Do Tinted Windows Block UV Rays? Here’s the Science
Can you tint car windows in the winter? Yes! But the process may require extra care due to the colder temperatures. Window tint adhesive cures slower in colder weather. This means it may take longer for the tint to fully adhere to the glass without bubbles or imperfections. However, you may also ask your tinter about potential winter tint options.
The slower cure time doesn’t mean you should postpone your window tint until after the winter months. There are actually many benefits to having tinted windows during cold weather. Tinter Steven Radja points out that “tints help insulate windows, and that means less heat loss and less need to turn your car’s heat up higher.”
In the rest of this article, we will provide you with the information you need to know about window film in cold weather. We will discuss if you can install tint during the winter, how the cold may affect your window tints, and if there are any regulations regarding winter tints.
Can You Tint Windows in The Cold?
Firstly, you do not need a new car tint for winter if you already have tint installed from the warmer months. Window tint is designed to be durable and functional year-round. High-quality tints perform well in both hot and cold weather.
However, if you would like to add tint film to your windows and it’s already cold outside, you still can. Although, it’s best to perform tinting in a temperature-controlled environment. Furthermore, some tint films are designed to adhere better in colder conditions. Check with your installer to ensure they use a suitable product.
If you’re considering replacing or upgrading your tint, the best time is not season-dependent but instead based on the tint’s condition. Replace it if:
- It’s peeling, bubbling, or fading
- You want a higher-quality film for better insulation or UV protection
Not All Window Tints Provide UV Protection!
Not all window tints are created equal, and some fail to provide any meaningful UV protection. Factory window tint is one common culprit. Often called “privacy glass,” factory tint is made with tinted pigment embedded in the glass itself, typically with a 15–30% visible light transmission (VLT) rating. While this may add privacy and a sleek look, it offers no UV protection.
Unlike factory tint, aftermarket window film is more reliable if you’re looking for UV protection. These solutions are applied over existing glass and designed with advanced materials to block up to 99% of UV rays. Cosmetic-only tints may look good, but they won’t shield your car’s interior or keep your passengers comfortable.
What is The Best Window Film For Winter?
Certain materials are better for winter conditions than others. Here are the materials you should look for if you are planning to keep tints on your windows throughout the winter months.
Ceramic Window Tint
Ceramic tints provide excellent insulation, retaining heat inside the vehicle during cold months. They also block harmful UV rays and reduce glare, which is particularly useful when sunlight reflects off snow. Plus, ceramic tints remain flexible and durable even in subzero temperatures.
Example Products
- 3M™ Automotive Window Film Ceramic IR Series
- LLumar® CTX® Ceramic Tint
- SunTek® CIR™ (CeramicIR) Series
Carbon Window Tint
Carbon films offer strong insulation and do not fade over time, making them ideal for extreme weather conditions. These films are also resistant to cracking and peeling in cold weather.
Example Products
Metalized Window Tint
Metalized films provide excellent heat retention and are highly durable in extreme cold. However, they may interfere with electronic signals.
Example Products
Will a Winter Tint Still Work in Extreme Cold?
High-quality tints, especially those made from ceramic or metalized films, are designed to endure extreme temperatures—both hot and cold. These tints can handle subzero temperatures (below -20°F or -29°C) without significant issues. However, cheaper dyed films may not hold up as well in very cold air.
If you live in or are planning to drive to a region that reaches these temperatures, park in a garage or sheltered area to reduce stress from extreme temperatures, if possible. If you don’t have that option, place a cover over your windshield and windows to reduce frost buildup and prevent direct exposure to freezing air.
Window Tint Challenges During Winter (And How to Deal With Them)
Adhesive Hardening
The adhesive holding the film to the window can become less flexible in extreme cold. If that happens, it may cause bubbling or peeling. Use a tint adhesive that is resistant to this issue or keep your vehicle in a garage or a warmer environment when possible to prevent excessive adhesive stress.
Film Brittleness
Prolonged exposure to temperatures well below freezing can make some tints brittle, which increases the likelihood of cracking or tearing, especially if the windows are subjected to sudden force or stress (like scraping ice or slamming doors).
Avoid unnecessary pressure on tinted windows on cold days. If you need to scrape ice off your windows, use a soft, plastic scraper or a defroster to clear ice without direct contact. Scraping frost or ice from tinted windows could scratch or damage the film, if not done gently.
Fogging or Frost Under the Film
If the tint has even minor imperfections or bubbles, condensation or frost can form between the glass and the tint, causing distortion or discoloration. Address any imperfections in your tint as soon as they appear to avoid compounding issues.
Reduced Performance
Extreme cold can slightly affect the thermal performance of some tints. For example, films designed to block heat may not be as noticeable in a cold environment but will still provide insulation benefits. Verify that your tint is a high-quality product rated for year-round use before installation.
Does Illinois Have Any Regulations Surrounding Window Tints in Winter?
Illinois’s window tint regulations are applicable year-round. These laws are not subject to change in the winter, nor are there any winter-specific laws. However, certain laws may affect the choices you make for your winter window tint.
For instance, although metalized tints provide excellent heat retention and glare reduction, the reflective nature of metalized tints could violate Illinois’s ban on reflective films. Therefore, it may be best to opt for hybrid tints with lower reflectivity.
Also, darker tints tend to be more effective as a window insulation film. The problem is that vehicles must allow more than 35% of light in (35% VLT), while multi-purpose vehicles must allow more than 50% of light in (50% VLT).
So, you need to exercise caution if you would like a darker shade. If a darker tint is medically necessary for glare sensitivity, applying for an exemption can allow more flexibility.
Work With Professionals Who Can Install Your Winter Tint
No matter what you choose as your cold weather window film, working with the right professionals will make it easy to install. That’s why you need to work with the right experts for your winter tinting needs.
Mobile Tinters can bring installation professionals right to your doorstep. We’re also willing to offer same-day service and free consultations to discuss your needs. Our car window tinting services are available for all car brands, including luxury vehicles.
Contact us for more information today.