Window tinting for cars comes in a variety of materials, shades, and with unique attributes. There are car tints that are transparent, some designed for visual enhancement, and others that provide infrared protection with superior clarity. But with so many different types, materials, and brands of tinting for cars on the market, it’s not a shock to learn that many of us car owners simply don’t have all the facts.
That’s what we’ll endeavor to provide you today. In the information below, we’ll provide a detailed overview of window tint film. We’ll introduce the different types of tints, how they are made, the application techniques, how long they last, and some tips for determining which tint is best for your individual application.
Did you know that there are more than 1,000 individual blends of window tints for cars on the market today? As there are so many options, choosing the right tint film is usually a time consuming and frustrating process. That said, there are generally six different types of tinting for car windows. With each grade or type of tinting comes different benefits and price-points.
Here are the top six types of window tints for automotive applications.
For those looking for the entry point of tint film, the dyed variants provide an affordable option. The main attribute of this tint is to block sunlight via multiple layers of infused dyes, that absorb solar heat and reduces the potential of increasing cabin temperature. However, it doesn’t really provide protection against UV exposure. It’s available in multiple opacity levels which makes it more of a visual enhancement window tinting.
The second level of car window tint is the metalized materials. Instead of using dyes the film is infused with small particles of metals to block the sunlight. A metalized tint produces a rather rich shine or luster, but also provides added strength to the window – which reduces the potential of windows shattering.
If you’re looking for the best of both tints above, the hybrid tint is a good option. This type of window tint is typically comprised of a grey dye and titanium metallic flakes. It’s not too dark, nor reflective, which makes it good for blocking UV rays, reducing sun exposure inside, while providing a mid-level tint film that doesn’t negatively impact night driving.
While the three above are considered ‘entry level’ – the carbon infused window tint is elevated. This is where the tinting health benefits start to come into play, by creating a comfortable cabin experience. It’s a matte finish that helps to block nearly 40 percent of infrared radiation – which is the main contributor to increasing internal cabin temperature. It’s also good at blocking UV exposure – which is what leads to fading and aging of interior materials like plastic trims, leather seats, and dashboards.
Another positive attribute of the carbon tint film is that it does not fade like those mentioned above. As such, it tends to last longer, and hold up for several years. The trade-off of course is an elevated price-point.
There are several car owners that prefer the cooling and protective attributes of car window tinting, but without the darkening affects. This is possible by choosing a crystalline window tint. It’s designed to block UV radiation and infrared radiation – which keeps the inside of your vehicle cool, reduces the potential of extended wear and tear – without the darkness.
On top of the window tint Mt Everest is a ceramic infused film. This is literally the best of all worlds – as it’s developed using small ceramic-based particles that are highly nonconductive. This means that it does not reduce electronic transmissions from cell phones, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth® or other communication devices.
The ceramic window tints also can block up to 50 percent of solar heat, without any reduction in visibility. They produce exceptional shatter resistance, reduced glare or fading, and effectively blocks 99.9 percent of UV exposure. Ceramic window tint is quite different than ceramic coatings, but we’ll explore that in a future article.
Within all these types of window tints come multiple shades or darkness of the tint. We’ll discuss the legality of these tint percentages below.
In the United States and Canada, car window tinting laws are based on the individual state or providence. As such, there is no centralized window tint rule for legality across the entire country. The American Automobile Association or AAA has a detailed list of window tint regulations based on each US state and Canadian providence.
You can review the specific regulations by clicking this link.
When you review that detailed list posted by our friends at AAA, you’ll notice several terms which describe specific attributes of the window tint. Some of these terms are a bit confusing and technical. So, here is an easier to understand listing of the technical language you’ll find.
Tint Darkness: The darkness of window tint is measures by the visible light transmission percentage. This is often abbreviated as VLT%.
Front Side Windows: When a regulation talks about the front side window, they are referring to the two windows directly next to the driver and passenger seats. In a sedan, this would include the front doors, while a coupe would include the only two doors on the vehicle.
Rear Side Windows: The side windows or rear side windows will refer to windows that are behind the driver and passenger seat. For multiple row vehicles such as SUVs, this will include any windows on doors behind the front or solid windows molded into the body. There are also regulations for rear window installations, but they are usually not as stringent as other vehicle window locations.
Window Tinting In Charlotte, NCWindow Shade Band: The front windshield may receive a window shade band, which is applied to the top section of the windshield. The size of this film and the tint darkness percentage will vary based on individual states and providences.
AS1 line: Each glass manufacturer includes an AS1 marking near the top left or right side of the windshield. This certifies that the tinted window complies with US or Canadian Department of Transportation regulations. In most cases, the AS1 line can’t be blocked.
Tint Reflection: As we mentioned above, some window films such as metallic window tint has a reflective quality.
The / Symbol: Typically – state regulations will document different factory tint percentages and other criteria based on the type of vehicle. If you see different tint legal numbers or percentages that are separated by a “/” symbol, it will separate two types of vehicles. The first number will indicate ‘cars’ including a coupe or sedan, while the number after the / symbol will be specific for SUVs or multiple passenger vans.
There are two paths you can travel when choosing any window tint for cars. The first option and most popular is having a professional auto salon complete the tint service. The professional shop will handle all the prep work, custom fit the window tint, apply it, and in some cases, offer a warranty for the longevity.
Several tinting shops can also complete paint protection, services like applying paint protection film, and ceramic coatings, so you can honestly have everything done to your new car at the same time.
The other option is the do-it-yourself method. This is becoming increasingly popular with DIY enthusiasts, as technology has made it easier for the average detailer to purchase pre-cut window film and apply it themselves. Most of these DIY window tint film products are intended to block harmful UV rays vs blocking IR. UV protection is an important attribute that any window tint film should possess.
The other option is the do-it-yourself method. This is becoming increasingly popular with DIY enthusiasts, as technology has made it easier for the average detailer to purchase pre-cut window film and apply it themselves. Most of these DIY window tint film products are intended to block harmful UV rays vs blocking IR. UV protection is an important attribute that any window tint film should possess.
That’ll be the first decision you make – as DIY car window tint options are limited. It’s similar with the DIY ceramic coating world. DIY window tint film is designed for easier installation as opposed to advanced protective qualities. This limits your options considerably.
With professional installations, the sky is virtually the limit – as are the tinting benefits. A growing trend in professional tinting are those infused with ceramic substances. This helps to block UV and IR – keeping the interior of the vehicle cooler for longer periods. They are also available in multiple tint percentages.
If you’re thinking about installing a new tint film, you’ll have to make a few important decisions before pulling the trigger. A few of the important questions you need to ask to determine which window tint is right for your car include:
What is most important? Different tints offer individual attributes. Some – like the entry level dye window tint are mainly aesthetic – to make the windows appear darker on the outside. There are ceramic tinting products that give you the best of all worlds. So, before you decide which tinting is best – write down what attributes are important to your specific application.
What is your budget? Obviously, the cost of the window tint and installation is another important factor to determine. The problem is – determining the cost of window tint is based on several variables including:
The type of tint: The main factor that determines the price of window tint is the installation. The cost for material itself is inexpensive. This is what often teases many car owners to attempt the DIY route. However, usually mistakes are made, and reordering new material, paying for more shipping, and the time to clean up adhesive just makes it impractical.
Lower grade window tint (such as the dye window tint) will be cheaper (not only in quality but in price), while the advanced ceramic or carbon-based window tints will have a premium price. It’s similar with comparing ceramic coatings. Spray on hybrids are cheaper than longer-lasting 9H ceramic coatings.
The cost of labor: The second element that impacts your budget is the cost of labor. However, not all window tints are applied the same. Some will take more time, and thus – have an increased labor cost. The good news is that professional auto salons will simplify the estimate process for you by providing a flat rate for the entire job.
How long are you keeping the vehicle? The final question you’ll ask before choosing a window tint for cars is how long you plan on keeping the vehicle. It makes sense that you’d want to purchase a window tint that will last as you own your ride.