Window tint is a popular investment among car enthusiasts and everyday drivers seeking a little more privacy.
Beyond aesthetics, window tinting can provide several benefits, including protecting your upholstery from cracking and keeping your car cool during the summer.
While there are generally no downsides to applying window tint–as long as the tint falls within legal parameters –one question we often get at our glass shop is whether window tint will impact an auto glass repair and raise the cost.
The answer to this question can be quite nuanced, as window tint typically does not alter the integrity of the glass nor protect it from damage.
However, there are many different types of window tint to keep in mind, and repairing damaged tint can be another topic of discussion.
This guide will attempt to answer all of your window tint questions as they relate to rock chips, cracks, and shatters.
Understanding Different Types of Window Tint
Generally, when we think of window tint, we think of aftermarket tint, but most modern cars arrive out of the factory with some level of window tint on each pane of auto glass.
This factory tint comprises the internal structure of the glass and, therefore, has little impact on repairs or repair costs.
However, aftermarket tint is a different story. Composed of multiple layers of polyester film, window tint is typically applied to the underside of a windshield. This tint can mostly be shielded from exterior auto glass damage like rock chips but may be damaged if deep cracks penetrate through the deepest layers of the glass.
Does Window Tint Affect Auto Glass Repairs?
Now comes the grand question of whether or not aftermarket tint affects auto glass repairs. The answer is generally no. Since aftermarket window tint is applied to the inside of the windshield, it will not be affected by exterior auto glass damage, such as surface cracks or rock chips.
Any damage deep enough to penetrate your windshield would require replacement anyway; there is no scenario where aftermarket window tint would impact your auto glass repairs.
In some cases, factory-tinted glass damage may cause discoloration and visible alterations to the tint. However, the tint would never restrict any resin fill from being applied inside affected cracks.
Does Window Tint Prevent Auto Glass Damage?
Another misconception about auto glass is that windshields are made of the same materials as most windows.
When you throw a rock through a house window, the glass breaks apart and shatters. However, when thrown at a windshield, you may notice the glass shatter in some spots or crack, but it typically doesn’t break apart unless the damage is substantial.
While some people may think this is a result of the tint holding the glass together, it’s really a result of the laminate material preventing the glass from breaking apart.
So, to answer the question, window tint is not strong enough to prevent window damage or your windshield from shattering.
Common Challenges Repairing Tinted Windows
In rare cases, you may come across some problems with repairing tinted window glass as it relates to the tint. Here are some scenarios.
1. Tint Film Damage
When a chip or crack is repaired, the resin is injected into the damaged area and cured using UV light or heat. In rare cases, this process can sometimes lead to:
- Melting or bubbling of aftermarket tint.
- A visible outline or distortion where the damage was repaired, especially on lighter tints.
While your auto glass will be safe to drive, it may require additional repair to the tint to prevent discoloration.
2. Window Tint Warranty Issues
Some aftermarket tint jobs come with warranties that may be voided if the tint is damaged during a repair. Always check your warranty terms before scheduling a repair, and let your technician know if the tint is under warranty.
3. Legal Concerns
If a window needs to be replaced, and the old film is no longer salvageable, the replacement tint must meet local regulations. Pennsylvania law requires window tint to have at least 70% visible light transmission through the film.
When Re-Tinting May Be Necessary
Sometimes, even a professional repair can’t fully preserve the aftermarket tint. If the repair leaves visible damage or causes the tint to lift, bubble, or discolor, re-tinting that section or the entire window may be your best option.
When dealing with auto glass repairs and window tint, it pays to go to a local expert specializing in both services.
At Northeast Auto Glass, our Wilkes-Barre shop is equipped to handle all auto glass repair matters, including repairing tinted windows. Contact us online to schedule an appointment.
FAQs
Will a rock chip damage my window tint?
If you have aftermarket tint film, a rock chip usually won’t damage the tint itself since the film is applied to the inside of the glass. However, the repair process—especially the heat used to cure resin—can cause bubbling or discoloration. A chip won’t affect the factory tint, which is embedded in the glass.
Do I need to remove the tint before a repair?
Not usually. Since most repairs are performed from the outside of the glass, the tint film on the inside doesn’t need to be removed. However, removal and replacement might be recommended if the tint is already peeling, bubbled, or severely damaged during the repair.
Will the tint hide the chip or crack after repair?
Not necessarily. Tinted windows can sometimes make chips or repairs more noticeable, especially if the resin doesn’t blend well with the darker tint. A quality repair job will minimize visibility, but it’s not guaranteed to be invisible.
