Is Car Window Tinting a Good Idea?

Window film is a thin laminate film that can be installed on the interior or exterior of glass surfaces in automobiles and boats, and as well as on the interior or exterior of glass in homes and buildings.

1. What Is Window Tint?

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 is designed to darken 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 and plays a part in reducing glare and how well a driver can see.

A Car Window Tint Can Reduce UV Radiation

While the standard glass used in car windows can block some UV radiation, a car window tint of good quality from a reputable manufacturer —if applied correctly—can help increase protection from ultraviolet radiation. It can also help preserve the interior of your car, including the upholstery, carpeting, and dashboard, which can fade over time by exposure to sunlight.

- Window film is a thin laminate film that can be installed on the interior or exterior of glass surfaces in automobiles and boats, and as well as on the interior or exterior of glass in homes and buildings.

6. Different Kinds of Tint

When choosing what’s best for you, you’ll want to explore the five different types of window tint available, and the pros and cons of each.

Ceramic

Ceramic window tint will cost you more. This type of film brings maximum visibility, as it absorbs UV rays and high levels of light.

Pros

• Blocks UV light.
• Resists fading.
• Ceramic tinting improves the car value.
• No heat gets through the windows.
• Prevents glare.
• Shatterproof.

Cons

• Expensive.
• Less privacy.

Carbon Tint

When you apply carbon tint, you’ll get a matte finish on your windows.

Pros

• Durable and long-lasting.
• Protects the car’s interior from harmful UV rays.
• Prevents fading.
• Keeps you warm in winter, cool in summer.
• No “mirror” look.
• Provides black appearance.

Cons

• A bit more expensive than dyed and metallic tints.

Metallic Window Tint

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

• Works durably to protect your windshield.
• Resists fading.
• Blocks UV rays and glare.
• Keeps the heat out in summer and the cold in winter.

Cons

• Interferes with mobile phone technology, radio signals, and tire pressure monitoring systems.
• Costs more than dyed film.
• Gives off a shiny, metallic appearance.

Hybrid Window Tint

When you desire a tint that’s both metallic and dyed, this hybrid makes an ideal match.

Pros 

• Blocks UV rays, heat, and glare from the sun and headlights.
• Provides a dark, yet crisp look.
• No reflective appearance.
• Durable yet less expensive than metallic tint.
• No interior fading.

Cons

• A bit more expensive than dyed tint.

Dyed Film

Dyed window tint brings an adhesive layer of film with a polyester topcoat with dye between both.

Pros 

• Costs less and is the least expensive option.
• Absorbs solar heat so it never enters your car.
• Provides a dark appearance.
• Protects against interference with any electronics.

Cons

• Fades over time.
• Give off a bubble appearance when not installed properly.
• Layers can separate.
• Blocking properties are not as effective as other window tints.