In a recent statistical study by the National Center for Statistics and Analysis, sanctioned by the National Highway Safety Commission, motor vehicle accidents caused by glare accounted for over a 1/3 of the motor vehicle accidents reported nationwide. In some cases, those accidents resulted in death or permanent maiming of drivers, passengers and pedestrians. Consider the following:

  “I remember driving to drop my son off at day care. “says 35 year old Monica Ruiz of Dallas, (name changed to protect privacy), “After I dropped him off, I circled around the drive and turned right. The sun was so bright, even with my dark sunglasses on; it blinded me for about 7 seconds.” That’s all it took for  Ruiz to hit a 67 year old woman who had started to cross the street. It didn’t kill the woman, but caused broken bones and an extensive recovery time.

Leroy Carter, a bright, up-and-coming law student, wasn’t so lucky. Carter, age 23, drove a delivery truck for a local contractor. One hot, bright Friday evening in 2011, he had a final delivery to make. Going westbound on  I35 W, according to onlookers, he signaled to change lanes, heading for an off ramp. As he drove around a bend, the sun  glared directly onto his windshield. It apparently blinded him to having a clear view to make a lane change. He hit two other vehicles and crashed into a construction barrier. He did not survive. Police reported the main contributing cause of the accident was sun glare.

Don’t even think twice about not having automotive window tint installed. Whether you choose to do it yourself or, preferably, have a licensed tinting professional install an appropriate automotive tint, just make the choice to shade your windows. You don’t want to become another statistic. Automotive tinting saves lives. One day, it just might be yours.

With proper maintenance, your new solar-blocking window film will look great for years to come. In the last decade, manufacturers have developed improved window tinting products that are more durable and are easier to maintain. Now, there’s no need to worry about the material fading, peeling or scuffing with normal use. By following a few simple guidelines, you can preserve the product’s original quality and energy-saving benefits.

Why Cleaning Practices are Important

In addition to protecting your tinted windows from damage, proper cleaning techniques will ensure that you aren’t voiding your factory warrantee. Most professionally installed products include at minimum a five-year warranty. Some brands offer a lifetime warranty against fading, peeling and bubbling. Today’s window films are attractive, effective, scratch-resistant and easy to maintain.

Do’s and Don’ts

Although films are more durable than they used to be, it’s important to avoid certain products that could gouge the material or fade the engineered tint. Never use ammonia on tinted windows unless the manufacturer recommends it. Over time, ammonia will produce significant fading that will decrease the sun-blocking performance of the film. Most commercial cleaning products designed for windows contain a high percentage of ammonia. Look for specially marked ammonia-free cleaning solutions that are advertised as safe for tinted windows. Some manufacturers suggest equal parts of isopropyl rubbing alcohol and distilled water.

Never use squeegees, razor blades, metal items or abrasive scouring pads as they can scratch the film. Soft cotton diaper cloths and clean microfiber rags are preferred for all tinted surfaces. Make sure that the fabric is clean, especially if you’re using microfiber. Trapped particles can damage the film while you wipe away the dust and dirt.

Other Tips

Always follow cleaning instructions provided by the manufacturer. For example, EnerLogic recommends waiting two weeks after installation before cleaning its residential and commercial window film for the first time. In some cases, ammonia-based cleansers are safe to use, but you want to be sure before you apply them and risk damaging the newly installed product.