Questions
Window tinting FAQ
The questions we get asked most in the workshop, answered plainly. If yours is not here, ring us — we would rather explain it before the job than after.
Before you book
- How long does it take to tint a car?
- Most cars are done in two to three hours. A rear set is quicker; a full car with awkward curved glass takes longer. Drop the car in the morning and it is normally ready the same afternoon.
- Do I need an appointment?
- Yes. We work one car at a time in a clean, dust-controlled space, so slots are booked rather than walk-in. You can request a time online and we confirm by phone.
- Can tint be removed from car windows?
- Yes. Old film is steamed and peeled off and the adhesive residue cleaned from the glass. On rear screens it has to be done carefully to avoid damaging the demister lines, which is why removal is quoted separately once we see the car.
- When is the best time of year to book?
- Summer is our busiest stretch, with a second rush in spring and a much quieter run from October to December. If you want a particular date, book in the winter; if you want it done before the summer, book in the spring rather than in July.
Performance and the law
- Do tinted car windows block UV rays?
- Quality automotive film blocks effectively all UVA and UVB. That is the main reason interiors last longer behind film, and it applies even to very light, near-clear film.
- Will tint fail my NCT?
- Only if it is on the windscreen or front side windows below the legal light transmission levels, or if the film is damaged and obstructing vision. Legal rear tint does not fail an NCT. Full detail on our tint law page.
- Does tint actually reduce heat?
- Yes, but how much depends on the film. Standard dyed film mostly cuts glare and light; ceramic and metallised films reject a large share of infrared, which is what you feel as heat. We will tell you honestly which one your budget buys.
- Can I tint my front windows?
- Yes, but only with a light film. The front side windows must still let at least 50% of light through, and the windscreen 65%. That rules out the dark shades people usually picture, so most customers go legal up front and dark behind the driver.
- Can you get points for tinted windows?
- Illegally dark front glass is not a penalty-point offence in its own right, but it is a roadworthiness offence: An Garda Síochána can test the glass at the roadside and prosecute the driver and the owner, and the car will fail its NCT. Keeping the fronts inside the limits avoids all of it.
After the job
- How long before I can open the windows?
- Leave them up for at least 48 hours. The film needs time to bond while the remaining moisture evaporates.
- Why does the tint look hazy or have small bubbles?
- That is normal water haze during curing. In Irish weather it usually clears within three to five days, sometimes longer in a cold snap. If anything is still there after that, bring it back.
- What does the warranty cover?
- Bubbling, peeling, cracking and colour change (purpling) on the film we fitted. Damage from cleaning the inside of the glass with an ammonia-based product or a blade is not covered.
- How do I clean tinted windows?
- Any ammonia-free glass cleaner and a soft microfibre cloth. Avoid scrapers and abrasive pads on the inside of the glass, because the film is on that side.
Legal questions are covered separately on our Irish tint law page.
Still checking? Here are the sources
Answers here reflect how we work at the Gorey workshop. For the legal detail behind them, go straight to the State sources.
Official sources
- Road Safety Authority (RSA)
The State body responsible for vehicle standards and roadworthiness testing in Ireland.
- NCT — National Car Test
Official NCT information, including the visibility and glazing items an inspector checks.
- Citizens Information — vehicle standards
Plain-English summary of Irish motoring law and roadworthiness requirements.
- Irish Statute Book — Construction, Equipment and Use Regulations
The primary legislation setting light-transmission requirements for vehicle glazing.
On this site
Towns we tint for
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