Hyundai Tucson Window Tinting Review — Cost & Results

Is It Time to Re-Tint Your Hyundai Tucson?

Is the intense summer sun making your Hyundai Tucson's interior feel like an oven? If your existing window tint is faded, discolored, or simply not performing, it might be time for a refresh. This review details a recent window tinting service on a Hyundai Tucson ix, focusing on the Solargard Charcoal film, its installation process, and the benefits of a professional re-application. We'll cover the cost, the before and after results, and help you decide if this service is worth it for your vehicle.

Why Re-Tint Old Window Film?

Over time, car window tint can degrade, losing its effectiveness and aesthetic appeal. Discoloration, often appearing as a purplish hue, is a common sign that the film is no longer providing adequate heat rejection. This not only makes your drive uncomfortable but can also detract from the car's appearance. In Korea, a Hyundai Tucson ix owner experienced this exact issue. Their old tint had turned purple, diminishing its ability to block heat and making the cabin uncomfortably warm. Seeking a solution for a more pleasant driving environment, they opted for a re-tint using Solargard's Charcoal film during a summer promotion at the 'Today's Car' Hanam branch. This situation highlights a common problem: old, ineffective tint can significantly impact driving comfort and visual clarity.

Solargard Charcoal Tint Installation Process

Professional window tinting involves meticulous steps to ensure a flawless finish and protect your vehicle. The process at 'Today's Car' Hanam for the Hyundai Tucson ix included:

1. Vehicle Protection: Before any work begins, sensitive areas like door trims, seats, steering wheel, and dashboard are covered with protective vinyl tape. This prevents any moisture from the tinting solution from causing damage or discoloration inside the car.
2. Old Film Removal: The existing, discolored tint film is carefully removed. To prevent the brittle film from cracking, a high-temperature steam machine is used to soften it, allowing for a clean and complete removal. This revealed the original, clear glass underneath.
3. Precision Cutting and Application: The new Solargard Charcoal film is precisely cut to fit the Tucson's windows. This is a critical step requiring skilled technicians to ensure a perfect fit without gaps or bubbles. Special attention is paid to complex curves, like the rear window, where extra time may be needed to avoid imperfections.
4. Finishing Touches: After application, the edges are meticulously sealed, and the windows are cleaned. The film is then left to cure, a process that can take several days, during which time it's best to avoid rolling down the windows.

The entire installation for this Hyundai Tucson ix, including the removal of old tint and application of the new Solargard Charcoal film, took approximately 4 to 4.5 hours.

Solargard Charcoal Film Features

Solargard Charcoal is a non-reflective film that offers a subtle, sophisticated look. When applied with a 6% Visible Light Transmission (VLT) on the side and rear windows, it provides a deep, dark appearance with a slight reflective quality. For the front windshield, a 32% VLT was chosen, offering excellent clarity while still providing UV protection and heat rejection. The lower the VLT percentage, the darker the tint. Manufactured with Saint-Gobain's advanced technology, Solargard films are known for their superior optical clarity, ensuring good visibility even with darker tints. This combination of aesthetics, performance, and clarity makes it a compelling choice for car owners seeking enhanced comfort and protection.