Auto Additions
Vehicle Care Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
Aftercare guidance for your new window tint, paint protection film, truck accessories, leather interior, and sunroof.
Protect Your Upgrade
Keep your vehicle looking its best after installation.
Thank you for trusting Auto Additions with your vehicle. Following the care steps below will help your investment look its best and perform for years to come. Questions are organized by product so you can jump straight to the service you had done.
If anything ever looks or feels off, contact us before trying to fix it yourself. We’re here to help.
72
Hours Before Rolling or Washing
10
Days for Tint/Film Cure Haze
2x
Yearly Sunroof Seal Cleaning
1st
Call Us Before DIY Fixes
Aftercare Guide
LLumar Window Tint
Your new film needs time to cure. A little patience in the first two weeks is the single biggest factor in a flawless, long-lasting tint.
Quick care at a glance
- Do NOT roll your windows down for at least 3 days (72 hours) after installation.
- Don’t clean the inside of the glass for the first 10 days while the film cures.
- Some haze, cloudiness, or small water bubbles are normal and disappear as the film dries.
- Clean only with an ammonia-free cleaner and a soft microfiber cloth. Never use an abrasive sponge or paper towel with grit.
How long do I have to wait before rolling my windows down?
Keep your windows up for at least 3 days (72 hours). The adhesive needs time to bond to the glass, and lowering a window too early can peel or shift the film.
My tint looks hazy and I see small bubbles. Did something go wrong?
No, this is completely normal during curing. The moisture used to apply the film needs time to evaporate, which can take up to 10 days, sometimes longer in cold or humid weather. The haze and bubbles will clear on their own. Please don’t poke or press them.
How do I clean my tinted windows?
Wait at least 10 days before cleaning the inside of the glass. After that, LLumar film is scratch-resistant and needs no special product. Use an ammonia-free glass cleaner, spray it onto a clean microfiber cloth or soft cotton cloth, and wipe gently. Never use ammonia-based cleaners, abrasive pads, or gritty sponges, as these can scratch or discolor the film over time.
Will the tint fade, bubble, or turn purple?
LLumar tint is engineered to hold its color and clarity year after year, which is why it’s backed by a manufacturer’s lifetime limited warranty. If you ever see cracking, bubbling, or discoloration, contact us. Covered film is removed and replaced at no cost, with certain restrictions.
Does tint block UV and heat?
Yes. LLumar window tint blocks up to 99% of UV rays, keeps your interior noticeably cooler, and cuts down on glare while you drive.
Aftercare Guide
LLumar Paint Protection Film (PPF)
PPF is a clear, durable shield over your paint. Treat it gently for the first few days, then maintain it with simple hand washing.
Quick care at a glance
- Don’t wash the vehicle for 3 days (72 hours) after installation, or 7 days if temperatures are below 55°F.
- Hand wash with soap, water, and a soft clean cloth. Avoid automatic car washes and pressure washers, especially near the film edges.
- Remove bird droppings, tree sap, and bug splatter promptly so they don’t stain the film.
- A hazy look or small water bubbles right after install are normal and clear as the film cures.
When can I wash my car after PPF is installed?
Wait at least 3 days (72 hours) so the film can fully adhere. If daytime temperatures are below 55°F, wait a full 7 days before washing or waxing.
What’s the best way to wash a vehicle with PPF?
Hand washing with car soap, water, and a soft clean cloth is the preferred method. Avoid pressure washers and automatic or drive-through car washes. High-pressure water aimed at the edges can lift or damage the film, and that damage isn’t covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
Can I wax over the film?
Yes. You can wax once or twice a year with a non-abrasive wax to add protection and keep the gloss looking fresh. Avoid abrasive polishes or compounds, which can dull or scratch the film.
There’s a bird dropping or sap on the film. What do I do?
Remove staining hazards like bird droppings, tree sap, and bug residue as soon as you can. Letting them sit can stain the film. A gentle hand wash in that spot is usually all it takes.
The film looks a little hazy after installation. Is that a problem?
No. Like window tint, PPF can look hazy or show small moisture bubbles for up to about 10 days while the installation moisture evaporates. It clears on its own.
Aftercare Guide
Truck Accessories: Tonneau Covers
Care depends on the type of cover you have. Hard covers are mostly wipe-and-go; soft vinyl covers benefit from a protectant to fight UV and weather.
Quick care at a glance
- Wash the cover in two halves, rinsing clean water between halves, then dry with a microfiber towel.
- Use a soft-bristled brush. Stiff bristles can be too abrasive for the finish.
- Use pH-neutral soap only. Avoid harsh chemicals, polishes, and waxes, which can dry, crack, or fade the material.
- Re-check the cover’s mounting hardware after the first 500 miles, then again at each oil change.
How do I care for a hard tonneau cover?
Hard covers are low-maintenance. Wash with pH-neutral soap and water, rinse, and dry with a microfiber towel. Once it’s dry, you’re done. Avoid abrasive brushes and harsh cleaners on the finish, and check the latches and hinges periodically so they keep sealing properly.
Is soft vinyl cared for differently than a hard cover?
Yes. After washing and fully drying a soft vinyl cover, apply a dedicated tonneau or vinyl cover protectant. This adds a layer of defense against UV and the elements and helps prevent the vinyl from warping, wrinkling, or cracking over time.
Can I use Armor All or a similar protectant on my vinyl cover?
No. Avoid vinyl conditioners that contain silicone or petroleum, such as Armor All. Over time they can cause the vinyl to crack and shrink. Stick to a protectant made specifically for tonneau covers, and skip polishes and waxes.
Aftercare Guide
Leather Interiors
Your new leather has a protective top coat. The goal of routine care is to keep that coat intact, which means gentle cleaning and avoiding harsh chemicals.
Quick care at a glance
- Wipe up spills right away by blotting, not rubbing, with a clean, absorbent cloth.
- For routine cleaning, use lukewarm water or a mild leather cleaner and a soft microfiber cloth.
- Vacuum seams and perforations gently. Don’t let excess moisture sit in perforated areas.
- Keep leather out of prolonged direct sun and heat when you can to prevent premature aging.
How do I handle a spill or spot?
Blot up excess liquid immediately with a clean, absorbent cloth or sponge. Don’t rub. If needed, use clear lukewarm water, then dry with a clean towel and let it air dry. For tougher spots, use a mild solution of Ivory bar soap, not dishwashing liquid, and lukewarm water applied with a clean, wet sponge, blotting gently without pressure. Heat and friction from rubbing can damage the surface.
What should I NOT use on my leather?
Avoid saddle soaps, oils, abrasives, detergents like dish soap, solvents or mineral spirits, anything containing alcohol including hand sanitizer, household disinfecting sprays or wipes, ammonia, and bleach. These break down the protective top coat. To disinfect, use only botanical-based disinfectants per the product’s label instructions.
Do I need to condition the leather?
Not regularly. Our leather comes with a protective coating, so conditioning often isn’t necessary. If you do condition, use a product made specifically for coated leather and apply it sparingly to preserve the natural matte finish.
How do I keep my leather looking new long-term?
Vacuum and wipe down seats regularly to lift dirt and body oils before they settle into the grain, blot spills promptly, and limit long exposure to direct sunlight and heat. Consistent light cleaning beats occasional deep cleaning.
Aftercare Guide
Power Moonroofs / Sunroofs
A sunroof stays trouble-free with two simple habits: keep the seals and tracks clean, and keep the drains clear.
Quick care at a glance
- Clean the glass with a soft microfiber cloth and a mild, ammonia-free glass cleaner.
- Wipe the rubber gasket, seal, and tracks clean a couple of times a year so debris doesn’t cause leaks or sticking.
- Keep the drain channels clear of dirt and leaves so water drains away instead of pooling.
- Avoid ammonia-, vinegar-, and petroleum-based products. They dry out and crack the rubber seals.
How should I clean my sunroof?
Brush off loose dirt and debris first with a soft brush. Then wipe the glass and the surrounding gasket, slides, and track with a microfiber cloth and a mild cleaner, such as an ammonia-free glass cleaner or a little watered-down mild detergent. Clean the gasket at least twice a year, finishing with a fresh damp cloth and clean water.
How do I keep it operating smoothly?
Keep the tracks free of grit. Wipe them with a clean cloth, and apply a small amount of a suitable lubricant, such as white lithium grease, about once a year to keep the mechanism moving smoothly. Make sure the drain channels stay clear so rainwater drains properly rather than backing up into the cabin.
Why should I avoid ammonia or vinegar cleaners?
In a warm, closed-up car those fumes can be unpleasant. Over time, ammonia, vinegar, and petroleum-based products dry out the rubber seal and make it wear out faster, which can lead to leaks and wind noise. Stick to mild, ammonia-free cleaners.
Always follow any model-specific guidance provided with your sunroof. If you notice water intrusion, wind noise, or sticking, contact Auto Additions. These are usually quick fixes when caught early.
Questions? We’re Here to Help
If you’re ever unsure how to care for something we installed, reach out before trying a product or technique you’re not sure about. A quick call can save a costly fix.