Ask 6 questions before paying: (1) What film brand? (only 3M, Llumar, SunTek, XPEL come with manufacturer warranties); (2) Is the warranty lifetime and transferable? (1–3 year warranties signal cheap film); (3) Can I see install photos of cars like mine? (4) Are you certified by the film maker? (5) Do you have a climate-controlled brick-and-mortar shop, or mobile-only? (6) What's your re-do policy if something fails? In 2026, a quality ceramic full-sedan install in LA runs $400–$600 with a lifetime warranty — anything dramatically below that is a red flag.
A bad tint install in LA costs $400 the first time and $800 to redo. Use this checklist before paying.
1. What film brand do you install?
Why it matters: The big 4 — 3M, Llumar, SunTek, XPEL — back their films with manufacturer warranties (10 years to lifetime). Generic films come with only the installer's warranty, which is worthless when the shop closes.
Bad answer: "We use a premium film, don't worry about the brand." Walk away.
Good answer: "We install [specific brand + tier]. Here's the warranty card."
2. Is the warranty transferable + lifetime, or single-owner + limited?
A lifetime, transferable warranty is a premium signal. Time-limited warranties (1–3 years) almost always indicate cheaper film. Tint Guys offers lifetime, single-owner warranty on ceramic and nano-ceramic.
3. Can I see photos of recent installs on cars like mine?
A shop that doesn't photo-document its work is hiding something. See our gallery for 100+ recent installs.
4. Are you certified by the film manufacturer?
Certification means the film maker has trained and approved the shop's installers. Tint Guys is XPEL, SunTek, 3M, Llumar, and Tesla certified.
5. Do you have a brick-and-mortar shop?
Window tint and PPF need a clean, dust-controlled, climate-controlled environment. Mobile installs in driveways can look great for 6 months — then bubble. Tint Guys has 2 shops — San Dimas and Walnut.
6. What's your re-do policy?
A premium shop redoes it free for life. A budget shop charges 50% of original. Tint Guys: free lifetime fix-ups, single owner.
2026 LA pricing benchmarks
- Dyed/carbon (cheap): $150–$250 — fades purple in 18–24 months. Avoid.
- Quality ceramic: $400–$600 — lifetime warranty, 50–70% heat rejection. Sweet spot.
- Premium nano-ceramic: $600–$900 — 70–90% heat rejection, lifetime warranty.
- Full-vehicle PPF: $5,000–$9,000.
Anything dramatically below those ranges is a red flag.
Get a transparent quote
We'll tell you exactly which film, exactly which warranty, exactly which install timeline, and exactly which price by email or phone within an hour during business hours. Request a quote.