window tinting Archives - Calgary Paint Protection Film

Despite the overwhelming demand for it, according to the City of Calgary, there are restrictions in terms of the vehicle modifications that you can apply to your vehicle.

Some of them are commonly known: including headlamps, taillamps, mufflers, licence plates and even colours. But the big one that stands out from all rest is window tint films. We take a look at some of the legalities behind window tinting in Calgary.

The Rules for Window Tinting in Calgary

What are the Restrictions for Window Tinting?

A vehicle owner is not allowed to replace or install the window glazing in the windshield, or the side windows with a transparent, translucent or opaque material.
You are not allowed to tint the headlights or taillights. They must remain in the original colour as created, which in many cases, is white.

Why the Restrictions on Window Tinting?

If an accident where to occur, window tint film doesn’t break into small pieces, like regular glass would. Therefore it can possibly cause more severe damage to the driver and passengers.
The vision depth of the driver can be reduced significantly, particularly during the night. This can result in an increase in accidents.
Police officers are unable to determine who is driving and how many occupants may be in the vehicle. The same applies to civilians should they be involved in a car accident or incident (such as road rage).
It is more difficult for other drivers and pedestrians to determine your intentions when they can’t see your face.

What Happens If You Break the Law?

If you have breached any of the vehicle modification laws, you can face the following penalties:

Given 60 days to repair the problem and be instructed to attend a district office to show that the repair has been completed. You might be directed to a repair facility of your choice to have the repairs done.
You will not be allowed to drive the vehicle unless the repairs are completed, or your licence plates will be taken from the vehicle, until the repairs are completed.

So Why is Window Tinting Available?

It’s the question that all drivers want to know: why are window tinting products allowed, but they’re against the law?

According to the City of Calgary, “it is up to the consumer to be aware of what modifications they want to do and educate themselves with the laws and also to speak to law enforcement for advice if they are unsure of what is acceptable.”

Window tint and paint protection film shops are allowed to sell these products without risk or liability. Speaking to experts, such as Calgary PPF, can help you gauge the limitations you can apply for your vehicle.

Be sure to treat your vehicle right by contacting the experts at Calgary Paint Protection Film. You can always expect friendly and prompt service. We work around your schedule to provide maximum convenience. Keep your car looking like new, the easy way! Phone: 587-324-1993

The cost of car window tinting can vary depending on a variety of choices. However, if you are thinking about tinting your car windows, this will be a helpful guide to set you on the right path.

Considerations Before You Buy

One of the considerations you must make before investing in car window tinting is where the tinting will be applied. Some people like to cover all of their windows, but others only perform the service on their windshield and front door windows. Both options have their pros and cons, but ultimately the decision will be unique to you.

Another consideration for you to make is the level of tinting you will receive. Getting blacked out windows can be illegal in some jurisdictions and you also don’t want to go so light that the effects are minimized. Settling on the right balance of dark to light can be difficult, but checking with your service provider can make the decision a lot easier.

With these considerations in mind, a typical 2-window tinting can cost around $200. For a full package, the price will rise to about $450. However, this is just for a basic package and there are better quality options available for you. A specialty 3M Crystalline Window tint starts at $600 and can go up to $1,700 depending on the number of windows that it is applied too.

Finding the Right Company

Finding the right car window tinting company should come before any of the previous steps. It is important that you find a company with the right experience and knowledge regarding the type of window tinting you want to purchase. Plus, it is a great bonus if they provide you with a loaner vehicle while the car window tinting is applied to your vehicle.

Furthermore, there are several reputable dealers of high-quality and luxury window tinting products, and seeking out these companies can make a big difference to your purchase. Don’t trust secondhand or poor quality materials as they are likely to prematurely fail. This will leave you with a poor aesthetic finish and you will likely have to get the service done again.

Finally, if you are considering purchasing a windshield protection film, you should reconsider. This product is no longer relegated as it once was due to the exuberant cost of installation and the lack of protection it provides. As well, if your windshield is damaged with this protective film installed, the process to repair it will likely damage your windshield further and increase the cost of repair substantially.

Your vehicle is going to go through a lot during the winter months. From your engine to your wheels, you have to take extra precautions so that your car remains in peak condition and is safe to drive.

Part of protecting your vehicle in winter is to look after your windshield and window tinting in Calgary. Here is how you can go about protecting both during winter.

5 Ways To Protect Your Windshield & Window Tinting in Calgary During Winter

1.Replace Any Dangers Immediately

A small little rock chip is enough to develop into a full-on crack as winter goes along. If you have any chips in your windshield, make sure that you get it repaired as soon as possible. If your window tinting film is damaged, take it to your window tinting expert to get it replaced.

2.Avoid Sudden Temperature Changes

You should never mix extreme hot and cold on your windshield. Doing so can lead to your windshield cracking and damaging to the point that you need a replacement. So if your windshield is covered by ice, don’t throw boiling water on it to defrost it quicker. The best way to go about this is to let your car heat up and have the defrosters on, before scrapping off the ice when it is softer.

3.Keep Your Glass Clean

Just as you would keep your paint protection film clean, the same goes for your window tinting and windshields. Windshield wipers have to work twice as hard to clean a dirty windshield, meaning double the chance that it scratches the glass too. Keep it as clean as possible.

4.Replace Old Wiper Blades

Worn out wiper blades can end up scratching and severely damaging your windshield. Make sure that you replace your old wiper blades as soon as possible, so you don’t damage your window tint.

5.Buy A High-Quality Ice Scraper To Remove Ice

Don’t settle on cheap ice scrapers for your vehicle, as they tend to do more damage than expected. Invest a few dollars more and get an ice scraper that effectively takes off the ice, and doesn’t scratch or chip the window tinting.

These tips should help you avoid any damage on your windshield and protects your window tinting. If you suspect that a crack is happening or that your window tint is starting to suffer, take it to your best window tinting expert in Calgary for repairs.

When it comes to windshield protection films, there can be a lot of myths about them and it ruins people’s perception about getting them for their vehicles. So it is about time to break down these myths and tell you the honest truth about windshield protection films.

Myth 1: Protective Film is Expensive

There is this generalization that windshield protection film is overly expensive. It all depends on what you are looking for and what you would like for your car. There are many different options out there, such as 3MM film and Urethane film, but to make statements that it is all expensive – it’s not true at all. You can find great value in many window tinting companies that are ready to offer great deals.

Myth 2: The Color Will Distort Over Time

Most high-quality windshield films can last up to 10 years thanks to the ultraviolet inhibitors inbuilt in the film. So if you are concerned that your film will get discolored over time, that is not going to happen. Plus you will get warranties from the manufacturer if it does happen, so you can get them replaced.

Myth 3: Films Are A ‘Short Term’ Solution

Due to the high quality of the materials used to make films (such as abrasive and adhesion coating), they are not designed just for short term. They are considered long-term solutions, as the quality of the products can last up to 20 years. It is considered a worthwhile long-term investment.

Myth 4: You Can’t Replace The Films

Yes, you can replace films! Who says you couldn’t? You can replace the windshield protection film whenever you want (but with such longevity, it won’t be for a while). All you have to do is speak to your local window tinting expert in Calgary about getting yours changed.

We hope we have broken down these annoying myths about windshield protection film. If you are interested in getting them for your car, speak to your window tinting expert in Calgary today.

Have you ever thought about adding window tinting to your vehicle? While you might think it’s just a way to make your vehicle look extra sharp and stylish, there are actually a number of benefits of window tinting. Here are five of them.

Window Tinting Protects From UV Rays

We all know it’s important to wear sunscreen when you go to the beach or spend a day in the sun, but we don’t often think about the damage of UV rays while we’re driving. The truth it, window tinting is just as, if not more important than applying sunscreen. It will protect your eyes and your skin from cancer and other harmful effects. In addition to UV rays, window tinting can also protect you from the heat from the sun; you won’t have to run your air conditioning as frequently.

Window Tinting Offers Fade Reduction

Window tinting doesn’t only protect your skin, but it’s also the most effective way to prevent fading and discolouration of the upholstery in your vehicle’s interior. Keep your car looking good as new with a professional window tinting installation.

Window Tinting Give You Privacy

Did you know that window tinting in Calgary can protect your vehicle from break-ins? When prying eyes can’t see valuables in your car, they’ll be less inclined to get inside. Window tinting is also like closing your blinds in your home; it offers privacy from the outside world.

Window Tinting Can Protect Your Glass

Not only will thieves be less inclined to shatter the glass of your car windows, but window tinting can make it harder for them to do so. Tinted windshield protection film offers protection for auto glass from rock chips, hail, flying debris, and forced entry.

Get a Sleek New Look With Window Tinting

Of course, there is one main reason why most people choose to apply window tinting – the look. Window tinting can make any car look sleek and luxurious. If you’re all about aesthetics, window tinting is one of the best and most affordable ways to improve the appearance of your sweet ride.

Note: When it comes to window tinting, it’s important to be informed about the current laws in your area. Some places have certain restrictions around tinted windows.

Calgary is famous for being hard on vehicles. From snow and ice in the winter to hail in the spring and flying rocks all year round, it’s important to take the proper steps to protect your vehicle from damages caused by everyday driving.

Windshield Protection Film Prevents Rock Chips

The most common vehicle damage in Calgary is rock chips on the windshield. When you opt for a professional installation of exo-shield windshield protection film, you can prevent those annoying dents. Rock chips can spread into cracks that span the entire width of your windshield. Not only can you be fined for a cracked windshield but when the damage is in your line of sight, it could obstruct your vision and cause you to get in an accident.

Windshield Protection Film Prevents Hail Damage

Have you ever seen what a severe hail storm can do to a car? Clearplex window protection film is the best way to protect your vehicle from such a calamity. Not only does it provide added strength and durability, but it can also add a shatter-resistant quality to your windshield.

Windshield Protection Film Provides Protection From UV Rays

3M window tinting in Calgary is a great way to protect against harmful UV rays, but a windshield protection film is another option; in fact, it can block against 99.9% of harmful ultra-violet radiation. Protect yourself and all the passengers in your vehicle by installing a protective film.

Other Benefits of Window Protection Film

Replacing your windshield is a costly job. Protective films for your windshield can prevent the need for an expensive replacement with glass that is 6 times less likely to break. Also, unlike window tinting, exo-shield coverage is transparent so you can enjoy optimal clarity. Finally, exo-shield film is eco-friendly; make the best choice for your vehicle and the environment. You may even choose to pair the treatment with a paint protection film package.

What is a 3M Car Wrap?

Before attempting to understand the pros and cons of 3M vinyl car wraps, it’s important to know what a car wrap is and does. Essentially, they are installed as a means of protecting your vehicle, or in some case, changing the look of your car. Car wraps are a lot more common than you may think, but because the protective film is often clear, you may not be able to recognize when a car has been wrapped.

Pros

3M Car Wraps are Customizable

When you visit a body shop or an auto shop that caters to paint protection film, you will be introduced to a number of options. Everything from the colour to the texture and finish is up to you. If you’ve always wanted a hot pink car, this is your chance. You can even complete the look with premium window tinting services.

3M Car Wraps are Cheaper than Paint

Of course, a new coat of paint is just as customizable as a 3M car wrap, but it costs much more. If your goal is to change the appearance of your vehicle completely, vinyl wrapping is the more cost-efficient option.

3M Car Wraps are Removable

One of the best things about vinyl car wraps is the ability you have to change it up when necessary. If you decide that hot pink isn’t for you after all, paint protection film technicians in Calgary can remove the wrap and replace it with a different colour or a transparent film.

3M Car Wraps Protect Your Paint

The most significant benefit of car wrapping is that it protects your paint. A 3M paint protection film is designed to preserve your vehicle from scratches, chips, and dings. If you ever plan to sell your car, paint protection film will allow you to sell the car in pristine condition.

Cons

Paint Protection film and 3M car wrapping are great options to customize and protect your vehicle, but there are some cons. When it comes to anything related to servicing your vehicle, you get what you pay for. Some installers are more skilled and experienced than others, and some car wraps provide better protection than the alternatives. If you’re considering a vinyl wrap for your car, always go with 3M. It’s also important that you have a professional install your vinyl wrap. It’s a tricky process, and without the right experience, you could end up damaging the wrap or the vehicle itself.

Applying a protective film to your vehicle is no easy task; it takes skill and precision to make the final result stunning. Here’s a look at what you can expect from paint protection film installation.

Meticulous Cleaning Prior to 3M Car Wrap Application

Before applying any sort of 3M car wrap or window tinting Calgary to a car, the vehicle must be spotless. All vehicles go through a meticulous cleaning process, even those straight from the dealership. Any residue, particles, or blemishes will show if left on the paint.

Application of Calgary Paint Protection Film

Once the car is immaculate and dry, it’s time to apply Calgary paint protection film. The technicians spray a film solution over the area to begin. This solution has two purposes: it protects the film during installation and allows slip so the film can be moved into position. The film is carefully applied with clean hands and wet fingers so as not to leave fingerprints behind.

Paint Protection Film Gets Squeegeed into Place

The 3M car wrap is carefully positioned on the vehicle, and then a squeegee is used to remove the moisture and work the film into its permanent position and shape. When the paint protection film is in place, the squeegee is used to remove air bubbles by applying gentle pressure from the middle outward.

Heat Sets the Film’s Memory

Protective films will return to their original shape; this is called memory. Technicians apply heat to the installed Calgary paint protection film to reset the memory so that the film stays in its new form. Failing to do this properly causes peeling and lifting.

From window tinting Calgary to full wraps, installing protective film takes time, training, and attention to detail. In the end, you’ll have a barrier protecting your vehicle’s paint, so it looks great.

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