For many vehicle owners, tinted windows are non-negotiable. But what happens to that tint if the glass suffers damage? Does it have to be replaced? Can the affected window be repaired while keeping the tint intact? 

At Only 1 Auto Glass, we get plenty of questions about repairing minor damage to tinted auto glass, and we'd like to help clear up some confusion. With 15 locations throughout the Twin Cities metro, plus our extensive fleet of mobile repair vehicles, we're the most convenient choice for auto glass repair in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. 

And, with over 200 years of combined experience among our technicians, you can trust we'll take the best possible care of your tinted auto glass. 

Let us outline how the auto glass repair process works for tinted windows and what results you can expect. 

What Happens to Window Tint on Damaged Auto Glass?

If you have a tinted window with a small rock chip or crack, it's important to repair the damage as soon as possible. Though minor window damage doesn't necessarily present a major risk to your safety, it can create a visually unappealing issue on tinted glass. 

Without prompt attention, the tint surrounding the damaged area can loosen and peel away from the glass. If you allow the problem to persist, eventually, you'll need to replace the tint on the entire window. 

If you want to avoid an unnecessary expense, prompt auto glass repair is essential.

How Does Auto Glass Repair Work With Tinted Windows?

If you place tint over a broken window, you're wasting your time and money on the job. 

You may not get a clean finish if you try to place tint over a damaged window. Chips and cracks may become noticeable, and you may see a groove along the cracks. Your tint finish will look messy and unprofessional at best. 

If your car is insured, it costs you nothing to replace the glass, as most insurance companies will pick up the bill and not raise your rates. Take the time to visit Only 1 Auto Glass for a complete auto glass repair and install the tint. You are guaranteed a cleaner finish. 

Bring your car to us for a complete inspection and auto glass repair. We can restore any window in your car, truck, or SUV!

Repairing a Tinted Window

Several types of auto glass chips and cracks can be repaired, but in some cases, opting for repairs may render the glass un-tintable. Generally speaking, minor glass damage can be repaired on tinted windows, but the damage's depth, size, and location ultimately determine whether repairs are possible. 

Although the repair will allow you to keep the glass intact and reduce the likelihood of further damage, the filled area may no longer be eligible for tinting due to the difference between the repair and the rest of the glass. 

So, if there's any chance you may not be able to have your window retinted after the repair, you should opt to replace the damaged window instead. That way, you'll have a clean slate to work with that tint can easily be applied to.   

Only 1 Auto Glass can fix a tinted window as quickly as we can a plain window. However, we may need to remove the tint to make the repairs. One of our ASE-certified technicians can remove the tint, repair the glass, and have the finish ready for you to apply a new tint. 

The repair process for tinted windows is almost identical to that for non-tinted windows, with just a couple of additional steps. 

Here's how it works:

  • A technician gently removes the tint surrounding the damaged area of the window.
  • The damaged area is thoroughly cleaned to ensure no debris remains in the crevice.
  • The technician injects a liquid resin filler into the chip or crack to seal the damaged area.
  • After the resin sets and dries completely, the technician will reapply the new tinting film to the area.

Because tint can be tricky to apply, we highly recommend avoiding DIY auto glass repair. To achieve the best results, look for an auto glass repair specialist who has experience dealing with tinted auto glass. 

Keep in mind that repair costs for tinted windows may be more expensive than those for non-tinted auto glass due to the additional work involved. 

Have a Professional Re-Tint After the Repair

You may be able to apply your tint after getting a damaged window repaired, but that doesn't mean it's a good idea unless you're a pro. When an auto glass repair specialist removes the existing tint around the damaged area, the new tint must align perfectly with the old. 

If you mess up and overlap it even slightly, you'll have created an ugly blemish that necessitates more work and expense.  

Quality of the Tint

If you try to place tint over a damaged side window, you may not get a clean finish. Chips and cracks may become noticeable, and you may see a groove along the cracks. Your tint finish will look messy and unprofessional at best. 

The higher quality of tint means better protection against UV rays, decreased glare reduction, increased comfort, and more privacy and security. Not to mention, getting professional retention is going to make sure your vehicle's looks are restored, and in this situation where your window is damaged again, it means less risk of it shattering and keeping you safer behind the wheel.

If your car is insured, it costs you nothing to replace the glass, as most insurance companies will pick up the bill and not raise your rates. Take the time to visit Only 1 Auto Glass for a complete auto glass repair and install the tint. You are guaranteed a cleaner finish. 

Window Tinting & Minnesota Law

No law prohibits tinting a cracked or chipped window. However, you may get pulled over if you tint side windows filled with blemishes because it limits your vision. Minnesota's law is not specific as to the size of allowable cracks or chips. However, it is illegal to drive a vehicle if the windshield is discolored or cracked in a way that limits the driver's clear view. 

It's important to understand that it's up to the ticketing officer's discretion whether a crack or chip in the windshield obscures or limits the driver's view in a way that is or could be considered unsafe. Putting tint over a hard-to-see-through glass may raise a red flag with a patrol officer. 

Only 1 Repairs All Car Windshields & Side Windows

When you had your window tint professionally applied or did the job yourself, you shouldn't attempt to repair chips or cracks in the glass on your own. Not only are windshield repair kits difficult to use, but they typically also yield low-quality repairs that don't last and compromise the integrity of the glass. 

What's more, repairing tinted auto glass requires removing the tint before the repair itself can commence. An auto glass repair specialist can easily remove the tint in a small area immediately surrounding the chip or crack, but you may be unable to do the same. 

If you mess up the tint in one area by trying to accomplish the job yourself, you'll likely have to remove all of the tint and have it reapplied. And if you attempt to perform the glass repair on your own, you may not even be able to have the damaged area re-tinted if the DIY repair didn't turn out quite how you had hoped. 

We Repair All Car Windshields & Side Windows

No matter where you live in the Twin Cities area, bring your car to Only 1 Auto Glass for complete windshield repair or auto glass replacement. Our technicians have the skill, training, and experience to perform repair jobs on domestic and foreign autos. Whether you own an SUV, truck, or sedan, you can depend on us for fast, friendly service and affordable rates. 

To schedule a repair, call 651-789-1111, or you can message us on our contact page. We serve car owners in Maplewood, Minneapolis, and St. Paul, Minnesota.