Car window tinting can give your ride a stylish look and improve visibility by reducing glare. Fans of tinted windows say the darkened glass slows the fading of interior surfaces due to sunlight exposure. They also say tinting helps keep the temperature inside a car lower.
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Tinted car windows also increase privacy and security because they make it more difficult to see inside the automobile. In some cases, medical conditions may require a car owner to have tinted windows.
Before you choose to darken your vehicle’s glass, consider these tips about car tinting, the types available, and the pros and cons of each. And before buying, learn about the state laws around window tinting so you can make an informed decision.
Most newer cars offer safety glass with a coating or other treatment to provide some window tinting to keep out harmful ultraviolet rays. Aftermarket window tinting is a method of applying a thin film to the interior surface of a vehicle’s windows. This material darkens a car’s windows to block UV light and reduce glare from the sun and headlights.
Car window tint film is available in a variety of materials and shades. A standard performance measurement used for car window tinting is visible light transmission. A darker shade of car tinting has a lower percentage of light transmission. The tint affects how much light gets into the car, reduces glare, and improves a driver’s vision.
State laws regulate the level of darkness permitted for auto glass tinting. Window tint laws are created as a safety issue for drivers to see other vehicles better when driving and for law enforcement officers as they approach a car.
When determining how much to tint windows, you must check your state’s department of motor vehicles to learn about the regulations, such as the legal visible light transmission (VLT) levels. Once you determine the VLT allowed, you can choose the appropriate window tint film for your car.
State laws specify the level of tint allowed for each window of passenger vehicles. All states have restrictions on tinting applied to front windshields.
Most states limit the amount of tint on a car’s windshield or front side windows.
State laws may change annually. Reputable window tinting companies hired to install aftermarket tint film will be familiar with the regulations in your area. However, your compliance with the law for car window tinting could change if you move to another state.
Many states provide car window tinting exemptions for drivers with a legitimate medical or vision-related need to limit their exposure to sunlight. For example, a medical exemption certificate for dark window tinting may be issued to someone diagnosed with lupus or other medical conditions.
Typically, drivers with sunlight sensitivity may apply for a permit, waiver, or exemption from the state’s tinting law through the department of motor vehicles. The driver must submit the application with documentation supporting the medical necessity for tinted windows.
Penalties vary for violating a state’s laws on tinted car windows.
Law enforcement officers use a special device to measure how much light passes through a tinted car window. You could be issued a citation if the visible light transmission doesn’t fall within the acceptable range.
Depending on the jurisdiction — and the officer — penalties can be as minor as a warning, a “fix it” order that requires removing the car window tint film, or a fine for exceeding the legal limit for window tinting. While a first violation could bring a $100 fine, a second infraction might have a fine twice that amount.
Georgia, for example, is among the states that have harsh penalties for violating window tinting laws. The state stipulates that driving a vehicle with illegal window tint or installing unlawful material is a misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and imprisonment of up to 12 months. Additionally, the law applies to all vehicles, whether registered in Georgia or another state.
Automotive window tinting is a popular option for drivers who want to customize their cars. Businesses that specialize in tinting car windows are likely near you. Car detail shops and some dealership service centers often provide tint installation services.
A common question asked by people interested in darkened glass is how much does it cost to tint car windows. There isn’t a simple answer because many factors will affect car window tinting prices. Among them are:
In very general terms, and depending on the quality and features of the material used, car window tinting costs for a sedan can be $200 to $500. For large vans and SUVs, the price of installing window tint could reach $1,000 or more.
Don’t assume that a higher price means better quality. Visit shops in person to get quotes. Look at the cleanliness of the work area, check out the jobs they’re working on, and ask for references. A reputable tint shop will happily show you its work and have previous customers share their experiences.
Options are available for those wanting to learn how to tint car windows and do the work at home to save some money. You can purchase car window tint film by the roll. Some manufacturers offer DIY window tint kits that come pre-cut for specific vehicle models. The installation method is simple, but the job requires a significant amount of patience, careful attention to detail, and a level of skill that comes after plenty of practice.
Professionals can do car tinting in about two hours or less, depending on the number of windows. DIY window tinting by a first-timer will probably take much longer. The longest part of the process is meticulously cleaning the windows before applying the tinted film. Even a tiny bit of lint on a window can produce an unprofessional outcome.
Expect standard aftermarket car window tint to last up to five years. However, tinting lifespan varies depending on the type of film, product quality, installation quality, and how well you maintain it after installation. Warranties generally cover bubbling, cracking, and peeling. Any product guarantees might require installation from shops or technicians certified by the tint manufacturer. Be sure to complete tint warranty paperwork after installation and keep all receipts and information from the shop.
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Tinted windows block heat, UV rays, and glare in varying levels depending on the type you select, the product’s quality, and the technician’s skill. When choosing what’s best for you, you’ll want to explore the five different types of window tint available, as well as the pros and cons of each.
Ceramic window tint will cost you more. This type of film brings maximum visibility, as it absorbs UV rays and high levels of light.
Applying carbon tint will give you a matte finish on your windows.
This type of tint has the look of metal. It bonds to your windows and helps make them shatterproof while blocking UV rays and preventing scratches.
Pros
When you desire a tint that’s both metallic and dyed, this hybrid makes an ideal match.
Dyed window tint brings an adhesive layer of film with a polyester topcoat with dye between both.
People choose to add window tinting to their cars for various reasons. There also are plenty of reasons for car owners to remove window tint film, too.
Owners might choose to remove tinting to prepare for a trade-in or vehicle sale. Some state laws, such as Minnesota’s, prohibit people from selling cars with illegal tint. So, many dealers might view aftermarket tinted windows as a potential headache instead of an attractive feature. The increasing popularity of online car buying makes it easier to purchase a vehicle from another state, where tinting restrictions are different.
Whatever the reason for learning how to remove tint from car windows, the process is straightforward and can be accomplished using standard tools. A heat gun or high-power hairdryer is needed, along with a new razor blade.
If blocking direct sunlight is the primary concern, removable sun shades are an inexpensive and much less permanent alternative to tinted windows.
With competitive price and timely delivery, Kingfilm sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.
These mesh screens are commonly found shielding passengers from the sun’s rays. Most often used to protect children in the back seat from the bright light and heat of the sun, these simple devices are easy to remove and install when needed. Basic models attach to windows using suction cups. Some feature a retractable screen. Other varieties stick to the window by static cling. Removable baby car sun shades are legal when used in rear seat windows.
Some luxury automobiles and higher trim levels of mainstream vehicles have built-in retractable sun shades to keep direct light off of passengers. These integrated screens roll into the door frames when not in use.
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated since its initial publication.
So, you have been thinking about buying yourself a nice window tint because if you aren’t then you won’t be here. Or perhaps you are hoping of getting a new one to replace an old one, regardless, this article provides you with everything you need to help you choose the best window tint for your sweet ride.
First off, there are some important factors to take into consideration. You need to ask yourself these five questions before getting the best tint film.
Knowing why you’re getting something is a good start to figure out what you need. And, there are many good reasons why people want to get the perfect window tint for their vehicle in the area. So, what are your main reasons for buying one?
For the majority of people, it’s easy for aesthetics. People do love the latest look and feel tinted windows provides, not to mention that they value privacy for themselves and their belongings.
Say, if you park your vehicle in direct sun on a humid day, the interior temperature can easily become scorching hot. A window tint film can keep your car’s interior cooler on the said hot summer days. No more blasting your vehicle’s air conditioning for fifteen minutes before you can get comfortable inside your car.
All that heat and sunlight does more than just make your vehicle hot inside, those ultraviolet rays can also easily do damage to your vehicle’s interior.
Speaking of harmful UV rays, are you aware that the left side of your body gets more sun exposure while driving? A longer drive provides you with a higher risk of sun damage and even skin cancer. Thus, finding the best car window tint does not only keep your vehicle’s interior maintained but it keeps you safe too. Ultimately, tinted windows can be considered wise health investment.
Now that you know why you’re getting the tints in the first place, you can start to easily narrow down your choices of tints and shades. There are different kinds of films available in today’s market, each one created for specific concerns. For example, those who want to improve their privacy, there are films like hybrid tints that target safety and security. Those who want a clear finish for their tinting can easily look for ceramic tints.
Depending on your main reason for tinting, your budget and the tinting laws in your respective state, you’ll be able to easily find the perfect film for your needs! And when it comes to picking out the shade of your film, make sure you check out the local rules and regulation in your area before anything else.
After knowing why you need to install the best car window tint for you, you then need to consider whether there is already an existing tint installed on your sweet ride. There are vehicles in the market that provides factory-installed car window tint. Normally, you would not even be aware there is one.
Hence, you should know that installing yet another layer of car tint to a previously tinted window will yield to a darker tint shade. In which this could potentially put you in a legal situation you would never want to be in. So, it is best if you double-check your vehicle’s windows. If you are unsure, you can always check in on your manufacturer or car dealer to be certain.
After you have figured out your reasons for getting tinted windows and checking if your vehicle has an existing one, you now have to evaluate how much you are willing to spend. Setting a budget and sticking with it is one important thing to consider. There are a variety of cheap window tinting services available to cater to almost any budget limit. However, you must keep in mind that what you pay for is what you get.
So, you need to ask yourself. Does your allocated budget allow you to get the best tint you want? Or will you need to sacrifice some other aspects of your vehicle upgrades? If so, you need to reconsider because there is one certain thing: If you try to save money by settling for lesser quality products, you will eventually regret it.
On top of everything, it will cost you more. Removing the tint or the dyed film and replacing it with a better product provides a higher cost in the future. We recommend that you save up for a high-quality type of tint that won’t fade and is scratch-resistant. Better yet, find an affordable and cheap car window tinting that offers surprising quality.
Don’t be afraid to check out different product whenever you shop! Also, check out different installers nearby and compare their prices before you make the decision.
(Discover more of the best tint brand deals on our website here.)
So, with your budget and preferences taken into consideration, you need to accept that you may not be able to get every part of your vehicle tinted. However, you should also know that there are people who choose not to tint their windshield because they are afraid their vision would be impaired while driving. But that is why UV protection tint on windshields exist, it provides you protection without affecting your vision and at the same time, they block UV rays.
As for the rest of your car windows, you can decide on the best car window tint film that is clear or dark. Make sure that you’re sticking by what your state allows you to and check your local regulations. While some people only tint their front and sidecar windows, there are others who choose to tint everywhere. When in doubt though, keep in mind that there is a standard answer. It is just a matter of choosing which types of window tint option is right for you!
Having a warranty provides you with a safety net in case anything happens such as faulty installations. So before anything else, check out your provider and ask which products come with warranties such as Lifetime Limited warranties.
This kind of warranty protects consumers against any defects in the material. It means that the guarantee is valid as long as you own the vehicle that uses the tint.
Another important matter you need to think about when you start to shop for tints is longevity. How long do you want your tint to last? Depending on the kind of film that you pick, there are tints that are more durable than other options in the market and they usually come in higher price tags.
So before you do anything else, take the time to ask your installers about their products. Ask them how durable are the tints that they carry. Do they have affordable yet durable options or can they provide you with a cheaper tint that can last as long as their other products?
If you think that finding the right shade and having enough budget for it is all that there is to car tinting, you’re wrong. There are other important matters that you need to keep in mind like tinting laws.
Due to the ability of most tints to obstruct a driver’s view and could put people in danger, regulations have been placed for it and each one varies depending on the state the vehicle is registered in. So if you want to avoid being pulled over and fined for having illegal tinting, make sure that you do your own research around your local tint laws.
Better yet, consult tint shops nearby! Talk to them about which films and what shat shade are allowed in your state.
Admittedly, not everyone has enough budget on their wallets to afford professional installation. And while it’s true that service fees depend on the provider or installation company you’ll work with, there are still drivers who would rather do the tasks themselves in order to save more.
Thanks to today’s technology, there are now readily available tint kits that have pre-cut films in stores. What’s the difference between applying the film yourself and opting with a tint shop? Expertise! It may seem like tinting is an easy task but it takes experience in order to truly master the right techniques and tools.
And because of how delicate tint films, one mistake during the application process could ruin the entire thing. If you got it wrong the first time, you’d have to get it removed before applying a new layer. If the film gets mishandled, it’s longevity and overall effectiveness.
Say you decided to have your films professionally installed and now you can take home your sweet ride, are there any aftercare guides you need to keep in mind? One, you need to know low long you have to wait before the tints to dry out before you start rolling them down.
Depending on the film used on your car, you might have to keep your windows rolled up for 2-4 days to let it set. Now, what about cleaning? Are there any products you need to use and shouldn’t use? Make sure that you ask these questions after the installation and prepare your budget for any further spending afterwards.
With usual sunny weather and hot temperature, buying the best window tint is a must. It does not just keep your car cool on the inside but it also maintains your interior. Additionally, it also protects your well-being, secures your belongings, and at the same time gives you privacy.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Automotive Window Tint. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.