Car window tinting may be optional for some car owners, but if you think about its benefits, you would realize that it’s something every car should get done. Tinted windows not only make your vehicle look good but offers other great advantages as well.
The privacy alone is more than enough reason to get your car windows tinted. You could drive anywhere looking like you just got out of bed, and people won’t be able to see it.
There’s also the fact that tinting can block up to 99% of UV rays. With that level of UV protection, your car will stay cooler. You also won’t have to worry about the upholstery suffering from sun damage, and you can say the same thing about your skin!
You can have your car windows tinted anytime you want. You don’t even have to wait for windshield repairs and replacements to do it. Just bring it to a shop that provides car window tinting services, and you can get it done in no time.
If you have no idea which tints to go for, here are some tips that can help you choose the right window tint for your car.
Check Your State’s Car Window Tinting Laws
The single most important thing you need to do before shopping for tinting options for your car windows is to find out what your state’s car window tinting laws are saying.
Yes, each state has its own set of laws that cover car window tinting and prescribe how dark your tinting can get. That means if your car window tint is darker than the state allows, you could get a ticket. The main point of these laws is to allow law enforcement to deal with possible emergency situations in your car more safely and easily.
To avoid getting a ticket and possibly being ordered to remove the tint, make sure your tinted car windows are within state requirements. To be extra safe, double-check with the car window tinting laws in your region. That’s because there are areas within the same state with different tinting laws.
Types of Car Window Tints
Once you already know how dark your state allows your car window tint to be, it’s time to choose the right tint for your vehicle. Here are some of the most common types of car window tints to help you get started.
Metallic Film
If you want a tint that looks shiny on the outside, then the metallic film might be the one for you. It’s highly resistant to heat and pretty good at blocking UV rays, too. It’s very durable and long-lasting and does not fade over time.
However, metallic films block phone signals, which is a deal-breaker in today’s world. If you frequently make calls from your car and use the GPS regularly, then avoid metallic films. It could also interfere with your radio reception and other electronic devices. The shiny appearance might also cause problems with other drivers.
Carbon Film
Most car window tint types are designed to block heat and UV rays, but carbon film is much better at it than the others. Durable and meant to last long, carbon film also allows phone signals through, so using your devices while in your car shouldn’t be a problem.
Infrared Film
If you live in a state with strict car window tinting laws, you might want to consider the infrared film. Although it’s just as good as other tints at blocking UV rays, the infrared film does not make your car’s windows too dark. Visibility is high and will likely pass window tinting statutes in most, if not all, states.
Ceramic Film
Ceramic film is one of the more recent innovations in car window tinting. It’s also one of the most expensive.
Windows with ceramic tint aren’t reflective, can block up to 70% of UV rays, and are great for glass antennas since they don’t mess with radio signals.
Find out more about the pros and cons of the types of tint mentioned above, and make a decision based on your research and the tinting laws of your state. That way, you end up with the right tint for your car!
Article Courtesy of Adrian Bell, Content Marketing Strategist at Reliable Glass