Car window tinting has been popular for decades, mainly because of its effective reduction of UV rays. It is a process in which the vehicle’s windows are darkened so that only a small percentage of rays will get through them. However, it does not necessarily mean that tinted windows should always be dark.
There are two types that the car can have. More and more cars go through factory tinting when they are in a stage of production.
Manufacturers frequently incorporate color matter into the prime material, which cannot be removed in any way. This type prevents about 80% of the light from getting into your vehicle.
Still, not all the windows get factory tinting. Only the rear windows usually have it. For all the others, you should get an aftermarket option.
This one involves applying a film on the inner side of your vehicle’s windows. It often gives 90 % protection from light rays. It is often made from polyester.
The good news is that you can afford to make your windows opaque. The average cost of tinting your vehicle varies from $100 to $400.
Fun fact: Did you know that putting a piece of black paper behind glass makes it a mirror?
Pros and cons
Having windows protected by film is more advantageous for you than having them transparent. Do you know that drivers are more often diagnosed with cancer than passengers?
This interesting fact points straight into one of the advantages of tinted windows. They protect passengers from UV rays, which often cause skin cancer and make people age faster. That’s why window film tinting means caring about your health as well.
We’ll take a look at some of the pros and cons that include:
- rejecting heat
- Fewer UV rays
- Protective abilities
Rejecting heat
The sun does release not only UV rays but also heat. During hot days of more than 90° F, there is nothing worse than being stuck in a hot car.
With some of the vehicles having conditioning systems to keep you cool during extreme heat, there is also a possibility to protect your car from the heat with the help of tinted windows.
Tinted windows can screen about 65% of the sun’s rays and save your fuel at the same time. Remember that the hotter your car is, the more effort it takes for it to cool down and reach the proper temperature. That’s why you save money on fuel by investing in windows.
Fewer UV rays
The sun is not only dangerous because of its UV rays and hot temperature, but also it damages objects. The direct rays of the sun make the material of the car interior fade away in the case when there’s nothing in between them.
Window tint here works as a barrier. When solar rays go through that barrier, they lose their force. Without power, they cannot worsen the state of your leather seats.
As you know, accidents are common on the roads. The more cars there are in the city, the more accidents happen per day.
That’s why there is no guarantee that you will not get your car crashed next time you drive it. For that reason, it’s important to make your vehicle as durable as possible.
Film on your windows is one of the most precautious protections from serious damage that you can take.
If the glass breaks down due to a crash, the tint prevents debris from flying inside the vehicle. The pieces of glass stick to the tint, which protects passengers from being hurt.
Protective abilities
The other advantage that makes car accidents less hurtful is the other tint’s protective ability. If someone attempts to break your window, they will struggle to do that.
The dark film enhances the window’s strength, making it challenging to break. This advantage is profitable not only against thieves but also against possible accidents.
Privacy
Do you always get irritated by passersby who stare inside your car and try to see what’s inside? Privacy is important to us at home, and our vehicles are no exception. No one wants to be stared at while minding their business in their car.
Protection against theft
Obscure windows are also great protection from thieves. Those dishonest people often sneak around cars to see what’s valuable inside. If you take that pleasure from them, you will secure yourself from robbery.
The other point for tint is that it increases the general safety of your vehicle. There are different reasons for car accidents. Very often, they happen because of a glare from the sun.
When the glass is not protected, and the sun shines brightly, the drivers often can’t see the road distinctly. Without a clear view, there is a great chance of crushing into something. Window film reduces glare. In that way, you’re safe to drive on the road.
Aesthetic look
Last but not least, tint gives your car a fancy aesthetic look. If you can’t afford the expensive car, you always wanted but still want to look cool with the one you have.
They are just the choice for you. They will make your car appear more expensive than it is with little effort on your part.
When it comes to the disadvantages of having opaque glass, there aren’t many. As with everything, too much is not healthy.
When your tinting is too dark, you won’t be able to see a thing. It will give you great protection from the sun, but accidents always follow bad visibility. It is especially dangerous during the night.
It is also legally forbidden to put an extreme tint on your vehicle glass. In the US, cars are not allowed to be tinted on the driver’s side by more than 27%.
Before deciding how much more transparent you want your windows to be, check what the state law says. Make sure you do it because ignorance does not absolve you of responsibility.
The thing you might not like about tints is that they often block the signal of radios and GPS. Some types have bigger signal interference issues than others.
If you often drive your vehicle on unfamiliar terrain, you should think about choosing an appropriate tint that won’t distort the signal.
Before taking your vehicle to auto service, look at the different types. After doing so, you’ll know which to avoid and which is best for a car. This will make you secure in your choice.
