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Choosing the right window tint shade can drastically enhance both the look and functionality of your car. Whether you’re aiming for a sleek, modern appearance or looking to reduce heat and protect your interior from harmful UV rays, window tinting offers a number of benefits.
“Beyond aesthetics, window tints provide UV protection and blocks up to 99% of UV radiation. This keeps your interior in good condition and shields your skin from harmful rays. Even more importantly, you don’t need the darkest tint to enjoy these perks—many lighter tints offer excellent UV and heat rejection,” said Tinter Steven Radja.
In this blog post, we’ll be exploring why more drivers are interested in window tint, what you need to keep in mind for visible light transmission, the different types of car window tint available, and which type of tint you should choose for your car.
Most importantly, we’ll cover window tint shades and how to properly care for your window tint.
Why More Drivers Are Opting for Car Window Tint
Tinting your car windows brings several distinct advantages to your driving experience, like:
- Cooler interiors: Window tint cuts down on the heat by blocking infrared rays. Your car stays comfortable without overworking the AC.
- UV protection: Shield your skin and interior from harmful UV rays that cause damage like fading, cracking, and sunburn.
- Less glare: Tinted windows reduce glare and improve visibility, especially during bright, sunny days.
- Better privacy: Keep prying eyes out, and add a layer of security for you and your passengers.
- Stylish appeal: Tints give your car a sleek, modern look that stands out.
| What you need to keep in for visible light transmission (VLT): Visible Light Transmission (VLT) refers to the amount of light that can pass through a window tint, measured as a percentage. The lower the VLT percentage, the darker the tint, meaning a lower percentage of light gets through. For example, a 35% VLT allows 35% of light to enter while blocking the remaining 65%. A lower VLT is better for privacy and reducing glare, while a higher VLT allows more visibility, especially in low-light conditions. |
What Are the Different Types of Car Window Tint?
When it comes to choosing the right window tint, you should understand the different types available and what they offer.
Carbon Tint
Carbon tint offers a solid balance of performance and affordability. It features a matte finish that blocks up to 50% of solar heat and deflects 99% of harmful UV rays. Carbon tint won’t interfere with electronic signals, such as GPS, cellular, or radio signals, and maintains its color over time without fading.
It’s highly scratch-resistant, making it a durable option for cars and sunroofs. While it doesn’t match the heat rejection of ceramic tints, it’s ideal for moderate climates and drivers looking for privacy and comfort.
Ceramic Tint
Ceramic window tint is known for superior UV protection and heat reduction. Using nanotechnology, ceramic particles block nearly 99.9% of UV rays, keeping your car cool while protecting your skin and interior.
The non-metallic construction ensures no signal interference, so your GPS and phone work perfectly. Additionally, ceramic tint excels at reducing glare. It’s pricier than other tints, but for drivers who want the best in performance and durability, ceramic is the go-to choice.
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Dyed Tint
Dyed window tint is a cost-effective way to give your car a sleek, darkened look while offering basic heat and glare reduction. By using layers of dye within the film, it absorbs sunlight and keeps the interior cooler.
It’s great for those who want privacy and a non-reflective, matte finish. However, it’s not the best for blocking UV rays, and over time, the tint may fade—especially if your vehicle gets a lot of sun exposure. While it’s a budget-friendly option, its durability and protection are more limited compared to other tint types.
Hybrid Tint
Hybrid tint combines the best of both worlds—dyed and metalized films. It uses layers of dye for light absorption and metal particles for heat rejection.
This tint type delivers solid UV protection, reduces heat without adding too much darkness, and doesn’t interfere with radio or GPS signals like full-metalized tints. It’s a middle-ground option, providing better performance than dyed tint while being more affordable than full metalized versions.
Metalized Tint
Metalized tint uses tiny metallic particles to reflect heat away from your car, keeping the interior cool and protecting against UV damage. Its reflective finish reduces glare and adds a sleek, shiny appearance.
Besides offering excellent durability and scratch resistance, metalized tint strengthens windows, making them more resistant to shattering. However, the metallic particles can interfere with radio and GPS signals.
While it’s more expensive than dyed options, its superior heat rejection and long-lasting performance make it a solid choice for those seeking durability and style.
Which Type of Tint Should You Choose for Your Car?
Choosing the right window tint for your car all depends on what you’re looking for.
- Ceramic tint stands out as the best option for drivers looking for the highest level of heat rejection, UV protection, and signal clarity.
- Carbon tint strikes a balance, providing solid heat reduction, UV protection, and a durable, non-reflective matte finish without signal issues.
- Metalized tint, while great for heat rejection and durability, can interfere with electronic signals, so it may not be the best choice if you rely heavily on GPS or cell reception.
- For ultimate performance and long-term value, ceramic tint is the premium choice, while carbon tint offers a strong alternative for budget-conscious buyers.
Different Shades of Tint for Cars
When it comes to tint shades for your car, you should keep aesthetics and functionality in mind.
Dark tint shades for cars, like 20-35%, are the most popular for drivers who want a bold look, maximum privacy, and the highest level of heat rejection. These tints block the most sunlight, keeping the interior cool and protected from UV rays.
Medium tints (around 50%) strike a balance between privacy and visibility. They provide solid UV protection and reduce glare, making them a good option for those who want some privacy while maintaining clear visibility, both day and night.
For those who prefer a more subtle look, light tints (over 50%) offer minimal darkening but still provide benefits like UV protection and glare reduction. These tints are ideal if you want a clear view with just a slight reduction in brightness, perfect for maintaining a natural look without sacrificing comfort.
The key to selecting the right tint is balancing aesthetics with function. Each level of tint serves different needs, whether you prioritize privacy, heat control, or style. Additionally, you must consider local laws, as some regions have regulations on how dark your windows can be.
| What You Should Keep in Mind for Car Window Tint Shades in Illinois In Illinois, the window tint laws differ based on the type of vehicle: For sedans, all side windows and the rear window must allow more than 35% of visible light through, while the windshield can have non-reflective tint on the top 6 inches. In contrast, SUVs and vans have a 50% rule for front side windows, but you can go as dark as you like on the back side and rear windows. This ensures flexibility in tinting, though front visibility remains regulated. Be aware that tinting laws in Illinois also require dual side mirrors if the back window is tinted, and while no specific colors are banned, reflection must be non-reflective for all vehicle types. Always ensure compliance with these guidelines to avoid legal issues. |
Source: Car Tint Laws
How to Properly Care for Your Car Window Tint
To properly care for your window tint, follow these steps.
- Keep windows rolled up: After tinting, leave your windows up for at least three days to let the adhesive fully set. Rolling them down too soon can cause peeling or bubbles in the film, which can affect tint performance.
- Wait to clean: Hold off on cleaning the inside of the windows for at least a week. Once you’re ready to clean, use a non-ammonia cleaner and a soft microfiber cloth to avoid scratching or damaging the film.
- Avoid sharp objects: Sharp or hard objects like seat belts, boxes, or tools can easily scratch or tear the window tint. Be cautious when loading items into your car and take extra care when retracting your seat belt to prevent damage.
- Be gentle: Rough handling of your windows can damage the tint. Avoid slamming doors or using aftermarket subwoofers that create strong vibrations, which can loosen or weaken the adhesive.
By taking these precautions, you’ll make sure that your window tint remains in great condition and lasts for years.
Transform the Look and Feel of Your Car
Whether you’re looking for privacy, style, or protection from the sun, we’ve got the ideal solution for you. Our mobile service comes to you, offering custom tint levels, affordable pricing, and top-quality installation right at your doorstep.
With over a decade of experience, our friendly, trained professionals guarantee exceptional results.
Don’t wait—contact us now to book your service.
