" FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS "

WHAT DOES 3M STAND FOR?
Originally known as the Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Corporation, the company later changed it's name to MMM, and eventually The 3M Corporation.

I LIVE INTERSTATE, HOW DO I FIND A GOOD TINTER IN MY AREA?
If you find yourself in an area outside of the Ultra Tint network, here are some pointers to look for when searching for the right company. Firstly, check their advertising material for signs of the usual "Get it cheap" promo's. Gimmicks like the $99 tint job, or "tint one car, get one free" are obvious signs that mass production and speedy turnaround are deemed to be more important than quality products and exceptional workmanship. Secondly, do you own research on the company. Ask around for feedback from previous customers or people in the local area. Check the local Yellow Pages. Listings are displayed in the book based on the amount of time they've been in the business. If they are at the rear of the Glass Tinting category, it's fair to say that they are probably a newcomer and haven't proven themselves or their products yet. **Another note on Yellow Pages** : Beware of category jumpers. It is becoming common practice recently for these newcomers to place their ad at the rear of the category before the one they wish to be in. Therefore making them appear to be at the front of the next category. (thanks to P. Dalenby for passing on this information.)

HOW DARK CAN I TINT MY CAR LEGALLY?
In most Australian States automotive window films must maintain 35% Visible Light Transmittance once applied to the vehicle. This means that 35% of the suns natural light must be capable of passing through the newly tinted piece of glass. Always ask when considering a particular film, "Is this film street legal?"

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF TINTING DARKER THAN LEGALLY ALLOWED?
There are many reasons the 35% rule was applied to automotive films. Consequences of disregarding this transport regulation include  :: Potential loss of insurance cover if your vehicle does not comply with traffic regulations.  ::  Traffic infringement notices from the police or transport department. ::  Loss of sufficient vision during non daylight hours potentially causing accidents.  ::  Vehicle may no longer pass a Safety Certificate Inspection.

I'VE SEEN CARS WITH BUBBLED TINT ON THE WINDOWS, WILL THIS EVENTUALLY HAPPEN TO MINE?
No.  As we previously stated, Ultra Tint does not endorse, install or recommend any window film that carries anything less than a Lifetime Manufacturers Warranty. This bubbling effect is often a result of poor quality
film, or adhesive having broken down after prolonged exposure to UV rays.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO REMOVE THE TINT WITHOUT DAMAGING THE GLASS?
Yes.  Window Films can be safely removed using the correct tools and techniques without damaging the glass in any way.

WILL YOU TINT MY FRONT WINDSCREEN?
No... Hell no.    This practice is both Illegal and Dangerous.

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO KEEP THE WINDOWS UP?
48hrs is the standard amount of time required for the film to bond sufficiently with the glass and allow you to safely wind down your windows. You may still notice small amounts of water behind the film at this time, and this may take up to two weeks to dissipate completely. If unsure, contact your installer for advice.

HOW GOOD IS YOUR WARRANTY? (the devil is in the details)
It is strongly encouraged to ask about a window films warranty inclusions before selecting your preferred installer. Not all warranties are created equal! Most warranties only cover problems such as cracking, bubbling and peeling. These problems relate only to the films adhesive, not the film itself. Some films carry a "colour safe" or colour stable" warranty, guaranteeing that the film will never fade, or change to a purple colour. The best warranties are transferable, allowing you to pass the full warranty on to the next owner of the vehicle. This adds permanent value to your car.

It is worthy of noting that even irresponsible tint shops can offer 'lifetime warranties'. However, should that company decide to change film suppliers, or go out of business, your warranty instantly becomes void. You should always factor in this "hidden cost" when buying a low priced car tint.

HOW GOOD IS THE INSTALLERS REPUTATION?
Reputable tint shops take great pride in their work. They have high standards in who they employ, the film that they use, and overall customer service and experience. Naturally, this increases the cost for them to do business, and you may find that they charge a little more as a result. Be assertive when asking these questions and don't be afraid to ask for more details, about things like warranties, workmanship, and quality control.

DEALERSHIP TINTING v's PROFESSIONAL WINDOW TINTING
When deciding whether to have your vehicle windows tinted at a dealership there are some factors you might want to consider:

1.  The experience of the installer. Is he/she a mechanic that has just been trained by the local window film representative last week? Believe it or not this is a popular reality at some dealerships. It takes years of experience and guidance by an experienced installer to apply solar film professionally. Who would you like working on your vehicle?

2. The type of window film.  As dealerships have taken on the role of window tinting over the past several years, their choices of product selection are driven by the bottom line...price of material.  Cheaper films are not good.  They have adhesive failures, color alteration and distortion problems.  Quality films have little to zero warranty issues.  

3.  Price.  Dealerships charge you a premium for convenience.  The price is driven by the sales person not the quality of the product.  They charge $400-500 for average to poor quality films. That is because they, in most cases, outsource the work to an external company. (usually to the lowest bidder)  Our pricing is rated according to the quality of the film.

4.  Professionalism.  Do you want a company that offers window film to the buyer as a last minute upsell before closing a deal? Or an experienced professional with years of experience, who places his/her reputation (and income) solely in the hands of his/her quality of workmanship.