All Vehicle Wraps Are Not Created Equal

If you were to call around for a quote on getting your company vehicle wrapped, you would most likely get a WIDE range of prices.  If you are on a strict budget and decide to choose the lowest price option, how do you know that you are getting the best bang for your buck?

One sure fire way to know is to ask questions.  You are paying a lot of money for this product, so you have the right to ask as many questions as you want.  If the company you call is more willing to negotiate price than tell you about their product, MOVE ON!  Here are the top five questions you should ask the vehicle graphics shop:

1) What brand of vinyl do you use?

As the title of this post implies, not all vehicle wrap vinyls are created equal.  Make certain that they use a well known brand (that is, well known to you).  If they can’t tell you the brand, or if you don’t recognize the brand name, time to move on.

2) Do you use cast or calendered vinyl?

If they say that calendered vinyl will work just fine on your car, move on quickly!  Think of pizza dough and pancake batter.

Calendered vinyl starts as a ball of “dough” and is rolled, rolled, and rolled again until it reaches the desired thickness.  Because it’s under so much tension when rolled, it naturally wants to shrink back on itself.  If you’ve ever seen a logo on the side of a van with a nice grey ring around it, that is calendered vinyl.  The vinyl has shrunk over time, leaving the adhesive  layer exposed to dirt, rain, and the elements.

Cast vinyl starts as a liquid “batter”.  It’s spread over a web in a liquid state and rolled to the desired thickness.  Because it starts as a liquid, it’s under virtually no tension, and thus it doesn’t shrink over time.  ALWAYS USE CAST VINYL ON VEHICLES!!!

3) Do you laminate your vinyl with a cast, UV laminate?

Just like cast vinyl is important, cast laminate is equally important.  With the exception of thermal printed vinyl (not very common), almost all printed vinyls need to be laminated with a UV laminate.  Laminating with a good quality laminate protects the graphics from the destructive effects of: the sun’s UV rays, rain, dirt and dust, deicers, bugs, and bird droppings.  Non-laminated vinyl will fade faster and look pretty beat up in a very short period of time.

4) What’s your warranty?

If they can’t stand behind their product and honor at least the  manufacturer’s warranty, move on!  Most vehicle wrap shops should offer at least a one-year warranty on the actual installation.  This typically covers installation issues, such as bubbles, peeling edges, and delamination.  Any problems caused by a poor installation will most likely show up within a year.

5) Do you design and print your graphics in-house?

This seems like a non-issue to some, but outsourcing the graphics means you are essentially buying the product sight unseen.  Would you buy a car without driving it first, or buy it from someone you only spoke to by phone or email?  I know I certainly wouldn’t.  By choosing a company that does everything in-house, you can meet with the designer, touch and feel samples of the actual product, and see color proofs BEFORE they go to print.

At Quality Auto Trim in Spokane Valley, we use 3M cast wrap vinyl series IJ180-Cv3 with 3M cast UV overlaminate 8518.  We offer a 2-year warranty on all of our installs, but the wrap will realistically last at least 5-7 years.  We design, print, laminate, and install ALL of our vehicle wraps in-house.  Getting your vehicle wrapped is a big decision that should not be taken lightly, so please don’t hesitate to call our design team at 927-8464.  We are ready and willing to answer as many questions as you have.

Blind-Spot Detectors to Become Standard on New Vehicles

Blind-spots have always been an issue, especially if you drive a larger SUV or truck.  The problem is worse when driving at night or if you have your vehicle’s windows tinted.  That is until now.

Blind-spot detectors were actually introduced at the SEMA show about 10 years ago, along with many other gadgets and gizmos that now come standard on newer vehicles, such as back-up cameras, back-up sensors, and parking assist systems.  Back then, people saw them as interesting, yet expensive, toys for the aftermarket.  However, as government safety standards for automobiles constantly change, so too is the demand for these kinds of technologies.

Later this year, the first aftermarket blind spot detector will be coming on the market from Steelmate USA.  The company has already found success with their backup camera systems, but they now plan on offering a blind spot detector for less than $399 in either August or September of 2012.  The system alerts drivers to a car in the next lane if they try to change lanes.

Retailers have been interested in blind spot detectors for a while, but the aftermarket has yet to provide a standalone product.  Steelmate’s unit links to the car’s OBD II port, which is a direct link to the car’s “brain”.  The computer knows when the steering wheel is turned, so if the driver turns the wheel more than 5 degrees in either direction, the system would activate left and right cameras placed around the car, thus alerting the driver of a possible collision.

The system includes a black box with an ODB II interface.  It accepts up to 4 cameras, so it can be tailored to fit each specific vehicle.  For safety reasons, professional installation is required, said Steelmate’s John Lombard.

A survey last year found that the amount of money drivers will spend on blind-spot detection systems will increase by more than a factor of 20 over the next four years.  These systems are not for the high-end luxury cars anymore as car manufacturers, including Ford, begin installing them on more budget-friendly cars.  Sales of these systems is expected to increase from around $570 million in 2011 to $12 billion by 2016.

At Quality Auto Trim in Spokane Valley, we have been watching these trends grow over the last few years, and you can be assured that we will be offering these systems to our customers as they become available.  Contact us today for more information about this revolutionary new product, 509-927-8464!

3M Window Film Solutions

3M Window Film Solutions

(3M has many film solutions besides the typical “make it dark” window tint)

I would like to give you a little info about Quality Auto Trim and the window film we use.  First off, although Auto is in our name we have been installing Residential and Commercial Window Film in Spokane since 1987.  We are the exclusive 3M Window Film Dealer in Spokane.  We have been in business in Spokane since 1980 and are rated A+ with the Better Business Bureau.    3M (the originator of Scotch tape and Post-It Notes) invented window film and is certainly the industry leader.  3M has window film solutions for many different needs.  Below are some of the solutions with an explanation of the benefits of choosing that film.  Also be sure to check out the Window Film Simulator on the 3M Website.

Prestige Film – (Prestige 40 is the most popular)  If you want heat reduction without much dark tint we have  3M Prestige Film in different degrees of darkness.  Prestige Film cuts out 97% of the infrared heat which is the heat you feel.  We have a display in our Showroom where you can compare the heat reduction of Prestige Film vs. clear glass, and it is very impressive.  Prestige film allows cheerful  light to still come in while blocking an amazing amount of heat.  If you have a chance, stop in to our showroom and feel what I am referring to.  The other reason to choose Prestige Film is the interior reflectivity is very low, much like the glass itself.  Most window films have metal in them which helps reflect heat to give you the performance that you like.  This is fine and effective if you don’t have a view or care much about looking out the windows as it gets darker outside.  Metalized films will reflect interior lights as it gets dark outside, and you will have a harder time looking out.  In my home, I have had metalized film on it for many years, and it works great.  However, as the sun went down, if my dog was outside barking, I could not tell if he was barking at a passing dog or if he had cornered a skunk.  So Prestige Film is for people that like a good amount of light to still come in, want great heat reduction and/or maybe have a view that they do not want to lose in the evening.

Night Vision 25 is a high performing metalized film that is a bit darker than any of the Prestige Films.  It provides more privacy from the outside with a somewhat darker and moderately reflective appearance.  However, it is not reflective like a silver mirror reflective film (which we sometimes use on commercial buildings).  It’s a generally accepted look for a residence.  You’ll get great heat and glare reduction from this film.  Night Vision 25 will also enable best viewing of tv or computer screens due to the glare reduction.  All of our films help with glare reduction, but Night Vision is the best if glare reduction is your main goal.  As I mentioned in the previous paragraph, you will lose vision from the inside in the evening because of the lights inside reflecting off the film.  Night Vision 25 is the choice for some privacy from the outside and excellent heat and glare reduction as long as you don’t mind diminishing your view of the outside in the evening.

Security Film which will protect against even a sledge hammer trying to break in.  We also have combination films that give you performance and Security.

FADING- is can be a problem as you know.  3 factors represent 90% of the cause of fading:

Ultra Violet Rays – (40% of the cause of fading)- All our films will eliminate 99% of the UV Rays

Heat – (25 % of the cause of fading) -Prestige and Night Vision 25 will reduce on average approximately 66% of total solar energy

Light – (25 % of the cause of fading) -Prestige and Night Vision 25 on average will reduce 60%-75% of the light.

So overall 3M film will solve approximately 72% of the fading problems on average, thus significantly extending the best appearance of your fixtures.

LIFETIME WARRANTY – Many Window tint installers in Spokane will offer a Lifetime Warranty.  However, if you ask or check into how long they have been in business in Spokane, they may say only two years.  Some work out of their car, or a home they have lived in for a year or two.  In Spokane, many window tint installers have come and gone over the years.  What good is a lifetime warranty from an installer that probably won’t be there next year?  And what good is a lifetime warranty from a manufacturer you have never heard of?

Quality Auto Trim is in its 32nd year in Spokane, and we have recently made a long-term commitment to stay in business by building our new facility pictured above.  And the manufacturer of our window film (3M) is a well-respected, nearly 100 year old company that is known for its innovation by introducing 5,000 new patents every year.  Both Quality Auto Trim and 3M will continue to protect our names by treating our customers in the way they deserve to be treated.

PRICE – If you would like to call me with some measurements, I would be glad to send you some samples and give you a firm quote right over the phone or by email.  Or if you would like a representative to come to your home and do the measurements, we will be glad to send someone to you at no charge.  We also have a pleasant showroom with a helpful display where you can see what the films look like and see specifications that will help you “dial in” which film is the right one for your purposes.

Please feel free to call me if you have any questions or would like to schedule an estimate.

Mike Dalton- 927-8464

Give the gift of Quality this Christmas season!

Are you getting the Christmas shopping blues?  Tired of the crowds at the mall?  Then we are the place to shop this Christmas season!  We have gifts for guys, gals, and even your teen’s first car.  If you don’t know what to buy them, then get them a gift certificate.  Gift certificates are the perfect gift because it lets them shop for whatever they want.  Get a gift certificate for any amount, or get one for a specific service such as window tinting, clear bra paint protection, car audio, or even a REALLY cool custom graphics job on their car!  Leave the mall behind and come see us today.  We’ll keep the coffee hot for you.

Remote starts prevent you from being left out in the cold.

It’s that wonderful time of year again!  The leaves are gone, or almost gone, the days are getting shorter, and Old Man Winter is once again rearing his not-so-attractive head.  We have the solution for your cold weather blues.  Install a remote start system in your car today!  Remote start systems integrate into any car, truck, or SUV… even diesels and manual transmissions!  Factory alarm?  No problem!  No alarm?  No problem!  Our systems prevent thieves from taking advantage of your seemingly defenseless running vehicle by requiring your key in the ignition before driving away.  One step on the brake and the car stops running.  Experience the convenience of a warm car on a cold day for yourself.  Systems start at $279!  Call our tech gurus today for exact pricing.  509-927-8464

Window tint is not just for the summer time

Did you know that you can still get a sun burn in the winter?  Okay, some of you are saying, “Tell me something I don’t know,” while the rest of you are saying, “I never knew that!”  Whether or not this is news to you, it’s absolutely true.  Sunburns can actually be worse in the Winter because we tend to let our guard down.  Think about it, the sun doesn’t care if it’s Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter here on Earth.  The sun burns just as hot and does just as much damage to your skin all year long.  Granted, clouds do offer some protection, and the shorter days drastically reduce the amount of exposure to the sun’s harmful rays.  However, those UVA and UVB rays can still pass right through the atmosphere, the clouds, the glass, and into your skin.  The Skin Cancer Foundation, who recommends 3M Window Films, suggests a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunblock of SPF 15 or higher for adequate protection.  Did you know that 3M Window Films have an SPF rating of up to 1000?  Try getting that from a tube!  Don’t wait until next summer to tint your car, home, or business.  Make an appointment today to protect your most valuable possession, your skin.

The Skin Cancer Foundation
Click the logo to the left
to read about the benefits
of using 3M Window Films.
(Opens in a new window)

Window Film Simulator

For Spokane Window Tint check out the cool window film simulator for auto or home window tint on our Window Tint Page or click the fillowing link:  3M Tint Simulator

New Cell Phone Laws In Washington State Go Into Effect June 10th, 2010

Most people know that talking on your cell phone has been  ticket-worthy since 2008.  However, up until June 10th it was a secondary offense if you were caught driving while on your cell phone.  This means you couldn’t be pulled over solely for cell phone use.  Now an officer can stop and issue you a $124 fine if you’re caught talking on the phone without a hands free device.  This presents a problem for many of us who have business calls to conduct while driving, or use our daily commute (25.1 minutes on average) to catch up with family and friends.

In order to stay legal, you need a hands free device.  There are many options, the most common being the earpieces or headsets, portable systems (usually visor mount), and installed systems.  Headsets are relatively inexpensive ($30 and up) and tend to work fairly well.  However they can often be uncomfortable and need regular charging just like your phone.  The portable visor kits are about $100, but they still need batteries and tend to have poor call quality.

The installed systems offer the best call quality, don’t need charging, and have some great added benefits and additional features:

• Use of factory speakers for best call quality
• External microphone for optimal placement and noise cancelling technology
• Caller ID through voice and color screen (picture ID for supported phones)
• Added Bluetooth audio, USB, and Aux in capabilities for your factory stereo system (listen to your music phone/pandora/internet radio wirelessly in CD quality!)
• Have multiple phones sync’d with one system

To check out all the hands free systems we have to offer, check out Parrot USA’s website at http://www.parrot.com/usa/

There you will find a wide variety of models which can be installed into any vehicle starting at just $199 installed.

Safety and Securtiy window films

I am getting a number of Spokane people asking about 3M Safety and Security window tint.  With all the smash and grab problems going on in Spokane, including the latest 2 jewelry store break ins, these are very relevant products.  In your home or business they add an extra security that is comforting to have.  Thieves figure they have maybe 10-15 minutes after an alarm goes off before the police arrive.  So they smash the windows, grab what they can in 2 – 3 minutes and skidaddle.  The Security film either stops them entirely from getting in the location or slows them down enough that getting out of there soon becomes the priority.   The critical fact here is that we are at least buying more time for the police to get there. 

3M has three different kinds of Safety and Security films.  Their STANDARD SAFETY FILMS come in 4 mil to 14 mil with an extra thick adhesive to hold the glass together lending structural security.  The thicker the better for security purposes.  The problem is that the thicker you go you start to lose clarity.  Thus the next level of Security film.  ULTRA PROTECTION SERIES.  This film has a multiple micro layer construction.  Kudos to 3M (the inventors of window tint) again for their technological innovation.  This film has been described as “like it is woven together”.  The result is thinner film with the tensile strength of thicker film.  It comes as ULTRA 400 (4 mil) and ULTRA 600 (6 mil).  The 4 mil has tensile strength like 6 mil Security film and the 6 mil has tensile strength more like 8 or 9 mil film.  So you have good clarity and very good resistance to tearing and penetration.  I think this film is the best option for homes and a good option for businesses as well.

The Lexus of Security film is the ULTRA PRESTIGE SERIES.  This film has great clarity, has a version that is optically clear, is a 4 mil multi layer film (over 200 layers, WHAT TECHNOLOGY!) has very good tensile strength to resist tearing and penetration, yet also has great heat reduction.  (reduces 92+% of infra-red).  This has been described as “the heat you feel”.  (BTW At our new, very cool showroom at 8710 E Appleway Blvd in the Spokane Valley – check out the WATERFALL! - we have infra-red heat lamps that demonstrate this heat reduction dramatically.  The display, samples and related specs are very helpful in determining which is the right film for your purposes, whether they be for Security,heat reduction, privacy films, or decorative films.  There is also a looping video that shows Security film withstanding a real bomb blast).

Finally there is an add-on extra security option.  3M IMPACT PROTECTION ATTACHMENT SYSTEMS – There is still a potential problem with break-ins even after having the right Security film.  That is, someone can pound on the window with a hammer and then if he has enough time (which is questionable) he can pry open a potentially loose side of the window caused by the pounding.  The 2 different attachment systems are for the purpose of keeping the edges of the windows attached to the frame.  The first is 3M IMPACT PROTECTION ADHESIVE.  It is applied around the frame to bond the glass, window film and frame together.  The second Attachment system is the 3M IMPACT PROTECTION PROFILE.  This offers the same protection as the adhesive but also offers a clean, factory-finished appearance to the window.

Take the above steps and your home or business will definitely be more secure from intruders and you will be able to rest more easily.

Mike Dalton

Window Tinting season coming on

So people are thinking the winter is really done.  Thoughts are, where to plan summer vacations?  I sure am looking forward to fishing season! Or I think we will have a big garden this year.  And some think,maybe I will start washing my own car again, clean it up, maybe tint the windows in preparation for summer.  These are fun thoughts.  Even though this was the mildest winter I can remember in my 30 years in Spokane, I am ready for Spring.  It is my favorite season because there is so much to look forward to.   We have the whole Spring and Summer!!!