Is dark tint always cooler? Will your tint definitely turn purple? We’re busting the biggest myths about car window tinting in Malaysia. Get the real facts from the experts at SK Cool Tinted and learn how to care for your investment.
Car window tinting is one of the most popular and essential upgrades for any Malaysian driver. It keeps your car cool, protects you from UV rays, and adds a sleek look. However, there are many myths and misconceptions floating around that can cause confusion.
At SK Cool Tinted, we believe in empowering our customers with the right information. Today, we’re busting five of the most common myths about car tints so you can make a confident and informed decision.
Myth 1: The Darker the Tint, the Better the Heat Rejection.
This is the biggest and most common myth in the tinting world. It seems logical that a darker window would block more heat, but with modern technology, that’s simply not true.
- The Truth: Heat rejection is not determined by the darkness (Visible Light Transmission – VLT) of the tint, but by the technology within the film itself. Basic dyed tints are dark but mainly absorb heat, making the glass itself hot. Advanced films, especially ceramic tints, are engineered with non-metallic, nano-ceramic particles that are invisible to the eye but are superstars at blocking heat-causing Infrared (IR) rays. A light, JPJ-compliant ceramic tint can reject significantly more heat than a cheap, dark, illegal film.
- SK Cool Tinted Fact: You can have a tint with 70% VLT for your front windscreen that blocks over 90% of infrared heat, keeping you cool without compromising visibility or breaking the law. It’s about the quality of the film, not just the colour.
Myth 2: All Window Tints Eventually Bubble and Turn Purple.
Many people have seen older cars with ugly, bubbling, purple window tints and assume this is the inevitable fate of all tinted windows.
- The Truth: Bubbling, peeling, and turning purple are signs of a low-quality tint and/or a poor installation job. Cheap tints use inferior dyes and adhesives that break down under the intense Malaysian sun. The purple hue comes from the non-metallic dyes failing, while bubbling is caused by the adhesive failing.
- SK Cool Tinted Fact: We use only high-performance carbon and ceramic films with superior, high-temperature adhesives. When installed by our professional technicians in a clean environment, your tint is guaranteed not to bubble, peel, or change colour for years to come. A quality installation is a long-term investment.
Myth 3: Window Tinting Will Damage the Rear Window Defroster Lines.
There’s a common fear that applying or removing window tint will scrape off or damage the delicate heating lines on the rear windscreen.
- The Truth: A professional installer is highly trained to work with defroster lines. We use safe techniques and tools to apply the film without causing any damage. Similarly, if a tint ever needs to be removed, a professional will use steam and specialised methods to soften the adhesive and lift the film off safely, preserving the defroster lines completely. The danger only comes from inexperienced installers or trying a DIY removal with a razor blade.
- SK Cool Tinted Fact: Your vehicle’s features are safe with us. We have worked on thousands of cars and guarantee a safe application and removal process that protects all components of your windows.
Myth 4: You Can’t See Clearly at Night with Tinted Windows.
A major safety concern for many drivers is that tinted windows will reduce visibility, especially when driving at night or in heavy rain.
- The Truth: While extremely dark, illegal tints can certainly be dangerous, high-quality, legally compliant tints are designed to reduce glare without hampering your vision. In fact, a good tint can improve night driving by reducing the blinding glare from other cars’ headlights. The clarity of a quality ceramic film is far superior to that of a cheap, dyed film, providing a crisp and clear view.
- SK Cool Tinted Fact: We prioritise your safety. We will help you choose a JPJ-compliant tint that offers all the benefits of UV and heat protection while ensuring you have a perfectly clear and safe view of the road, day or night.
Myth 5: You Have to Be Extremely Careful Cleaning Tinted Windows.
People often worry that cleaning their windows will scratch or damage the tint film.
- The Truth: High-quality window tints are protected by a durable, scratch-resistant coating. While they are tough, they are not indestructible. The key is simply to use the right materials. As long as you avoid ammonia-based cleaners (like some household glass cleaners) and abrasive materials (like rough paper towels or scouring pads), your tint will be perfectly fine.
- SK Cool Tinted Fact: Caring for your tint is easy! We’ve included a simple guide below to ensure your tint looks great for years.
Bonus: How to Care for Your New SK Cool Tinted Windows
Congratulations on your new tint! To keep it looking flawless, just follow these simple steps:
- Let it Cure (Don’t Roll Down the Windows!): This is the most important step. Keep your windows rolled up for at least 3 to 5 days after installation. This allows the adhesive to fully bond with the glass and lets any remaining moisture evaporate completely. You may see some small water pockets or a slightly hazy look during this time – this is normal and will disappear.
- Wait Before Cleaning: Do not clean the inside of your windows for the first week. After that, cleaning is simple.
- Use the Right Tools: Always use a soft microfiber cloth. Avoid paper towels or any rough-textured cloths.
- Use the Right Cleaner: Never use cleaners that contain ammonia or vinegar. These harsh chemicals can degrade the tint adhesive over time. The best solution is a simple mix of a few drops of mild soap (like baby shampoo) in a spray bottle of water. You can also use any tint-safe cleaner.
- Be Gentle: There’s no need to scrub hard. A gentle wipe is all that’s needed to clean your tint.
Trust the facts, not the myths. Investing in a quality tint from a professional installer is a wise decision that adds value, comfort, and safety to your vehicle. Contact SK Cool Tinted today for expert advice and a flawless installation!