Getting your car windows tinted can seriously upgrade the appearance and privacy of your vehicle, no question about that. But once the installation is done, a common question pops up: can you wash your car after getting your windows tinted?

The short answer is yes – but don’t rush to the car wash right away. Window tint needs some time to fully bond and cure on the glass. Washing your car too soon or trying to clean the inside of your windows before the tint has set could mess with the final results.

Here’s what you need to know before you head to the car wash.

How Long Do You Need to Wait to Wash Your Car After Window Tinting?

Most experienced tint installers will tell you to wait at least 2 to 7 days before washing the vehicle. And that timeframe can change depending on several factors such as:

• The type of window film that’s been used
• How hot it is outside and how humid it is
• Whether the tint was done indoors or outside
• What the installer specifically said you should do

Warmer weather tends to make the tint cure a lot quicker, whereas cold and damp conditions may need a longer waiting period.

If your installer gave you any specific instructions, take those into consideration before anything else.

Why Can’t I Roll Down My Windows Right Away?

Even with a quality window tint, the adhesive underneath is still working on setting.

Rolling your newly tinted car windows down too quickly can make the window edges of the film lift or shift before they are fully stuck to the glass. Most installers recommend keeping your car windows rolled up for three to five days at the least, and some films might even need a bit longer.

Giving it a few extra days helps make sure that your fresh tint stays firmly stuck and smooth for years to come.

Is It Safe to Take Your Car to an Automated Car Wash?

Once your tint is fully cured, an automatic car wash is no problem for most vehicles.

Whether you like soft-touch or touchless washes, the exterior of your windows is usually okay once the film has properly stuck to the inside of the glass.

A couple of tips:

• Wait till the recommended time has passed.
• Try not to have water blasting right on the edges of slightly open windows.
• Make sure all your windows are fully closed before heading through the wash.

At Pony Express Car Wash, we’ve got washes that can safely clean your vehicle’s exterior while getting rid of dirt, bugs, pollen and grime that builds up over time.

Can I Clean The Inside Of My Tinted Glass?

The inside of your windows needs a bit more patience, though.

Because the tint film is on the inside surface of the glass, it’s best to avoid cleaning it until the installer says the curing process is complete, which is usually about a week, but it can be longer.

When it is time to clean your tinted windows:

• Use a glass cleaner that’s ammonia free
• Wipe with a soft microfiber cloth
• Avoid using paper towels, scrubbing pads, or anything harsh

Using the right cleaning products will help keep both the tint and your windows clear.

What To Look Out For If Your Window Tint Is Still Curing

Don’t freak out if your new tint doesn’t look perfect right away.

During the curing period, you might notice:

• A slightly hazy look
• Small water bubbles
• A funny distortion when you look through the glass

These effects are just from moisture trapped between the film and the glass. As the water evaporates, the tint should gradually become clear.

However, if you see huge bubbles, edges peeling off, or imperfections that don’t improve even after a few weeks, you should get in touch with the tint installer to have them take a look.

Keeping Your Car Looking Its Best After Tinting

Fresh window tint can give your vehicle a sleek, finished look and regular washes help keep the rest of your car looking sharp.

Once your tint is fully cured, washing your car gets rid of dirt, insects, bird droppings, and all sorts of other stuff that can dull your vehicle’s finish over time. Pairing clean paint with professionally tinted windows is one of the easiest ways to keep your car looking neat and tidy.

If you’re after a quick and easy way to keep your vehicle clean, at Pony Express Car Wash we offer top-notch washes that help look after your investment and keep your car looking its best.

Wash regularly? Our unlimited wash memberships come in handy. And for those business owners with a fleet of vehicles, check out our fleet wash packages.