
Coastal vehicle protection specialists—45 minutes via Highway 1 to our Gilroy shop
Aptos beach life means sandy parking lots at Seacliff, salt spray on the bluffs of Rio Del Mar, and the kind of coastal fog that gets into everything. That's why Aptos drivers make the 45-minute scenic drive to Blackout—through Watsonville and over Hecker Pass to our dust-free, humidity-controlled Gilroy facility. We've protected vehicles from La Selva Beach to Aptos Village since 1993, understanding that coastal cars need more than standard protection. Our ceramic coatings shed sand and salt with a quick rinse; our PPF guards against Highway 1 rock chips and the corrosive marine air that eats unprotected paint. Whether you're driving a sandy Tacoma from Nisene Marks, a convertible from Seascape, or a Tesla from the Cabrillo College area, we've got you covered.
Premium window tinting, paint protection, and detailing services—all just 45 minutes from Aptos.
Ceramic window tint designed for coastal conditions—blocking UV and heat while resisting salt air degradation.
Shield your paint from Highway 1 debris and corrosive coastal salt air with self-healing PPF.
Long-lasting hydrophobic protection against Aptos's coastal elements—salt, fog, sand, and UV.
We understand beach life—from sandy Tacomas to salt-sprayed convertibles and surf vans.
Distance: 35 miles
Drive Time: 45 minutes
Main Routes: Highway 1, Soquel Drive, State Park Drive, Freedom Boulevard
From Aptos, take Highway 1 South through Rio Del Mar and past Watsonville. After Watsonville, take Highway 152 East (Hecker Pass Highway) through the scenic mountains. This route takes about 45 minutes (35 miles). Once in Gilroy, turn right on Santa Teresa Blvd, left on 10th Street, right on Camino Arroyo, then left on Holloway Rd. Our shop is behind Target. Alternative: Take Soquel Drive to Highway 17 to Highway 85 to Highway 101 South—slightly longer but avoids the mountain pass.

We're approximately 35 miles from Aptos—about 45 minutes via Highway 1 South to Highway 152 East. The scenic coastal drive makes for an easy trip, and our climate-controlled facility provides the dust-free environment that coastal shops can't match.
Take Highway 1 South from Aptos through Watsonville. Continue to Highway 152 East (Hecker Pass) through the mountains to Gilroy. Once in Gilroy, take Santa Teresa Blvd to 10th Street, then right on Camino Arroyo and left on Holloway Rd. We're behind Target. Beautiful drive through redwoods and farmland!
Absolutely! We've served Santa Cruz County beach communities since 1993. Our PPF provides extra protection against salt air corrosion, and our ceramic coatings are optimized for the marine environment. Many Aptos customers add PPF specifically because of the coastal conditions.
Many Aptos customers think so! The 45-minute scenic drive saves significantly compared to coastal shop premium pricing. Plus, our indoor climate-controlled facility means no coastal humidity affecting your installation—a common issue at beach-area shops.
Yes! Our ceramic coatings create a slick surface that makes sand and salt easy to rinse off, while our PPF provides a physical barrier against salt-induced corrosion and road debris. Many Aptos residents combine both for complete coastal protection.
Join hundreds of Aptos customers who trust Blackout Window Tinting for premium automotive protection.
Recent installations for drivers from Aptos and Santa Cruz County
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