Archives September 2020

Nothing lasts forever — not even window tint.

Window tint can degrade over time and, regardless of whether you drive a Maserati or a Minivan, old window tint doesn’t look good.

Some common culprits of damaged window tint

Improper installation

Tint kits often make window tint seem easy to install. Don’t be fooled. In reality, applying window tint is notoriously difficult to perfect. Simply slapping dyed films on your window isn’t enough. It’s important to prepare the glass properly and cut the film correctly. Afterward, the film must set and cure properly on the window. Failing to apply the film correctly will leave the tint vulnerable to major rips.

Quality

You get what you pay for. Some window tints are lower quality than others. Low quality window tint will tear easier. We recommend consulting with professional installers to get the best bang for your buck.

Failing adhesives

Adhesives that attach tint film to windows often become weaker with age. Over time, this can cause tint to separate from windows. If this happens, windows will develop areas of uneven color and tint. Adhesive on low quality window tint is more likely to fail with age. 

So, is your tint cracking, peeling or bubbling off your vehicle? Consider scheduling an appointment with Detail Plus to have it removed.

Aside from hurting your car’s exterior aesthetic, old window tint most likely isn’t providing you with the light-blocking effect that it’s intended for. It can also cause dangerous driving situations if you’re unable to see out of your window.

Removing aged window tint can give your car an instant beauty boost and help you avoid a citation for driving with an obstructed view.

Have you checked your state’s tint laws lately? You might be surprised to know that each state has its own laws regarding window tint. For example in California, at least 70% of light must be able to penetrate the tint on the front and side windows.     

At Detail Plus, we can help you replace old or noncompliant window tint and recommend a newer style. This can dramatically increase the aesthetic of your ride and improve your comfort while driving — making this a win-win!

Additionally, many newer versions of window tint use UV protection film, which can protect you from UV rays and keep your car cooler during Summer months.  

Head on down to Detail Plus and we’ll help with your window tint needs for a good price.

Nobody likes scratched paint. Whether you drive a new or used car, scratched paint will decrease the value and aesthetic of your ride. And looks aside, little scratches can lead to larger problems than you think.

Types of scratches

Before you can understand the greater complications that accompany paint scratches, it’s important to understand the different types of scratches. To make things simple, let’s break it down into three types.

Clear coat scratches

Most cars have a thin layer of exterior clear coat, which protects the paint from sunlight, rain, dust and more. If a scratch fails to break through this protective layer, the fix will be a piece of cake. 

Paint primer scratch

Most car bodies also feature primer, which gives the paint job a shiny, smooth surface. If a scratch busts through your clear coat and exposes the primer, the fix becomes slightly more complicated and will likely require professional help and touch-up paint.

Full paint scratch

If a scratch busts through your paint job entirely and exposes the metal underneath — it’s not good. Sharp objects and major accidents often cause these types of scratches, which are difficult to fix and require professional help. If you find a scratch like this, get help ASAP to avoid further complications. Seriously, “keying” cars is NOT cool.

Why fix scratches?

Aside from being an eyesore, untreated paint scratches often lead to greater complications. 

If a scratch compromises the clear coat or paint primer of your car, the exterior will be exposed to the elements. Over time, this causes rust, which will greatly reduce the resale value of your car. Also, scratched paint can often lead to paint chipping in surrounding areas. 

The bottom line

Don’t ignore scratches on your car – they can be more damaging than you think. 

And make sure to have professionals look at any scratches you find. While you might find many “home remedies” for scratch marks circulating online, using the wrong treatment on your car can make the paint job look worse.

Luckily for you, Rainbow Carwash Detail Plus offers services to assess and buff out scratches. We even provide free touch-up paint with any exterior detail package.

Call 408-738-1888 or schedule an appointment online.