A SAVVY driver has found a DIY solution to dodge expensive window-tinting service prices – and all it takes is a trip to Walmart.
TikToker India said she saved hundreds of dollars by applying a flawless tint to her car for just 40 bucks.
Drivers may not know they can purchase a DIY window tint at Walmart[/caption]
In a now-viral video, India (@rosesarered090) explained why she ditched the car shop for a DIY tint at Walmart.
She said the price to get her two back windows darkened was a massive $300, meaning it would be about $600 for all shields to be shaded.
India was outraged by the cost because it was way out of her budget, so she started looking for solutions.
“I put on my big girl pants and tinted our own windows,” the TikToker said.
She headed to the nearby supermarket and found everything she needed in one visit.
First, she got two packs of tints for about $15 each. Each pack had two tints in them, so she only needed two to treat her entire car.
After this, India grabbed some microfiber cloths for cleaning and a window tinting application kit from Black Magic.
The driver showed off her work, and admitted there were a few small spots on the outside of the windows she missed.
However, from a distance, the tint looked nearly flawless.
“Y’all can’t tell me this ain’t a professional grade tint,” she said.
TikTok users were wowed by the hack and admitted to paying out hundreds for the service.
“I want all my windows tinted and somebody said $400 for 15%,” one user mourned.
“You actually did a great job,” one impressed viewer wrote.
Another said, “You did good, and you saved money. You blessed.”
Pros and cons of DIY window tinting
DRIVERS may not know they can save hundreds by tinting their windows at home, but some could prefer to hire a technician.
Pros of window tinting at home:
- Window tinting at home can cost as low as $40, but it’s hundreds at the shop
- You can complete the task on your own time and don’t have to ditch your ride for the service
- Pre-cut window tints can make the service a breeze, as all you need to do is line it up and apply
Cons of window tinting at home:
- If you do the tint wrong, you might have to take it off and start all over again
- The window needs to be completely clean, so any dust or debris could be stuck under the tint
- Drivers will commonly leave bubbles, creases, and peeling edges if they don’t do the service perfectly
- You might not know whether your tint abides by local guidelines
TINTING RULES
Drivers must check their local laws on window tinting before applying any films, or they could face an instant fee.
In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, local lawmakers passed a new crackdown rule that limits windows to having a minimum of 70% visibility.
Cops started measuring the window tints, and anyone who didn’t follow the rules could be hit with a $100 ticket.
That’s a perk to choosing professional window tints rather than doing it at home – the technician will know the legal levels.
Plus, professionals usually offer a guarantee, so if you don’t like a reservation, they will re-do it for free.
And, because of the pro’s experience, the service can save precious time and frustration.
However, drivers who need to save some cash should definitely go for the DIY option.
Just make sure to check the legality of the tint, purchase the correct pre-cut size, and try to keep dust and dirt off the car during the entire service.
