As all Phoenix residents know, there’s nothing hotter than an Arizona summer. Keeping your car cool and comfortable can be a year-round challenge, and window tinting definitely helps. However, it can be tricky to know just how long window tinting lasts. Extreme heat can also play a role in determining this answer, so how long does window tinting last with the Phoenix heat?
Lifespan
There are a number of factors that affect how long a tinted window can last, including:
- The construction of your windows
- The type of glass in your car
- The color of the tint
Top Quality
It’s important to choose a high-quality film. Lower quality dyed films can last from 1 to 2 years because they work by absorbing heat. A hybrid film, however, can last 4- 5 years, or more, since they use a combination of dyes and reflective metals to both absorb heat and reflect it away from the car. Here at Sun Devil Auto, we recommend Solar Gard Brand HP Charcoal Series window film, which is one of the best options available on the market. Their dyed metal construction is highly durable and reflects a great deal of heat. Plus, there’s a limited-lifetime manufacturer’s warranty! (See warranty for details)
Temperature
One of the most important factors that determine the life of the film, though, is climate. Although window tinting is designed to help reduce heat within a vehicle, excessive heat can damage the film and shorten its lifespan. This might seem like bad news for Phoenix residents, but there are ways to mitigate the issue.
First of all, you can expect window tinting to last slightly longer if you’re simply darkening windows that are already factory tinted. You can also extend the life of your film by parking your car in a carport, a garage, or the shade rather than leaving it in direct sunlight.
Level of Care
Another major factor that determines the life of the film is how well it’s treated. While most window films have a scratch-resistant coating on them, this does not make them scratch-proof. Car owners should take care when loading anything large, hard, or with sharp edges that could damage the film.
