Have you ever thought about car window tinting? Not only does it provide privacy to those inside of the vehicle, but the other benefits to it are great. Learn more about the benefits of a car window tint, the laws behind window tinting, and the different types of window tint out there. 

Why Tint Your Auto Windows?

There are many reasons why people tint their vehicle windows. Aesthetics are a primary reason, because tinting gives an elegant, cool look. However, it also has quite a few benefits that make a significant difference in the value of the vehicle. 

Benefits Of Tinting Your Windows

• Car window tinting protects your skin. Sun exposure can wreak havoc on your skin and lead to damage in the future. Tinted windows block up to 99% of UV rays from getting in, so you don’t have to worry about getting a sunburn on your drive.
• The tint also reduces fading in your upholstery. Because the tint blocks out the UV rays from the sun, your upholstery is less likely to fade over time.
• It reduces heat. Window tint blocks some of the heat from the sun from penetrating your vehicle. If you live somewhere with a lot of sunlight, this can help keep your vehicle from becoming an oven during hot days. 
• A car window tint provides some privacy, depending on the level of tint you get and the laws in your area. Dark tinted windows make it harder for people passing by to see in your vehicle. This may also help prevent theft and break ins.
• Window tinting provides an extra level of safety to your windows. The extra layer of tiny can help your glass stay together upon impact, rather than shattering. This helps protect against injuries from small shards of glass.

Risks Of Tinting Your Windows

While there are a lot of great benefits to tinting your car windows, there are some downsides to it, as well.

• Window tinting can compromise your night vision. It reduces visibility at night, in foggy situations and any other low light conditions. This may lead to a car accident if you don’t have full visibility. Try to go as light as possible with your window tint.
• If you have purchased a used vehicle, the tinting may not be to the degree that your state allows. Especially when purchasing a vehicle from another state, double check the laws of both states so you know what degree of window tinting you are permitted to have.
• Having tinted windows can increase your insurance. Some insurance companies have their own regulations about the level of car window tinting. Check your insurance policy to know what exactly your insurance covers. 
• Improper installation of window tint can leave you with unsightly air bubbles and fading window tint. You may notice the windows go from a dark color to a purple over time. Always go with high quality car window tinting to avoid any additional expenses.

Window Tint Laws

Each state in the United States has its own laws on window tinting. These laws are designed to make it easier for law enforcement to work if there is an emergency. The laws vary widely from state to state, from 20% in New Mexico to 70% in Alaska. In Arizona, front size window tints must be 33%, while the back and rear side windows can have any level of tint to them. The tint is allowed to the top of the manufacturer’s as-1 line on the windshield. It may not be more than 35% reflective. Red and amber colors are not allowed. If your windows are tinted black in Arizona, you must use dual side mirrors. 

If you violate the tinting laws in your state, you are open to getting a ticket and you may be required to remove the tint. It is important to know your state and region’s laws governing window tint. A professional window tint installer should know the laws in your state well. The installer is also legally required to give you a certificate proving that your tinting material is in compliance with the state law.

Types Of Window Tint

Some manufacturers have windows that come with a factory tint already installed, generally on the rear windows. The “factory tint” is typically done by dying the glass. The front window may also be slightly tint to help reflect the sun’s glare. 

Aftermarket window tinting is done by applying a film to the interior of the vehicle’s windows. DIY kits are available, but the results can be messy. It is best to have a professional install any aftermarket window tinting. 

There are a few different types of window tints. It’s important to know each type to know what is best for your vehicle.

• Metallic Film: This type of window tint has a high resistance to ultraviolet rays and heat. It has a dark, sleek look. The downside to metallic film is that it can block cell phone and GPS signals. Metallic tint may not be the best choice if you use your phone’s apps often. 
• Infrared Film: Infrared film blocks UV rays and heat, but it does so with maximum visibility. With infrared window tinting, you do not have to worry about the laws regarding window tint levels because they are usually within guidelines. These types of tints are designed to last years without fading, peeling, or chipping.
• Carbon Film: Carbon tint offers more UV and heat blocking capabilities than infrared film. Unlike a metallic film, it was specifically designed without metal to allow GPS and cell phone signals to penetrate it. They are also less likely to fade over time.

The Future Of Car Window Tinting

3M has recently come out with a “clear” car window covering. It is a form of nanotechnology consisting of 200 layers of optical film stacked into a coating “thinner than a Post-it note.” 3M claims the Crystalline Series window film rejects up to 60 percent of solar energy and 97 percent of heat producing infrared rays. 3M also states that the tint blocks up to 99 percent of UV radiation and provides an SPF factor of 1000. 

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