It’s a common misconception that all window tints on vehicles are similar. There is quite a difference between different types of window tints. This guide will help you better understand car windows tinting to make an informed choice the next time you want to get your car windows tinted.

Advantages of tinting a car window

These films create a protective shield against the sun’s harmful Ultraviolet rays that affect both your skin and the vehicle’s cabin. Studies indicate that the percentage of passengers who develop skin cancer, for this reason, corresponds directly to their exposure to the sun’s harmful rays.

• Prevents skin cancer 

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends many modern window films as an excellent way to protect your skin from the sun. 

• It keeps you cool and protects your upholstery.

Window tinting keeps you cool while driving by keeping some sunlight from entering the vehicle. You can also park your car outside without worrying about it getting too hot and damaging your car upholstery.

• Gives you privacy

Window tinting allows you to look out while preventing others from seeing in. As a result, it is more difficult for anyone to see valuables left in your car.

• Fewer chances of the window shattering

Your windows are less likely to shatter. Film sticking to your windows increases their resistance to breaking.   

Types of Tinting for car windows:

Car window tints come in various shades and varying levels of reflectivity. A wide variety of window tinting materials, shades, and characteristics are available for cars. Transparent car tints are designed for visual enhancement, while others offer superior infrared protection.

Dyed Window Tint

The dyed variants are a more cost-effective option. The primary feature of this tint is that it blocks sunlight through multiple layers of infused dyes, which absorb solar heat and reduce the possibility of increasing cabin temperature. It does not, however, provide adequate UV protection. It comes in various opacity levels, making it more of a visual enhancement window tinting.

Metalized Window Tint

Metalized materials are the next level of car window tint. Instead of dyes, the film is infused with tiny metal particles to restrict the sunlight. A metalized paint not only has a decadent shine or sparkle but also adds strength to the window, reducing the possibility of it shattering.

The hybrid dye and metallic tint film

The hybrid tint is an excellent alternative if you want the best of both tints mentioned above. A grey dye and titanium metallic flakes are commonly used in this type of window tint. It’s neither too dark nor too reflective, making it ideal for blocking UV rays and reducing sun exposure inside while also providing a light tint film that doesn’t hinder night driving.

Carbon Tint Film

Carbon tint has a matte finish that helps to restrict nearly 40% of infrared radiation, which is the primary cause of rising internal cabin temperature. It also effectively prevents UV exposure, which causes fading and aging of interior materials like plastic trims, leather seats, and dashboards.

Crystalline Window Tint

Many car owners prefer the cooling and protective properties of car window tinting without the darkening effects. Avoiding the darkening effect is achievable by selecting a crystalline window tint. It is designed to restrict UV and infrared radiation, keeping the inside of your vehicle cool and reducing the possibility of extended wear and tear – without the darkness.

Ceramic Window Tint

Ceramic window tints can also block up to 50% solar heat while maintaining visibility. They provide excellent shatter resistance, reduced glare or fading, and effectively block 99.9% of UV exposure. 

Understanding Visible Light Transmission

To fully comprehend window tint percentages, we must first understand VLT, or visible light transmission, one of the essential properties of the tint. VLT, however, measures how much light can pass through the film.

An example would be that if you see that the VLT is 35% on a film, you should expect very little light. 65% of sunlight is blocked by the film at this level of VLT.

In other words, as the VLT gets lower, less light gets into your vehicle, and the tint gets darker.

Are you selecting the right window tint for your car?

Ask yourself a few questions before deciding which window tint is right for your car. 

Which attribute is more important for my car? The aesthetics, the safety, or the cooling? For example, the dyed window tint makes the windows look darker on the outside. So note down your specific needs.

Secondly, what is your budget? Budget is another prime factor in making your decision. It depends upon the type of tint that you will select. The budget will include the material, labor, and installation costs. 

Don’t hesitate to ask the window tinting installation company how long they have been in business, what level of skills their employees have, and what warranty they provide for their product. You may also ask for some references.

How to maintain the tinting of your car window?

Here are some guidelines to keep your car window tints in good condition.

• Clean windows tints in the shade  

Nobody wants streaks on their vehicle’s windows. These streaks are often more visible if your windows are tinted. To avoid streaks, wash your windows in the shade rather than direct sunlight. Cleaning your vehicle’s windows in sunlight causes cleaning products to dry too quickly on your windows, leaving streaks behind.

• Do not drench the edges with cleaners.

The edges of your windows are unguarded if you have the window tints. So when you clean the tinted car windows, be careful not to soak the edges with cleaners. If applied at the edges, cleaning products can cause bubbles to form, causing the tints to peel off.

• Use soft material for cleaning.  

Always use a soft material when cleaning or dusting. For example, you can clean the surface with a microfiber cloth because it does not leave any scratches. Plastic sponges, for example, can scratch and damage your windows.

• Make sure your tints are completely dry.  

After washing your window tints, make sure they are completely dry. The tints will lose hold on the glass surface because of excess water and will peel off over time. View the following article for a complete guide on how to take care of your window tinting.

Legal Issues: 

If you ask to have your car tinted a specific color, the shop may often use a basic dyed film to offer a good look. It may be aesthetically pleasing, but you could be losing out on the performance. Also, check your state-specific tint laws here to see what shade is legal in your state.

Hopefully, the tips in this vehicle window tint guide will come in handy the next time you get your car tinted. Magic Hands Auto would be happy to assist you if you require additional information or have any concerns about the material given in this vehicle window tint guide. We’d be pleased to answer any questions you have and provide you with all of the information you need about the premium window films we sell.