5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't DIY Car Window Tint

1. It Might Be Illegal 

Before applying car window tint film, you need to be savvy about tinting laws. These laws are specific to each state, so there are no real universal regulations to follow.

You will need to look up your state's window tint percentages to ensure you are following them correctly. Following your state's tinting laws can be difficult if you are applying the tint yourself. You may not have the expertise necessary to know how or how little to administer. 



For instance, some states only allow tinting five inches around the top of the windshield. While other states have laws about how much transmittable light you need, which windows you can tint, and the levels of reflectance. 

Florida Tinting Laws

Tinting windows in Florida requires more extensive rules than in other states. You need to know how dark you can make your windows.

Someone performing DIY window tinting may not apply the tint to achieve the legal amount. For instance, you have to tint your vehicle's side windows with a film that allows 25% light transmittance and 28% visible range. 

You will also need to tell what type of screening material you will need, such as perforated or louvered, because each has comparable tinting percentages. 



That information is a lot to cover on your own. A tinting expert will already know the state's tinting laws. Professionals tint cars daily, so they know the right amount of film to keep you driving legally on the road. 

2. It Can Impair Your Vision

You may apply too much window tinting to your front windshield and side windows. When it is too dark, that makes it difficult for you to see the road and surrounding vehicles.



Impaired vision leads to unnecessary car accidents. There are several reasons why a DIY window tinting project can lead to obstructed view. 

No Clean Work Station 

Applying window tint on yourself means working in your lawn, garage, or some other area of your house. Chances are, you don't have the workspace that an auto shop or tinting service can provide.

The problem with this is the level of debris that can mix in with the tinting film. Debris can come out of nowhere, whether by the wind or some other force and taint your film. When you apply the tint, it won't be smooth or lay correctly. 



So, you should re-think tinting your windows at your home. It is better to allow an auto shop to handle it because they have secluded work areas specialized in keeping debris away. 

Poor Quality Application 

You might have a little knowledge of window tinting, but that isn't enough to apply it yourself. You still do not possess the level of experience that the pros have in the field.

Therefore, you could end up buying a very low-quality tinting film for your car. This film could impair your vision if it is too dark or murky. You might not be able to see pedestrians, bicyclists, or others on the road.



Think about if it rains and your window tint makes everything look cloudier. That kind of situation can severely impede visibility and lead to a car accident. 

3. It Can Raise Your Insurance 

There are so many little things that cause your auto insurance company to raise your rates. These details could pertain to the type of car you buy, the color, and, yes, the darkness of your windows. 

A car tinting DIY project will more than likely lead to higher insurance because the windows will be too dark. Darkened windows are a hindrance to your visibility, raising the likelihood of a car accident.



So, your provider will see this as a risk and adjust your rates accordingly. If a window tinting manufacturer applies the tinting film to your car, they will know the proper amount to apply to your windows, giving the level of protection you want without being too dim. So, it shouldn't affect your insurance at all. 

4. It Can Cause More Suspicion

If you are tinting your windows, it is probably because of two factors: privacy and aesthetics. Darkened windows make it so others cannot see you. They also make your car look pleasing to the eye.

But there is a fine line between aesthetic and attention-grabbing. If your window tint is too dark, it causes others to pay more attention to you. Having people trying to look through all that dark tint is the exact opposite of privacy.



If you are worried that the service won't provide the aesthetic you are looking for, you can see what the various tints would look like on your vehicle using an auto film viewer. 

5. It Can Cause Obstruction for Police

Windows tinted too dark can impede police officer's vision as well. It can also guide their attention to your vehicle even though you aren't involved in a crime or violation. When the police are searching for a suspect, they need to see through windows and windshields.



On the other hand, if you are in a critical wreck, the first responders will need to see inside the car to check on you and the state of your injuries. That's why applying a DIY window tint that is too dark can be dangerous and even life-threatening under certain circumstances. 

Car Window Tint Services

DIY projects are always a fun option for the right task. Car window tint may not be the best to apply yourself, though. To ensure you abide by the law and keep your window tint light enough, you should consider a window tinting service. 

If you are considering applying car window tint yourself, you should first consider an expert tinting service. At Custom Glass Tinting in Gainesville, FL, we promise to provide the best service to meet your needs and state regulations. Contact us today to get a free estimate on your vehicle!