Window tinting is a must-have for many Malaysian car owners, especially with our hot climate and blazing sunshine. But with so many options in the market, how can you tell if the tint you’re getting is actually high-quality, or worse—a fake or low-grade product?
Many drivers have fallen victim to cheap tints that look good for a few months, only to bubble, fade, or peel within a year. In this guide, we’ll show you the clear warning signs of fake or poor-quality window tint, so you can make an informed decision and avoid being scammed.
1. 🚫 Too-Good-to-Be-True Pricing
If someone offers full car tinting for RM200–RM300 claiming “high heat rejection” and “10-year warranty,” you should be suspicious. Quality tint films, especially those with IRR and UV protection, simply don’t come that cheap.
What to look for instead:
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Market price for multilayer sputtered or ceramic films usually starts around RM800+ for full car
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Verify if the shop is using genuine branded films
2. 🔹 No Brand or Manufacturer Info
Reputable window films always have traceable manufacturer information. If the installer can’t tell you the brand of film used, or it’s just called “premium” or “nano”, that’s a red flag.
Tip: Ask to see the film’s specification sheet, including VLT, IRR, and TSER ratings. Better yet, request the original packaging or QR code scan for verification.
3. 📅 No Certificate or Warranty Card
Overall, ceramic coating is an effective way to protect and enhance the appearance of a variety of surfaces. Whether you are looking to protect your car from scratches and other types of damage or simply want to add some extra shine to your boat or building, a high-quality ceramic coating can help you achieve your goals. With so many different options available, it is important to do your research and choose a coating that is appropriate for your specific needs and preferences.
4. 😿 Purple Tint After a Few Months
One of the biggest giveaways of low-quality dyed films is color shifting. These tints often start out dark black or grey, but within months turn purple or reddish due to UV exposure breaking down the dye.
What to choose instead:
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Metallic, ceramic, or sputtered films that use stable non-dye technologies
5. 🚨 Poor Heat Rejection Despite Dark Shade
Dark tint doesn’t always mean better heat rejection. Some cheap films only block visible light (VLT), but don’t reflect infrared (IR) – the real source of heat.
What to test:
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Reputable tint shops will use IR light test machines to show the difference in heat rejection between films
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Ask for IRR rating (Infrared Rejection Rate) on spec sheets
6. 🚑 Bubbles, Peeling, or Poor Finishing
A common symptom of fake or poorly installed tint:
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Air bubbles that grow over time
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Peeling at the corners
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Jagged cuts or rough edges
What this means:
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Either the film is poor quality, or the installer skipped proper preparation (cleaning, shrinking, applying)
Final Advice: Don’t Be Fooled by Looks Alone
In Malaysia, the window tint industry is booming—but so is the presence of fake or substandard products. As a customer, it’s your right to:
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Ask for specifications
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Check brand authenticity
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Expect proper installation & warranty
Don’t settle for “cheap now, pay later” deals. A quality tint will save you more in the long run — in heat comfort, skin protection, and vehicle resale value.
