window city tints |
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why should I purchase tints?
In the summer months, sunlight can beat down on you like a bully on the playground, so having tints on your windows is a great way to ensure you stay cool and comfortable inside your vehicle. Most importantly window tinting will block harmful UV rays that are known to cause skin cancer. Having tint on your windows can block almost 99% of UV rays. Tinting on your windows will also reduce fading the interior of your vehicle as well as protect against any damage or cracking the sun’s direct impact may cause. Also another cool feature, in the event of an accident the tinting film will hold the glass together preventing shattering and protecting against sudden breakage. |
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Is it legal to have tints on my vehicle?
In short, yes it is legal to have tints in Illinois, however the VLT or Visible Light Transmission varies from type of vehicle, and which windows. In the state of Illinois, the maximum window tinting you may legally have is a non-reflective tint on the top 6 inches of your front windshield. On the front, back, side and rear allowing 35% VLT for sedans and coupes. For SUVs and vans, the front has to be 50% VLT but the rear can be any VLT. Special tint in cases of medical exemption is permitted. Deciding to go against these regulations could have you facing a fine of $50-$500 for your first offense and $100-$500 for subsequent violations as well as a class c misdemeanor. If your vehicle already has windows that are tinted and you are looking to get something different, you should have the tint removed before placing new window tinting on. It is not good to place tint over tint.
Will I be able to see out my window if I have tints?
You might wonder if having tint on your windows will affect your visibility while driving at night. Having tinted windows will not reduce your visibility depending on the level of tint you use. You may find you have to roll your windows down to drive at night with tint at 20%. Tinting does not work the same way at night as it does during the day in which light is reflected, minimizing the light that enters through the windows.
What should you expect after having your windows tinted?
Window tinting is made from multi-layered polyester material and is installed on the inside of your glass to ensure maximum durability. After your tint is applied you can expect for there to be a hazy appearance. This may take several days to resolve. The hazy appearance is due to moisture remaining between the film and the glass. A few days after having the tint applied to your windows, you may notice it seems to be darker. It is not, instead this is the effect of the haze going away and causing the water to dry out allowing the tint to adhere completely to the window.
Can I roll down my windows?
It is important to remember NOT to roll down your windows until the tint is completely dry. Rolling down your windows before it has had time to properly dry will cause the film to scrape away from the glass due to the friction. If you have window tinting applied during the winter months, the curing process can take up to several weeks. It is not recommended to tint your windows during the winter because the film is incredibly temperature sensitive resulting in poor quality.
How should you care for your windows after they have been tinted?
When window tinting is properly installed and maintained, it will last 10 years or possibly even more. When caring for your windows soon after tint has been applied, it is important to wait 1 week before cleaning the tint. You may wash the outside of the vehicle and windows, avoiding the inside where the window tinting had been applied until it has time to adhere and dry. When it comes time to clean the windows after they have completely adhered and dried, choosing a foam cleanser which does not contain ammonia is best for the care and maintenance of the windows as well as using a soft cloth or rubber squeegee. Please be sure to keep abrasive and sharp objects away from the window tinting. This will subsequently cause scratching or damage.
How do I remove an old or bad tint?
If you find that for whatever reason you want or need to remove the window tint, removal isn't as hard as it seems. To remove your window tint, place a hair dryer on high holding it 2 inches from the corner of the tint for about 30 seconds. With a fingernail or razor blade, pry the tint away from the window and peel down.
For more information or to get a free estimate, contact us at (847)616-0462.
In short, yes it is legal to have tints in Illinois, however the VLT or Visible Light Transmission varies from type of vehicle, and which windows. In the state of Illinois, the maximum window tinting you may legally have is a non-reflective tint on the top 6 inches of your front windshield. On the front, back, side and rear allowing 35% VLT for sedans and coupes. For SUVs and vans, the front has to be 50% VLT but the rear can be any VLT. Special tint in cases of medical exemption is permitted. Deciding to go against these regulations could have you facing a fine of $50-$500 for your first offense and $100-$500 for subsequent violations as well as a class c misdemeanor. If your vehicle already has windows that are tinted and you are looking to get something different, you should have the tint removed before placing new window tinting on. It is not good to place tint over tint.
Will I be able to see out my window if I have tints?
You might wonder if having tint on your windows will affect your visibility while driving at night. Having tinted windows will not reduce your visibility depending on the level of tint you use. You may find you have to roll your windows down to drive at night with tint at 20%. Tinting does not work the same way at night as it does during the day in which light is reflected, minimizing the light that enters through the windows.
What should you expect after having your windows tinted?
Window tinting is made from multi-layered polyester material and is installed on the inside of your glass to ensure maximum durability. After your tint is applied you can expect for there to be a hazy appearance. This may take several days to resolve. The hazy appearance is due to moisture remaining between the film and the glass. A few days after having the tint applied to your windows, you may notice it seems to be darker. It is not, instead this is the effect of the haze going away and causing the water to dry out allowing the tint to adhere completely to the window.
Can I roll down my windows?
It is important to remember NOT to roll down your windows until the tint is completely dry. Rolling down your windows before it has had time to properly dry will cause the film to scrape away from the glass due to the friction. If you have window tinting applied during the winter months, the curing process can take up to several weeks. It is not recommended to tint your windows during the winter because the film is incredibly temperature sensitive resulting in poor quality.
How should you care for your windows after they have been tinted?
When window tinting is properly installed and maintained, it will last 10 years or possibly even more. When caring for your windows soon after tint has been applied, it is important to wait 1 week before cleaning the tint. You may wash the outside of the vehicle and windows, avoiding the inside where the window tinting had been applied until it has time to adhere and dry. When it comes time to clean the windows after they have completely adhered and dried, choosing a foam cleanser which does not contain ammonia is best for the care and maintenance of the windows as well as using a soft cloth or rubber squeegee. Please be sure to keep abrasive and sharp objects away from the window tinting. This will subsequently cause scratching or damage.
How do I remove an old or bad tint?
If you find that for whatever reason you want or need to remove the window tint, removal isn't as hard as it seems. To remove your window tint, place a hair dryer on high holding it 2 inches from the corner of the tint for about 30 seconds. With a fingernail or razor blade, pry the tint away from the window and peel down.
For more information or to get a free estimate, contact us at (847)616-0462.
