Tips & Advice
Just Bought a Car at Gilroy Auto Mall? Here is What to Do
Blackout Team· Window Tinting Experts
·5 min read

Congratulations on your new car from Tesla, Toyota, Hyundai, or any Gilroy Auto Mall dealership! Here is how to protect your investment before the first rock
Just Picked Up a New Car from Gilroy Auto Mall?
Congratulations! Whether you just drove off the lot at Tesla Gilroy, Freeway Toyota, Hyundai of Gilroy, Gilroy Chevrolet, Nissan of Gilroy, or Gilroy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, you're probably excited to hit the road.
But before you rack up miles on Highway 101, there's something important to consider: protecting your investment from day one.
Here's the Reality Most Dealerships Don't Tell You
- UV damage starts immediately: Your interior begins fading the moment you leave the lot
- Rock chips happen fast: Highway 101 is notorious for road debris—one drive to San Jose could mean your first paint chip
- Dealer protection packages are overpriced: Those $1,500 "paint protection" add-ons often wash off in months
The good news? We're just across Highway 101 from Gilroy Auto Mall—many customers drive straight from the dealership to our shop at 610 Holloway Rd (behind Target).
The 3 Protections Every New Car Needs
1. Window Tinting (Do It This Week)
Why it matters for new cars:
- Blocks 99% of UV rays that fade leather and plastics
- Keeps your cabin 20-40°F cooler
- Protects your investment from day one
Best for Gilroy Auto Mall vehicles:
- Tesla owners - We specialize in panoramic glass roofs
- Toyota, Hyundai, and other daily drivers - Ceramic tint for highway comfort
Starting at $299 | Get a quote →
2. Paint Protection Film (Before Your First Highway Drive)
Why it matters:
- Self-healing film absorbs rock chips, not your paint
- Invisible protection that maintains resale value
- Essential for front bumper, hood, and fenders
Recommended coverage:
- Minimum: Front bumper and hood edge ($800)
- Better: Full hood, bumper, and fenders ($1,500)
- Best: Full front plus rocker panels ($2,500+)
Learn more about PPF installation →
3. Ceramic Coating (The Long Game)
Why it matters:
- 3-5 years of paint protection
- Makes washing your new car ridiculously easy
- Maintains that showroom shine
Best timing: Apply within the first month while paint is pristine—no correction needed.
Starting at $500 | Explore ceramic coating →
Gilroy Auto Mall Dealerships We Regularly Service
Based on our experience over 30+ years, we regularly see new vehicles from every dealership at Gilroy Auto Mall:
| Dealership | Most Common Request |
|---|---|
| Tesla Gilroy | Ceramic tint + glass roof package |
| Freeway Toyota | Full car tint + front PPF |
| Hyundai of Gilroy | Ceramic tint package |
| Gilroy Chevrolet/Cadillac | PPF + ceramic coating combo |
| Nissan of Gilroy | Window tinting + hood PPF |
| Gilroy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram | Truck tint + front-end PPF |
Why Drive Straight to Blackout?
📍 Location: We're at 610 Holloway Rd, Gilroy—literally 2 minutes from Gilroy Auto Mall. Take Highway 101 south, exit 10th Street, and you're here.
⭐ Experience: Serving Gilroy since 1993. We've protected countless vehicles from local dealerships over three decades.
💰 Honest Pricing: No dealer markup. Same premium films (3M, LLumar, SunTek) at fair prices.
🏆 Quality: Climate-controlled facility, lifetime warranties, 450+ five-star reviews.
New Car Owner Special
Just bought from Gilroy Auto Mall? Mention this when you call for:
- Free quote within 24 hours
- Priority scheduling (often same-week)
- New customer package pricing
Or call us at 408-848-8468
FAQ: New Car Protection
How soon after buying should I get my car tinted?
Ideally within the first week. UV damage to your interior starts immediately—every day unprotected is damage you can't undo.
Can I drive my new car home and then bring it in?
Yes! Most customers take delivery, drive home, and schedule with us within a few days. Just avoid any car washes until after your tint cures.
Do you work with Gilroy Auto Mall dealerships directly?
We service individual customers from all Gilroy Auto Mall dealerships. We also offer dealer partnership programs for volume work.
What if I already have a few hundred miles on my new car?
No problem. If the paint is still in good condition, we can protect it without additional prep work. If there are already swirl marks or chips, we may recommend paint correction first.
Ready to Protect Your New Car?
Don't let your first highway drive be the one that chips your paint. Get your new car protected now—while it's still perfect.
📞 Call: 408-848-8468
📍 Visit: 610 Holloway Rd, Gilroy (behind Target)
💬 Text: 408-669-1144
Related Articles
- New Car Protection Packages
- Tesla & EV Window Tinting Guide
- Paint Protection Film: Complete Guide
- LLumar Tint in Gilroy: ATC vs CTX vs IRX

31+ years
The team at Blackout Window Tinting has been serving the Bay Area since 1993, providing premium window tinting and vehicle protection services.
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