As soon as the winter weather moves in, we start getting the calls (and emails). Every other day another customer is curious. They have either purchased a new vehicle or are looking to improve their safety by reducing the glare from the sun reflecting off the snow. They want to know, is it too cold to tint my windows?
We get this question a lot throughout the winter months. Tinting in the winter can be difficult. In fact, most window tinters are not able to accommodate tinting during the winter season. Some will even say it’s impossible.
This is due to the fact that window tint film is extremely temperature sensitive. Even a few degrees below a comfortable room temperature makes the installation process difficult, resulting in a poor quality tint job.
The truth is, you can definitely get your windows tinted in the winter!
At Goldwing Autocare in Ottawa, our window tinting facilities were designed with winter in mind. We have heated, sanitary installation bays to facilitate tinting all year round.
So, can I tint my windows in the winter?
Yes, you can tint your windows in the winter, if you choose a location with temperature controlled environments like Goldwing. The only issue with tinting a car in the Winter is that the curing process is prolonged.
After a car is tinted, there is still a residual amount of moisture in between the window pane and the window tint film. That’s the reason we always advise you not to roll down your windows for several days after getting them tinted.
With summer temperatures this wait time is 3-4 days, however, the winter season is significantly colder and darker, so the moisture needs more time to evaporate. Anywhere from 4-7 days is suitable to allow the moisture time to evaporate during colder months.
Are there any benefits to tinting my windows in the winter?
Even though it is considered the slower time of year for window tinting, there are some reasons to consider getting your windows tinted during the winter. Let’s discuss some of the benefits:
1. Shorter wait times for your appointments.
Considering it’s the slow season, there are far shorter wait times for your appointment. For whatever reason, more people are thinking about tinting their windows in the summer. This means more people will be looking for the next available appointment, making it the wait times longer. Booking your tint job in the winter means you’ll be avoiding the summer rush.
2. It’s freezing outside, and you won’t need to roll your windows down anyway.
Due to left over moisture between the window pane and tint film, it is recommended to not roll your windows down after getting them tinted. It needs time to evaporate. Winter conditions make this process even slower. Luckily, in the freezing cold Canadian weather, not too many people roll their windows down anyway – except when ordering at a drive-thru location.
Keep in mind, the summer months are so hot and humid that many people will forget about their recently tinted windows, out of frustration, and roll them down for some fresh air. This can lead to serious problems like film displacement, bubbling or peeling.
3. Improved safety for winter driving.
A typical winter in the Ottawa area will see a good amount of snow to cover the ground. This can lead to dangerous blind spots and harsh glares when the sunlight is reflected back. In fact, this morning while on my way to the shop, I nearly pulled out in front of a vehicle thinking the road was clear because the morning sun shining off the snow made it difficult to see the road.
4. Protection from harmful UV rays.
Just because it is cold outside, doesn’t mean you are safe from harmful UV rays, which are magnified by environmental pollution around growing cities like Ottawa, Montreal or Toronto. That’s where the UV protection from the tinting film come into play. At Goldwing, we install high performance or nano ceramic window films from industry leaders XPEL.
Looking for UV protection without darkening the shade of your windows? Try our windshield protection film. It offers the same trusted protection from UV damage without altering the colour of your glass.
5. Improved comfort and privacy.
Tinting your windows provides for improved comfort and privacy while driving your vehicle. Temperature regulation keeps your car warmer in the cold and cooler in the heat, which means your relying less on your air conditioner. If you’ve ever had to change in your car, store valuables or have a large family you’ll appreciate a darker tint to prevent outsiders from seeing in.
What are the drawback to window tinting in the winter?
- Longer curing times: due to the colder weather and shorter periods of sunlight, the recommended curing time is much longer. Moisture between the window pane and tinting film is slower to evaporate than during the warmer season, leading to longer periods of visible streaking.
- Adhesion difficulty: extremely cold conditions can make it difficult for the adhesive on the tint film to properly bond with the glass. Without appropriate precautions, tint film might not adhere as intended, leading to issues like peeling or bubbles.
- Visibility concerns: because we lose a good amount of daylight during the winter, drivers are more likely to experience issues with road visibility during this season, especially for darker shades of tint. The darker the tint film, the harder it could be to see through the windows at night.
Tips for successful winter window tint installation,
- Use high quality tinting film only: we recommend using only performance or ceramic tint film tested and backed by warranty from a reputable company. A trustworthy tint film manufacturer will have spent millions on researching and developing their line of products. At Goldwing, we only install high performance and nano ceramic window tint from industry leaders XPEL – for that very reason.
- Work with trained professionals: the auto tinting industry is flooded with low budget films and installers alike. There is always somebody offering cheap services and trying to undercut the competition. Sometimes it’s a new installer looking to establish themselves, other times it’s somebody offering low quality service and product. When it comes to quality window tinting cheaper isn’t always better. Look for a professionally trained installer with a good reputation and lots of proof of their work.
- Temperature controlled location: finding a location with temperature controlled installation bays to minimize potential issues like bubbles or peeling is a must. The final result of your tint job is directly effected by the temperature of the film when being installed.
The Goldwing Autocare advantage,
Besides our 30+ years of knowledge and experience leading the auto care industry in Ottawa, we have a complete team of factory trained installers working from dedicated, temperature controlled installation bays. We’re trusted by dealerships and customer across the country. We provide the best for our clients, backing our work with a lifetime warranty.
25 year lifetime warranty.
At Goldwing Autocare in Ottawa, all of our tint installations carry a lifetime warranty. Any peeling, discolouration, or bubbling is completely covered by this warranty. We do not charge clients for any costs associated with the removal or re-installation of their new tinting film. This differs from other shops, most will only replace your window tint with after charging a small fee for the removal.
We confidently stand behind our 25 year, lifetime warranty at no additional costs to our beloved clients.
Goldwing Autocare has been Ottawa’s trusted window tint experts since 1994!
If you have any questions or concerns about tinting your car in the winter, feel free to contact us in any way you prefer.
For more information on window tinting, see our tinting page.
