass inspection to remove adhesive particles and sand; glass dust removal and cleaning (since water is needed for dust removal and lubrication, be careful to prevent water from leaking into the car's audio and electronic control systems, and ensure the glass is cleaned three times); and pre-application cleaning. When cleaning the rear windshield, be careful not to damage the heating wires.
The most crucial thing right after getting your car tinted is not to roll down the windows for a week! The adhesive hasn't fully cured yet, and operating the windows can cause the edges to peel. I even avoided blasting the AC directly at the glass back then, worried that temperature fluctuations might make the film wrinkle. Be careful with car washes too – hold off on using high-pressure jets for at least three days, especially around window edges where water seepage can cause bubbles. I remember once foolishly peeling off a small corner label and taking a bit of the film with it – heartbreaking! Also, don't use rear window defrosters as the heat can bubble the tint. Avoid suction cup mounts in daily use too, as they can damage the film's surface. Neglecting these details means wasting thousands on that premium tint job!
The first few days after applying the car film are crucial for allowing the moisture to evaporate. I recommend parking the car under direct sunlight for two days, as the heat will accelerate the adhesive curing process. Avoid washing the car too soon, especially the windshield, as high-pressure water jets from car washes can force water beneath the film. When using the air conditioning, adjust the vents to avoid direct airflow onto the glass, as uneven temperatures may cause the film to shift. If you notice small bubbles, don't panic—most will disappear on their own within a few days. However, larger bubbles the size of green beans should be addressed by returning to the shop. Also, refrain from peeling off the tape at the edges of the film; wait at least a week. Be cautious when placing items in the door storage compartments to avoid scratching the newly applied film with keys or other sharp objects. Applying car film is a delicate task that requires careful attention to detail.
The most commonly overlooked issue after film application is cleaning! Avoid using alcohol or glass cleaner on the film for the first three days, as chemical solvents can corrode the adhesive layer. I prefer gently wiping with a clean damp cloth and avoiding scratches from hard objects. When driving on highways, sand hitting the film can also cause scratches, so it's advisable to minimize long-distance trips in the first month. Be cautious when driving at night, as new films may have slight glare, which will normalize once the moisture dries. On foggy days, don’t rush to use the defroster, as hot air can damage the film. Car film is like a phone screen protector—it needs care for the first few days until the adhesive sets firmly for durability. Remember to ask the shop for a warranty card; bubbles in the film can often be fixed for free.
