Things to look out for when doing headlight tinting in Nairobi

When doing headlight tinting in Nairobi, there are a few important legal, safety, and quality factors to watch out for so you don’t end up with problems at night, at inspection, or with traffic police.

Visibility & Safety

• Dark tints significantly reduce night visibility, especially on:

  • Poorly lit roads

  • Rainy or foggy conditions

  • High-speed highways

• If you drive frequently at night or outside Nairobi, do not go dark.

• Consider upgrading bulbs (within legal limits) only if necessary — but tinting should never rely on brighter bulbs to compensate.

Legality & Police Issues (Very Important)

Dark tints are risky: Kenyan traffic laws don’t clearly allow dark headlight tints. If the tint reduces brightness, traffic police can:

• Fine you
• Issue a defect notice
• Force removal on the spot

Safer option:

• Headlights must emit clear white or slightly yellow light.
• Clear film or very light smoke (high light transmission).

Quality of Film Used

Low-quality films:

• Fade to purple or brown
• Peel due to heat
• Crack under sun exposure

Ask for:

• UV-resistant
• Heat-resistant
• Automotive-grade vinyl (not cheap wrap material)

Installer Skill & Finish

Poor workmanship causes:

• Bubbles
• Uneven cuts
• Light distortion
• Early peeling

Before committing:

• Ask for photos of previous headlight work
• Check Google reviews
• Ask if they give a warranty

Condition of Headlights Before Tinting

• Yellowed or hazy headlights should be restored first.

• Tinting over damaged lenses makes visibility worse.

Correct process:

1. Restoration/polishing

2. Clear coat or PPF

3. Optional light tint

Color Choice

Avoid:

• Blue

• Red

• Purple

• Chameleon tints

These can:

• Attract police attention

• Scatter light poorly

• Be unsafe in fog or rain

Stick to:

• Clear

• Light smoke

• Slight grey

Warranty & Removal

Ask:

• Is there a warranty against peeling or fading?

• Can it be safely removed without damaging headlights?

Good shops offer at least 3–6 months warranty.

Nairobi Sun & Heat Resistance

• Nairobi sun can be harsh year-round.

• Cheap films bubble or shrink within months.

Ensure:

• Film is rated for high UV and heat

• Proper curing time (don’t wash car for 24–48 hrs)