Automotive Window Tint:Stay Cool, Protected & Stylish
- avanharen
- Jul 15
- 11 min read
Why Get Automotive Window Tint?
Window tint offers more than just a sleek appearance — it delivers a wide range of practical benefits, including:
Protection from Harmful UV Rays – Blocks up to 99% of damaging ultraviolet rays that can harm skin and fade interiors.
Preserves Upholstery and Interior Surfaces – Helps prevent cracking, fading, and discoloration of seats, dashboards, and trim.
Reduces Glare and Hot Spots – Enhances visibility and driving safety by minimizing sun glare.
Improves Comfort – Keeps your vehicle cooler and more comfortable, even on hot, sunny days.
Balances Interior Climate – Maintains a more consistent temperature throughout the cabin.
Lowers Energy Use – Reduces the need for excessive air conditioning, saving fuel and battery life.
Extends HVAC System Life – By reducing strain on your cooling system, window tint can help extend the lifespan of your vehicle's HVAC components.
Enhances Privacy – Offers added privacy for passengers and valuables inside the vehicle.
Adds a Stylish, Custom Look – Elevates your vehicle’s appearance with a clean, uniform finish.
Our Most Popular 3M Window Tint Options
At Auto Trim DESIGN, we carry a full range of 3M Automotive Window Tint films, with our most popular options being:
Each series offers a variety of shades (darkness levels) and performance levels — and by performance, we’re specifically referring to heat rejection and UV protection.
If you're unsure which tint is right for you, stop by our shop for a free, hands-on demo using our 3M heat lamp display. It’s a great way to see and feel the difference between film types in real time.
Note: The cost of window tinting is based on the film series (quality) you choose — not the darkness level. All shades within a series are priced the same.
Car Tint Examples:
Truck Tint Examples:
Window Tint Legal in the State of Wisconsin
Follow the Link HERE for more information on the legal limits in Wisconsin.
Follow the Link HERE to find your States Legal Limit.
Window Tint Appointment Information
To ensure a smooth scheduling process and provide the best possible service, please review the following details before booking your window tint appointment with us:
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🔒 Deposit Requirement
A $50 deposit is required to secure all window tint appointments.
Effective for all customers starting January 1, 2025.
This deposit will be applied toward your final bill on the day of service.
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📅 Scheduling Availability
Our window tinting is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays, based on our tinter’s schedule. Appointment slots are limited and fill quickly.
When your appointment is scheduled, you will receive:
An email confirmation right away or within a few minutes
An email reminder the day before your appointment
A text message reminder (if opted in) sent at least 4 hours before your scheduled time
Note: Please Do NOT Reply to the confirmation or reminder emails/texts. These are automated and not monitored. For any changes, call us directly or stop by the shop during business hours.
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🕗 Drop-Off & Pick-Up
We ask that vehicles be dropped off at 8:30 AM (our opening time), even if your appointment is scheduled later in the day. This allows our tinter to work efficiently and ensures proper drying time for your film.
If you need a more specific time window for drop-off or pick-up, let us know — we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
We do not schedule appointments after 3:00 PM, as they cannot be completed within business hours.
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🚗 Transportation Policy
Due to insurance restrictions (reinstated as of 01/01/2025), we are unable to provide shuttle or transportation services.
This Policy also includes all of our other services.
Customers are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the shop.
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🎯 Changes to Film Type or Shade
If you would like to change the type of film or shade (%), please notify us at least 24 hours in advance by phone or in person.
This helps ensure that our tinter has the correct materials ready for your appointment.
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🔁 Rescheduling or Cancellations
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please give us 24–48 hours’ notice.
This allows us to fill your spot with someone from our cancellation list and helps keep our tinter’s schedule fully booked.
Have questions? Feel free to give us a call or stop by — we’re here to help!
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Before Your Window Tint Appointment
To ensure the highest quality window tint installation, we kindly ask customers to minimize personal belongings inside the vehicle at drop-off. A clean and uncluttered interior allows our team to work more efficiently and helps achieve a smoother, more precise film application.
The cleanliness of your vehicle's interior plays a key role in the final result. While we take great care to maintain a clean workspace and minimize dust, factors such as dirt, debris, and pet hair inside the vehicle can impact the outcome of the tint job.
If you're short on time or prefer a professional touch, our Detail Department offers an Interior Quick Clean starting at $29.95.
Additional fees apply for excessive pet hair or heavy soil conditions.
A clean vehicle means better results — and we're here to help make it easy!
Weatherstripping Considerations
Some vehicles — particularly certain model years of Ford Mustangs — are equipped with hard plastic weatherstripping instead of soft felt along the edges of the operating windows. This type of trim can increase the risk of scratching or damaging the window tint over time.
To help protect your new tint, we offer the option to apply felt to the weatherstripping for $7.95 per window.
Simply let us know at drop-off if you’d like to add this service.
Additionally, if your vehicle has decals, window louvers, or other accessories near the tinting area, they may need to be temporarily removed to ensure a clean application.
Reinstallation can be arranged upon request and may involve an additional charge.
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Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) Advisory
Please be aware that window tinting may affect the visibility and performance of Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning lights, particularly those embedded in the front driver and passenger windows. Darker tint shades can make it more difficult to clearly see these indicators when they activate.
To help maintain optimal visibility and functionality, we recommend choosing a lighter tint on the front windows if your vehicle is equipped with BSM.
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Front Windshield Tinting & Important Care Instructions
If you choose to have window film applied to your front windshield, please be aware of the following considerations:
While our team takes every precaution to minimize moisture exposure to sensitive areas such as the firewall, dashboard, and pillar electronics, the tinting process involves the use of a wet application solution. In some rare cases, residual moisture may affect nearby electronics and temporarily trigger dashboard warning lights.
Based on our past experience, these warnings are typically resolved once the affected areas have had adequate time to fully dry. However, we recommend allowing your vehicle to rest in a dry, temperate environment to support this process.
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General Window Tint Aftercare
All tint is applied on the interior side of the glass using a wet solution method. For the best results:
Do not roll down any windows for 3–5 days after installation.
Avoid touching or cleaning the film during this curing period.
Small air or water bubbles may appear — this is normal. They will gradually "bake out" as the film cures and settles with time and sunlight exposure.
If you have any concerns during the curing period, feel free to contact us for guidance. We’re here to help ensure your tint looks and performs its best.
For more care recommendations please follow the link HERE!
Tint Removal Advisory
When removing existing window tint — especially from the rear window — please be aware that there is a risk of damaging the rear defrost lines.
While we take great care during the removal process, the combination of tint film and residual adhesive can sometimes compromise or disable the rear window defrost functionality.
For this reason, we cannot guarantee the continued operation of the rear defroster after tint removal.
If you have questions or concerns about this risk, our team will be happy to discuss the process with you before beginning the service.
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Classic Vehicle Tinting
Please note that classic vehicles are defined as those that are 20 years or older.
Due to the increased complexity, delicate materials, and extra time often required when working on older vehicles, a Classic Vehicle Fee of $50–$100 will apply for window tinting services.
Our team takes extra care with these vehicles to ensure the best possible results while preserving the integrity of your classic.
Please be aware that fine scratches and imperfections, which are common in older vehicles, may become more visible after window tint is applied. This is a normal effect of the tinting process on aged glass and surfaces.
Tesla Vehicle Tinting Advisory
Tesla vehicles, like classic cars, present unique challenges that make tinting more time-consuming and complex—especially the Model 3.
For the Model 3, we do not tint the rear half of the vehicle or the sunroof due to the vehicle’s specific design and materials.
Important: If your rear windshield has tint applied and you later choose to remove it, please be aware that the rear defrosters may be damaged in the process. This is because the defroster elements are decals bonded directly to the glass.
If you’re interested in tinting your Tesla Model 3 beyond the standard areas, we encourage you to stop by our shop for a detailed discussion. Our team will gladly explain the options and potential considerations to help you make an informed decision.
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DOT MATRIX
Causes of Dot Matrix Tinting Issues
Dot matrix patterns on glass are designed to resist adhesion, similar to non-stick surfaces like Teflon.
As a result, window tint film sits on top of the raised dots rather than fully conforming to the glass between them, which can create visible gaps or a "silvering" effect.
Tinting Approach for Dot Matrix Areas
Most professional tinters choose to trim the film along the dot matrix area to prevent future issues and improve appearance.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for tinting over dot matrix glass.
Each method has its pros and cons, and success depends on the specific vehicle and film type.
Small Windows: Winged, Opera & Quarter Windows
Some vehicles have small windows located near the side rear view mirrors, just ahead of the front windows — often called winged, opera, or quarter windows.
Please note that our general pricing does not include tinting these smaller windows. An additional charge of $20 to $40 per window may apply, depending on the window size.
Well-Operating Vehicle Required
Please ensure your vehicle is in good working order before service. A fully functioning electrical system—including the car battery, key fob, power windows, and power locks—is typically necessary for us to complete your requested work efficiently.
While we strive to provide exceptional service, we are not responsible for consumable items such as batteries (car or key fob) or fuel. If a consumable item depletes while your vehicle is in our care, we will gladly assist by recommending reputable service centers. Please note that any costs associated with replacements or repairs will be the customer’s responsibility.
Glass Imperfections Notice
Not all vehicle glass is perfectly flawless. Minor imperfections like light scratches, voids, or surface inconsistencies may be invisible before tinting but can become more noticeable once the tint is applied.
While our team carefully inspects every window before installation, some imperfections may only reveal themselves after tinting. We want to make you aware of this possibility to set proper expectations.
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Limited Parking Notice
When dropping off your vehicle, please park only in the designated Customer Parking areas. If these spots are full, you may park elsewhere on the property, but please be careful not to park in Employee Parking or block any bay doors.
We kindly ask for prompt vehicle pickup once services are completed. Due to limited parking space, a Long Term Parking fee of $3 per day may be charged if your vehicle remains uncollected for more than 72 hours.
Please note that vehicles may be stored outside during extended stays.
Business Hours & Key Drop Information
Our business hours are:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM
If you need to drop off your vehicle outside of normal business hours, you are welcome to park in the front (West) or South parking lots and securely deposit your vehicle key(s) in the Door 3 Key Drop, located at the rear southeast corner of the building.
For appointment questions or to reschedule, please call our shop or visit during business hours. Due to the high volume of emails we receive, messages sent via email may be overlooked or delayed.
Follow us on our Social Medias for when we are Closed.
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Payment Information
Once your window tinting is complete, we will email you an invoice. You can pay online, over the phone, or upon vehicle pickup. We accept cash, credit/debit cards (3% convenience fee will be applied on any transaction over $1,000), and Auto Trim DESIGN Gift Certificates. Please note, we do not accept prepaid gift cards and prefer not to accept unapproved checks.
For security and insurance reasons, we cannot leave keys inside your vehicle without prior payment. If you cannot pick up your vehicle during business hours, payment must be completed in person, by phone, or online before we can place your keys in our secure lockbox system.
We’ll explain the lockbox process when the time comes to ensure a smooth pickup.
Window Tint Warranty & Quality Assurance
Most of our window films come with a Lifetime, No-Fade Warranty. This means your tint is covered for replacement if it begins to peel, delaminate, or fade under normal conditions. Please note that the warranty does not cover damage caused by scratches, improper handling, or if new windows are installed.
If you notice any issues, simply stop by our shop for a professional inspection. Our experts will assess your film’s condition and, if it qualifies, we can schedule your warranty appointment on the spot.
Understanding Window Tinting Limitations
While we strive for perfection, window tinting is an aftermarket application and occasionally minor imperfections, such as tiny specks of dust, may be present in the film. We maintain stringent cleanliness and lighting standards in our shop to minimize these occurrences.
Applying tint to full windshields and rear windows without any dust or particles is especially challenging due to factors like fabric headliners, composite pillars, and overall vehicle interior conditions.
With over 30 years of experience in automotive restyling and window tinting, we are committed to delivering the highest quality products and workmanship to our valued customers.
Important Post-Tint Care & Notes
If we tinted any of your roll-up side windows, please avoid opening them for at least 4 days to allow the edges to dry and seal properly.
Any bubbles or haziness in the tint will generally disappear within 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the film type and weather conditions. Some premium films may take longer to fully out-gas—sometimes several weeks to a couple of months. We appreciate your patience during this process.
Please avoid contact between seat belt buckles and the tinted windows, as this can cause scratches. While most of our films come with a lifetime warranty against peeling, delaminating, and fading, damages from external sources such as jewelry, pets, or toys are not covered under warranty.
For more care recommendations please follow the link HERE!
Insurance Notification Recommendation
In light of the investment you’ve made in enhancing your vehicle, we recommend notifying your insurance company about any new accessories or modifications, including window tinting. This helps ensure your coverage is up to date and provides proper protection in the event of loss or damage.
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Please Enjoy watching DJ & Jordan going to learn and get certified in Window Tinting:
Please Enjoy clips of Trevor Tinting a Customers Car:
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A. VanHaren & J. Thienel
#automotivewindowtint #windowtint #3m #3mcertified #3mcertifiedinstaller #professionalwindowtint #tips #windowtintinfo
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920-832-0094
990 S Lake St. neenah, WI. \ Door 1
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