It depends entirely on the type of film. Here's the real data:
Dyed film: 2–5 years
The dye breaks down under UV. You'll see purple/bronze fading first, then bubbling along the edges.
Carbon film: 5–10 years
No fading. Edges may eventually lift if it wasn't installed in a dust-controlled environment.
Ceramic / nano-ceramic: lifetime
This is why every package we sell comes with a lifetime warranty. Ceramic doesn't fade, doesn't bubble, doesn't lose its IR rejection.
What kills any tint early
- Razor blades on the inside of the window (clean with microfiber + ammonia-free cleaner)
- Rolling windows down within the first 4 days
- Hard sun on a tint that wasn't fully cured