Give Your Loved One the Perfect Gift this Christmas

You know that your loved one, family member, or friend needs something for their car, but you’re not sure what to get them?  We have the perfect solution!  Gift Certificates can be for any amount and can be purchased for a specific service or product, such as window tinting, paint protection, remote start systems, vehicle graphics and more!  Or give them a gift certificate for any amount that they can use at their leisure.  Stop by today and make their Christmas dreams come true!  We are located at 8710 E Appleway Blvd in the Spokane Valley, one block south of Appleway Toyota.  From all of us at Quality Auto Trim, have a very Merry Christmas!

Stop Thieves In Their Tracks

Quality Auto Trim was recently featured in a KXLY News special report about ways to protect your home for very little money.  One of those ways is to add 3M Security Film to your windows.  Security film comes in a variety of thicknesses and prices, from basic 2mil security film to 6mil Ultra Series with woven fiber technology.  Call us today at 509-927-8464 for a quote.  Also, be sure to check out the link to the video on KXLY.com, where they show the benefits of having security film on your windows.

Quality Auto Trim on KXLY

Protect Your Investment

I don’t think a single person would argue with you that cars are expensive these days, and car paint jobs are equally expensive.  Nasty road debris and erosion from sand and road salts wreak havoc on your cars beautiful new paint job.  At least they used to.  3M has pioneered the automotive paint protection market since its invention in the 70′s.  Often called “clear bra”, this clear, protective material was originally created during the Vietnam War to protect the leading edge of helicopter rotor blades from deadly flak and shrapnel.  The technology has come a long way since then, and 3M’s line of Scotchgard Paint Protection Film actually features a clear-coat, not unlike the one already on the surface of your car.  This gives you that little extra protection you need in the places you need it.  NASCAR even uses 3M Scotchgard Paint Protection Film to protect its cars from damaging rocks, sand, and debris on the racetrack.

Our team has over 25 years of combined experience with paint protection film, and we are a 3M Certified Scotchgard Paint Protection Installation Facility.  You can always count on us giving you the quality you and your car deserves.  Quality is what the business has been, and still is, all about.  Quality in products, service, and attitude; this is our committment to you.

Read more about 3M Scotchgard Paint Protection Film by clicking below (opens a pdf in a new window):

3M Scotchgard Paint Protection Film

Winter is coming…

I know what you’re thinking.  Snow and cold are four letter words that people in Spokane don’t like to say openly in public.  The reality is it’s the end of August, kids are going back to school, and Old Man Winter is right around the corner.  Now is the perfect time to start thinking about installing a remote start in your car.  We carry CompuStar and Avital remote start systems, and we can honestly say you will not find two better brands out there.  Our remote starts integrate seamlessly into the newest vehicle systems, and they will even work with older cars & trucks.  Our systems also feature the latest in anti-theft technology, so you can have the peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is where it’s supposed to be while it’s warming up.  Manual transmission?  No problem.  Diesel truck?  No problem!

Call John today at 927-8464.  He’s ready and willing to answer any questions you may have.  Don’t wait too long though.  The leaves aren’t so green anymore…

3M Crystalline Gives You Serious Bang For Your Buck!

Window tinting in Spokane for years has been primarily, “who can make my windows the darkest for the least amount of money.”  I know price is always an issue for all of us, and many people like a real dark look on their car, but the latest film from 3M, Crystalline Automotive film, is an amazing breakthrough for those that really want a lot of performance (heat reduction) from their auto window film.   And you don’t have to have real dark to get that performance.  At Quality Auto Trim we have a display in our showroom that compares the performance of 4 layers of limousine tint (5%, 4 x) to the performance of 1 layer of Crystalline 40 film that is considerably lighter and yet has better performance.  Remember the number 40 stands for the percentage of light that can still come through.  So limo tint or 5% is only allowing 5% of the light to come through.  With 4 layers it allows about 1 % of the light to come through.  We have a 70% Crystalline film that still beats the 4 layers of limo tint in heat reduction.   Finally we have a clear Crystalline film that we call Crystal Clear.   This window film gives you the IR heat reduction of other Crystalline films without interfering with vision at night.  And it is legal now to install clear film on the windshield in the State of Washington!   We will expound another time on how Crystalline film accomplishes this performance and the technology involved, but for now if you are looking for window tint in Spokane, you have got to come in and try our Crystalline heat demo.

Introducing 3M Crystalline Window Film

We’ve been in the automotive window film industry long enough to know that not all window films are created equal.  3M proves that yet again with their next generation of window films called Crystalline.  Crystalline Automotive Window Films offer superior performance in all categories, including infrared heat reduction (the heat you can feel), UV rejection, and durability.  Many people think that you need dark tint to get maximum heat reduction.  However, Crystalline’s proprietary, multilayer optical film technology contains over 200 microscopic layers, which allows it to outperform other films, and it’s still thinner than a Post-It Note.  In a side by side comparison, one layer of Crystalline film blocked more infrared heat than four layers of 5% limousine tint.  The benefits of 3M Crystalline Window Film are clear.  You don’t need to sacrifice your vehicle’s good looks to get the performance you desire.  Please feel free to click the link below and read more about this amazing new window film from 3M.

3M Crystalline Automotive Window Film – PDF File

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.