STEK Automotive Window Film Limited Product Warranty
Applicable to: LUNARAY Series, NEX, ACTION, SMART, VISION 70, ICY, and other eligible STEK Automotive Window Film products.
*Warranty period may vary by product, country, or applicable warranty certificate.
Coverage Overview
This Limited Warranty is valid from the date of original installation. It covers eligible defects in materials and manufacturing of STEK Automotive Window Film (“WF”) when the product is installed by an authorized STEK installer in accordance with STEK’s recommended installation guidelines.
Warranty coverage applies only to defects determined by STEK to be caused by material or manufacturing defects. Damage or issues caused by installation error, misuse, improper care, legal non-compliance, external impact, normal wear and tear, or user negligence are excluded from coverage.
Warranty Scope
Covered defects may include:
- Crazing & Cracking: Formation of cracks on the film surface.
- Peeling: Film detachment from the glass due to reduced adhesion, excluding peeling caused by improper installation, external damage, misuse, or failure to follow care instructions.
- Blistering & Bubbling: Formation of bubbles or blisters caused by product or material defects, excluding moisture, haze, or temporary bubbles occurring during the normal curing period.
- Delamination: Separation between layers in a multi-layer film.
- Excessive Color Change: Significant fading or discoloration beyond STEK’s standard product tolerances.
Genuine Product Verification:
Applicable STEK Window Film products may contain verification seals or other authenticity features. Where present, these features may be used to help verify genuine STEK product. Verification seals, if included, may run lengthwise along the roll and may be viewed using UV light. Before modification or application, installers should inspect the product for available authenticity features where applicable.
Duration and Transferability
This Limited Lifetime Warranty becomes effective on the date of original installation of the Window Film by an authorized STEK installer and remains valid for the lifetime of the original purchaser’s ownership of the originally registered vehicle.
“Lifetime” refers not to the lifespan of the vehicle, but to the period during which the originally registered owner owns the vehicle.
This Warranty applies only to the originally registered vehicle and the original purchaser. This Warranty is non-transferable and will automatically terminate upon removal of the Window Film from the vehicle for any reason, vehicle sale, inheritance, gift transfer, lease transfer, corporate ownership change, or any other change of ownership.
Normal Product Characteristics and Optical Variations
STEK Window Film is an optical product with light transmission, reflection, absorption, and heat-rejection characteristics. Therefore, even the same product may appear different depending on the viewing angle, lighting conditions, vehicle glass color, glass thickness, glass coating, and the vehicle manufacturer’s glass specifications.
The following conditions may be considered normal product characteristics and are not considered manufacturing defects, provided they do not materially affect the product’s functional performance:
- Minor color or shade differences depending on the viewing angle, lighting, or glass color
- Differences in reflectivity when viewed from inside or outside the vehicle
- Temporary or condition-specific haze or slight cloudiness caused by optical structure or nano-particle dispersion
- Temporary water marks, haze, cloudiness, or stains during the initial drying period
- Differences in appearance near edges or curved glass areas due to installation tension, curved glass structure, or film thickness
- Different perceived color, visibility, or heat-rejection performance depending on the vehicle glass type, glass color, thickness, coating, or IR-blocking properties
- Minor lot-to-lot color variation within STEK’s acceptable manufacturing tolerance
These phenomena are caused by the structural, optical, installation, or use-environment characteristics of Window Film and are not used as the sole basis for determining a product defect.
Limitations and Exclusions
This Limited Warranty does not cover any damage, defect, or issue caused by:
- Misuse, neglect, or improper handling of the vehicle or Window Films (WF), including any unreasonable or unintended use, unauthorized modifications, or application in non-automotive contexts, or on parts of the vehicle that are restricted or regulated by law (e.g., windows with illegal tint levels ).
- Accidents, collisions, intentional damage, or vandalism, including acts of nature such as fire, hail, flood, or extreme environmental conditions (e.g., Sandstorms, hail, tornadoes, hurricanes, or any other weather condition).
- Normal wear and tear, including but not limited to surface scratches, stains, discoloration, or water spots caused by mineral deposits or other contaminants left on the film for extended periods.
- Normal or expected fading, slight color change, or discoloration within STEK’s standard product tolerances. Excessive color change beyond standard tolerances may be covered if determined by STEK to be caused by a material or manufacturing defect;
- Optical Characteristics and Glass-Related Phenomena. Minor color differences, reflectivity differences, haze, distortion, moiré, low-angle optical phenomena, rainbow effects, anisotropy, or interference patterns that may occur due to the manufacturing process, product characteristics, viewing angle, lighting conditions, or the characteristics of tempered or laminated glass are not considered product defects and are not covered under this Warranty.
- Improper storage, installation, or non-compliance with STEK’s installation guidelines, including use of the product in a manner not intended or outside its specifications.
- Installation on glass surfaces with known or visible defects, such as scratches, chips, cracks, contamination, damaged defroster lines, damaged antennas, or any other pre-existing glass condition.
- Improper cleaning or maintenance, including the use of abrasive cleaning tools, harsh chemicals, ammonia-based cleaners, alcohol-based cleaners, industrial cleaners, scrapers, razor blades, or other methods that may damage the film. Scratches, abrasion, or damage caused by brush-type automatic car washes, improper cleaning equipment, abrasive tools, or improper cleaning methods are not covered under this Warranty.
- Damage not resulting from material or manufacturing defects, including defects caused by any third-party handling or services after the product is in the customer’s possession.
- Water spots caused by mineral deposits, which, if left to dry on the film, may result in permanent staining.
- Damage from external forces, including the impact of rocks, road debris, or any other physical damage to the surface of the film.
- Thermal or chemical abuse, including exposure to excessive heat, cold, or harsh chemicals (e.g., strong solvents, caustic cleaners) that can deteriorate the product.
- User-caused damage or negligence, including mishandling, alteration, modification, removal, reapplication, vandalism, or intentional damage.
- Glass-related issues, including glass breakage, pre-existing glass damage, damaged defroster lines, damaged antennas, or other glass defects not caused by the Window Film itself. Distortion, non-uniformity, defects, or issues arising from the glass manufacturing process, vehicle manufacturer specifications, or vehicle manufacturer defects are not covered under this Warranty.
- Vehicle Glass, Electronics, and Device Interference. Reduced visibility, signal interference, or functional degradation caused by interaction with the vehicle manufacturer’s glass structure, antenna, HUD, ADAS camera, GPS, communication devices, heating element structure, or other vehicle electronic systems is not covered under this Warranty.
- Damage caused by the installation, attachment, use, repositioning, or removal of dash cameras, toll-pass devices, GPS devices, communication devices, sensors, suction mounts, stickers, tape, or other attachments on or near the film is not covered under this Warranty.
Failure to follow the Material Handling & Storage Instructions and the Maintenance & Care Instructions or the use of non-authorized products or the inability to comply with WF Care Instructions as outlined in the Installation & Care section will void the warranty.
All implied warranties (including merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose) are limited in duration to the applicable warranty period, except where prohibited by state law.
Note that some state laws do not permit limitations on the length of an implied warranty. In this case, the limitation above may not apply.
The warranty and remedies described herein are available exclusively for the specified STEK Window Film product(s). STEK installers and dealers are not authorized to modify, extend, or alter this limited warranty. STEK shall retain the sole responsibility for determining the validity of all warranty claims and reserves the right to deny any claims that do not meet the criteria outlined in this document.
Some installers may offer additional warranties or remedies beyond the limited warranty provided by STEK on their own behalf. Such additional warranties or remedies are the sole responsibility of the installer, and STEK is not liable for or bound by any extended or modified warranties offered independently by installers or STEK Country Distributors.
Claim Filing Procedure
To file a warranty claim, the customer must first contact the authorized STEK installer responsible for installing the Window Film. If the authorized STEK installer is unavailable, the customer may contact their STEK Country Distributor via www.stekautomotive.com or directly contact STEK Headquarters. Claims submitted directly to STEK will only be processed if the original installer or Country Distributor is unreachable. Claims must be filed within 15 days of noticing the defect to ensure the warranty remains valid.
To apply for the warranty and have it accepted as valid, the following conditions must be met:
A. STEK ONE Registration: The warranty must be registered through the STEK ONE platform within 30 days of installation for the warranty to be valid. Once activated, the warranty will be in effect, and any defect claims must be submitted within 15 days of the discovery of the issue. If false information, incomplete information, or inconsistency in vehicle, owner, product, installation, or registration information is identified, this Warranty may be void.
B. Document Submission: To initiate a claim, the installer responsible for installing the Window Film or the STEK Country Distributor must submit product details (including coverage area and installer details) and photographic evidence of the defect. This information, along with any required documentation, must be submitted through www.stek-one.com.
Failure to supply the required documentation, complete STEK ONE registration, or adhere to the Material Handling & Storage, Installation & Care, and Maintenance & Care Instructions will result in a denial of warranty claims or delays in their processing.
Performance-related claims may be reviewed against the applicable product Technical Data Sheet, including but not limited to VLT, TSER, IR Rejection, UV Rejection, film thickness, adhesive performance, and weatherability. Appearance-related claims and performance-related claims will be reviewed together with STEK’s warranty criteria, product quality standards, installation conditions, and use environment.
Warranty Service Responsibility
All warranty service must be handled through the original authorized STEK installer. If the original installer is unavailable, the customer may contact the relevant STEK Country Distributor through www.stekautomotive.com or contact STEK Headquarters for further assistance.
If the original installer has closed, suspended operations, terminated its agreement with STEK, or lost its authorized installer status, the relevant STEK Country Distributor may assist with warranty claim submission. However, the method of service, inspection, repair, replacement, or other support may vary depending on the policy of each country or distributor.
Installation-related after-service, including installation workmanship issues, shall be determined and handled by the original installer and may vary by installer. STEK’s Product Warranty applies only to eligible product or manufacturing defects within the applicable product warranty period from the original installation date.
Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, STEK’s total liability under this Warranty shall not exceed the original purchase price of the STEK Window Film product giving rise to the claim. STEK shall not be liable for unrelated damages, indirect damages, consequential damages, labor costs, transportation costs, removal costs, reinstallation costs, loss of use, loss of profits, or any other costs or damages not expressly covered under this Warranty.
In no event shall any claim made by the buyer or owner, including claims for indemnification, exceed the purchase price of the product in question. Under no circumstances shall STEK, the STEK Country Distributor, or the installer responsible for the initial installation of the Window Film be liable for any damages of any kind, including but not limited to special, indirect, incidental, consequential, reliance, statutory, punitive, or exemplary damages. This includes but is not limited to, loss of profits, loss of use, loss of time, loss of revenues, inconvenience, loss of business opportunities, damage to goodwill or reputation, loss of data, or any other damages, even if advised of the possibility of such damages, and whether arising in tort, contract, warranty, negligence, strict liability, or any other legal theory, in connection with, arising out of, or as a result of the sale, delivery, servicing, use, or inability to use the product.
STEK shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from misuse, improper installation, or failure by any installer or third party to follow STEK’s established installation guidelines and procedures. STEK shall not be liable for any labor or transportation costs associated with the installation, removal, or reinstallation of the Window Film.
Disclaimer of Damages
STEK disclaims any and all liability for incidental or consequential damages resulting from the installation, use, or inability to use Window Film, including but not limited to damages to other vehicle components, reinstallation costs, transportation expenses, loss of vehicle use, loss of profits, or reduction in the vehicle's value.
Responsibility of the Vehicle Owner
The vehicle owner is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws and for any issues not caused by a covered material or manufacturing defect.
It is the sole responsibility of the owner to ensure compliance with all local, federal, national, and international laws regarding the use of STEK Window Film. The owner assumes all risks associated with the product’s use, including its installation by third parties and any non-compliance with applicable regulations. STEK, the Country Distributor, and authorized installers are not liable for any legal violations, fines, or damages resulting from improper use or installation of the product.
The manufacturer, STEK Country Distributor, and installer shall not be liable for any issues, fines, penalties, inspection failures, or legal claims arising from installation of Window Film with visible light transmittance (VLT) below legally permitted levels. VLT requirements vary by country, state, province, and local jurisdiction. It is the vehicle owner’s responsibility to confirm and comply with all applicable local regulations before installation.
Check your state and local laws before applying Window Film to any vehicle parts that may be restricted or regulated under aftermarket modification laws, including but not limited to headlamps, taillights, windows, and other safety-related components. STEK does not cover Window film installed on parts restricted by law and is not responsible for any resulting damages, fines, or legal violations. Failure to comply with local, federal, national, and international laws, voids the Warranty, and it is the vehicle owner’s responsibility to ensure compliance.
Except where prohibited by law, no indemnification, compensation, or damages beyond the original purchase price of the product shall be available to the buyer or owner under this Warranty. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply in those areas.
Warranty Disclaimer
Except as expressly provided in this Limited Warranty, STEK makes no other warranties, express or implied, regarding the Window Film. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, any implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to the duration of this Limited Warranty.
Governing Law
This Warranty shall be interpreted in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations of the country where the product was sold and shall apply only to the extent permitted by law.
Severability
If any provision of this Warranty is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not be affected.
Material Handling & Storage
- Store the film indoors within a temperature range of 5°C to 35°C (41°F to 95°F).
- Maintain relative humidity below 75% (ideally between 40% and 60%).
- Avoid direct sunlight, excessive heat, sudden temperature changes, or high humidity.
- Avoid repackaging the film into boxes of different sizes, as this can cause surface damage. STEK therefore recommends using the original box and packaging for storage.
- When rewinding or cutting in order to repackage the film, note that surface marks (e.g., small dots, twists, etc.) may appear on the surface due to dirt or dust contamination. If repackaging, ensure that your workspace is clean.
- After using part of a roll of film, do not repack it loosely. Keep the film as it was originally packaged—rolled tight and held in place by taping.
- Store rolls vertically to avoid pressure marks.
- For optimal performance, STEK recommends using the film within one year of purchase. However, if stored under the above conditions, the film may remain viable for up to 5 years. Prior to use of older rolls, visually inspect and test for optical clarity and adhesive performance.
- Adhesive characteristics may change between seasons if the application environment is not climate-controlled. This is typical of the material. Particularly in cold weather, apply the film only in environments with temperatures higher than 50°F(10°C).
- Contact the manufacturer if Window Film is being used for non-automotive purposes. Material size, packaging, and adhesive specifications may need to be changed.
Installation-Related Precautions
Excessive heat during heat forming may cause curl, deformation, haze, optical changes, or performance deterioration. For Metal/Sputter or Ceramic series products, installers should avoid excessive concentrated heat and apply uniform heat within the recommended working range. Cutting direction may affect heat-shrink characteristics; MD-direction cutting is recommended for heat-forming work where applicable.
Precautions & Care
- Do not roll down the windows for 48 hours after film installation.
- Do not clean the windows or use the defrost function for at least 7 days after installation. For best results, avoid deep cleaning or applying cleaning chemicals for 30 days after installation.
- Do not use abrasive pads, cleaners, or industrial glass cleaners.
- Avoid using cleaning solutions that contain ammonia or alcohol.
- Do not attach stickers, tape, suction mounts, dash cameras, or similar items directly to the film.
- Avoid contact with seatbelt buckles or sharp objects, which may scratch or damage the film.
- Do not use high-pressure air directly on the film during interior cleaning.
- Avoid exposing the film to high-temperature environments, including paint booths, as this may cause bubbling or other damage.
- In winter, do not operate windows while frozen. Ensure the windows are properly defrosted before use.
- When cleaning the windows, use clean water, distilled water, or deionized water and a soft microfiber cloth.
- During the drying and stabilization period, temporary visual changes such as haziness, water marks, residual water beads, cloudiness, or slight optical distortion may occur. The expected drying period may vary depending on the product type and environment. Carbon-based films may require approximately 4 weeks, while Ceramic or Sputter-based films may require approximately 10 weeks. These temporary conditions generally improve naturally and are not considered product defects.
- Do not remove and reapply window grids or seals after installation, as this can damage the film.
Failure to follow these installation and post-installation guidelines may void your warranty.
Cleaning & Maintenance Instructions
- Cleaning Instructions:
- Wait at least 30 days after installation before cleaning the film.
- Ensure that the water used for cleaning is clean and free from contamination. Tap water is generally acceptable, but if local water quality is poor, consider using distilled water.
- Use a soft microfiber cloth, synthetic sponge, or rubber squeegee.
- Use a mild, ammonia-free glass cleaner such as:
- Diluted isopropyl alcohol (2:1 ratio with water)
- Water mixed with a few drops of dish soap
- Commercial glass cleaners labeled safe for window films
- Avoid cleaning windows when they are hot or in direct sunlight, as this can cause thermal stress and may damage the film or glass.
Note: The Mounting Solution used during the installation of STEK Window Film product(s) may require a drying time. This period may lengthen in cold or non-sunny weather, and shorten in warm weather or with direct sun exposure. You may notice small water beads and a slightly cloudy appearance as the film dries. As the film will dry completely in due course, a slow drying time is not a cause for concern.
- Cleaning Dos and Don’ts:
- Do:
- Use gentle, light wiping motions.
- Wipe along film edges and splices.
- Dry with a clean microfiber towel or squeegee.
- Don’t:
- Use abrasive cloths, paper towels, brushes, razor blades, or scrapers.
- Use ammonia-based or highly acidic cleaners.
- Apply excessive pressure or rub repeatedly in one area.
Visual Inspection Guidelines
Visual Inspection Conditions
Window Film quality should be evaluated based on visibility and optical characteristics after installation on vehicle glass under normal viewing conditions, including:
- A normal viewing distance from inside or around the vehicle
- A natural viewing angle from the driver’s or passenger’s perspective
- General lighting conditions, such as natural daylight or standard indoor lighting
The following conditions are excluded from standard quality evaluation:
- Magnified or close-up photography
- Use of strong LED lights or focused light sources
- Abnormal viewing angles, extreme side angles, or backlight conditions
Because Window Film has optical properties such as VLT, reflectivity, light absorption, and light reflection, visual appearance may vary depending on the viewing angle, lighting, and glass type. Visual changes observed only under abnormal inspection conditions are not considered product defects.
- When to Inspect:
- Allow at least 30 days after installation for the film to fully dry and adhere to the glass before performing a final visual inspection.
- Some water bubbles or haze may still be present during the drying period, especially in cooler or more humid environments.
- Thicker films and those with advanced coatings may take longer to fully cure.
- Extreme heat or humidity can affect drying times or performance. In cooler or more humid environments, drying times may be extended.
- How to Inspect:
- View the installed film from at least 1.8 meters (6 feet) away, preferably in natural daylight.
- Assess clarity at right angles to the glass surface.
- Ensure the inside and outside of the glass are clean before inspection.
- Some minor contamination, especially near the edges, is unavoidable but should not impact performance.
- Acceptable Imperfections:
- Slight contamination near film edges due to frame conditions.
- Minor visual distortions during the drying period.
- Tiny particles or micro-contaminants that do not affect overall aesthetics or performance.
Non-compliance with cleaning or maintenance instructions may void the warranty.
Contact Information
For any inquiries regarding this limited warranty, claims, or technical assistance, please contact:
STEK Automotive
Website: www.stekautomotive.com
Warranty Management: www.stek-one.com