Q: Do you tint windows? And do they carry a lifetime warrantiy?

A: Absolutely!  But be careful.  Not all lifetime warranties are the same and not all films are of the same quality.  There are several different ways to manufacture films.  Thicker films tend to scratch easier because they press against the rubber seal on the door panels.  Scratches on films are NOT covered.  Also, every film company (although same % and warranty) have different UV protection and heat rejection percentages.  The purpose of tint (for most people) is to block both of these, so you want the film that performs the best without breaking the bank. 

Lifetime tint warranties do not transfer to the new owners.  SO, the tint companies are betting that their film will last the owner until they resell the car.  Cheaper companies place their bets on shorter life spans.  Also, warranties only cover the product's performance.  The sun discolors everything, that's inevitable.  However, a better film company will only slightly fade.  Cheaper film companies tend to turn purple...which again isn't covered by the warranties.  We haven't found a film brand that warranties against discoloration.

Just as most things in life, you get what you pay for.  We have a lot of calls that ask our tint prices and are completely unaware of the differences until we educate them. 

Another thing to be careful of is metalized films.  They block UV and heat the best because of its reflective properties.  HOWEVER, metalized films are known to interfere with navigation and TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems).  If you have either, remember to ask for non-metalized films.

There is also a lot of confusion on what is and isn't legal.  The IWFA (International Window Film Association) has created an easy cheat sheet to look up what's legal in your state.  That can be found HERE.

- Bryan Lin | CEO, The Motorsports Authority, Inc.