Auto Tinting FAQ


What are the benefits of automotive window films?

Automotive Window Films offer many benefits including glare reduction, heat rejection, security and privacy, UV Protection, and unique esthetics.

What type of automotive films are there?

There are basically two types of automotive window films available today: Dyed and High Performance.

Dyed or Non-Reflective Automotive Films are just that, dyed polyester with an adhesive and scratch coating on them.

High Performance Automotive Films have a layer of metal over top of the dyed polyester. This construction allows the film to last longer, as the metal coating helps to better protect the film and subsequently your vehicle and passengers, from damaging sun rays.

What is the warranty or life span of the automotive films?

The effective life span of window film depends on the types of film, glass, and climate. In Canada, most professional grade films should last over ten years. SUN-GARD® automotive window films come with a lifetime warranty against cracking, bubbling or peeling (for as long as you own your vehicle).

How dark are automotive films?

Automotive Films are available in four main shades or approximate light transmissions: 50%, 35%, 20% and 5%. These numbers correspond to how much light the film allows in. 5% or “limo” tint is the darkest shade allowing only 5% of the light to pass into the vehicle.

Will it help my air-conditioning unit in my vehicle?

Applying SUN-GARD® Automotive Window Films to your vehicle will help reduce heat gain into your driving compartment. This will subsequently help your air-conditioning unit from continuously pumping out cool air at a maximum setting. Therefore, once a comfort level is reached by your vehicle's air-conditioning unit, maintaining that comfort level will not be as difficult.

Does automotive film stop fading of my interior vehicle?

No window film can stop fading, but SUN-GARD® Automotive Window Films will help reduce the fading process. With SUN-GARD® Films, less than 5% of damaging UV Rays are transmitted, and varying degrees of heat and visible light are blocked helping slow the fading process as well.

Does automotive film provide extra protection if the window is broken?

Automotive glass, except for the windshield, is tempered. Meaning, when it breaks, it breaks into hundreds of little pieces. When film is applied to this type of glass, it holds the little pieces together. This lessens the possibility of human injury and interior damage if you are in an accident and makes clean up quite easy.

How is the film protected from scratches caused by keys and rings, etc.?

Automotive Window Films are protected with a durable scratch resistant coating constructed of silicone. This coating is designed to protect the film from normal wear and tear, as well as regular cleaning, when done with a paper towel or soft cloth and mild soapy water.

Will automotive films make it difficult for me to see at night?

Depending on what your personal preference is, and what percentage tint you apply, your visibility will be reduced in varying degrees. It is not recommended that one put the darkest percentage window tint on the rear windows of your vehicle if you engage in a lot of night driving. However, darker tints help cut the glare of headlights approaching from behind.

How is automotive film applied? How long does it take?

Automotive glass is curved. Since Automotive Window Films are flat, putting film on auto glass is like trying to wrap a basketball with a sheet of paper and not getting any wrinkles. Professional installers have developed various methods of installation including heat-molding, stretching, seaming or piecing to combat this challenge. All these methods have proven successful and guarantee a form fitted application.

Installing window film on a vehicle takes approximately 2-3 hours, depending on the complexity of the vehicle's curved glass, but we usually ask you to leave your vehicle for at least half a day.

What are the laws of automotive window tinting?

Saskatchewan - No film is permitted on the driver's compartment, right and left. Any film may be installed on the side windows behind the driver. Any film may be applied to the rear window, provided the vehicle has 2 exterior rear view mirrors.