[On the Ground] Car Window Tinting Does Not Last Forever

Automotive window tinting is often treated as a one-time service included when a new car leaves the dealership. But like sunglasses exposed to years of sunlight and ultraviolet radiation, tinting film does not last forever.

Over time, the film can lose some of its ability to block heat and protect privacy. Bubbles and discoloration may appear, and the changes can affect both visibility and driving comfort. The difficulty for many drivers is knowing when the film needs attention or replacement.

A Boong Boong Market survey conducted in March among 1,000 drivers who had tinted or re-tinted a new vehicle during the previous year found that only 11.3% said they understood in detail how tinting performance declines and when replacement is recommended. Nearly nine in 10 therefore lacked a clear understanding of the film’s lifespan and replacement needs. The most common reason for not re-tinting, cited by 47.7%, was that drivers did not feel it was necessary. Another 25.8% said they lacked information.

Boong Boong Market launched its “Replace My Car Tinting” campaign in April with tinting specialist TV Tech Ad. The service aims to simplify replacement and reduce concerns about unclear pricing. At the company’s major Gangdong-gu site in Seoul, customers can compare film darkness, color and transparency using samples displayed in the shape of actual glass. Advisors explain options according to driving conditions, including whether daytime privacy or nighttime visibility matters more.

The replacement process includes removing the old film and residue before applying the new product. Technicians take care around heated rear windows, where careless removal could damage the heating lines. A full-vehicle installation, covering the front, side and rear windows, takes about five hours on average, depending on the vehicle and difficulty. The campaign offers fixed-price packages of 250,000 won, 350,000 won and 750,000 won, including removal of the old film. Customers can book through the app or website without installing the app or joining as a member.

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New-car tinting and vehicle inspection schedules continue steadily.