A Complete Guide To Auto Window Tinting
We’ve all been there. You get in your car on a hot summer day, and it feels like you’ve entered another dimension. It’s scorching hot, miserably stuffy, and your seatbelt has turned into actual fire.
Although it’s a familiar scenario, it doesn’t have to be an unpreventable one.
With the right measures in place, you can keep the interior of your car cool and comfortable all year long. The secret is professional auto window tinting.
How does this process work and what benefits does it provide? Today, we’re sharing the ultimate guide to help you get started.
Understanding Car Tinting Legality
Before you head out to tint your car windows, make sure you take the time to review the laws on this service as they relate to your state. In the United States and Canada, each state or providence has established its own rules and regulations regarding this feature.
This post helps to break down how these laws work, what they mean, and how to check your state’s guidelines.
Most states limit the percentage to which you can tint your cars. In general, this range is between 5% and 70%. The higher the tint percentage, the lighter the tint and the more visible the window.
Different Auto Window Tint Options
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details of car window tinting, let’s start at the beginning. What is it and why do you need it?
Auto window tinting works as its name implies. This is the process of applying a thin film over the windows of your vehicle, giving them a visible tint.
While it sounds straightforward, it isn’t as simple as you might expect. In fact, there are many different types of auto window tints, and the exact kind you need might vary from your neighbor’s.
Today, there are hundreds of different tints to choose from, as well as multiple application methods. You can find some that serve a functional purpose, such as cooling, as well as ones that are purely aesthetic. There are also myriad materials, shades, and features to browse as you make your selection.
Let’s break down a few of the most common options.
Dyed Tints
If you’re new to window tinting, it’s best to start with a basic dyed window tint. These tints are comprised of a few different layers of dyes, all infused together to block glaring sunlight from beaming into your car.
Together, the layers of dye help block solar heat before it can infiltrate your cabin. This can help keep your passengers cool, even on the hottest summer day. It also keeps your car from overheating if you park it in the sun!
One aspect to note: While dyed tints will keep your car from getting too hot, they don’t protect drivers and passengers from UV exposure. Thus, these tints are not a suitable substitute for smart sun protection in the car!
Metalized Tints
Metalized car window tints work in a similar fashion to dyed tints. However, these tints do not include layers of dyes.
Instead, the tint blocks sunlight and prevents glares through tiny particles of metal that are infused into the film. If you’ve ever used one of those fold-up metallic windshield covers when you park, then you understand the concept of a metalized tint. It offers the same type of protection, but on every window for a more widespread application.
Appearance-wise, a metalized tint will give your windows a degree of sheen or luster. Yet, don’t let that sway you from adding this one to your list. These tints block sunlight and make your windows more durable.
This means they’re less likely to shatter when exposed to impact or high temperatures. While a metalized tint offers a little more UV protection than a dyed tint, it’s still smart to slather on the sunscreen before you get behind the wheel.
Dyed/Metalized Tints
What if you could combine the best features of dyed tints and metalized tints? Today, you can find modern hybrid tints that allow you to do just that.
An auto window tinting service can create this type of dye by combining grey dye with flakes of titanium metal. The result is a film that’s only slightly dark and isn’t too reflective.
Overall, this is the best option in terms of sun protection. Hybrid tints are the best at blocking UV rays and reducing overall heat and sun exposure inside your vehicle’s cabin. However, their lightly-tinted surface means your visibility is never impaired, so you can use these tints even if you’re driving in low-light conditions.
Carbon-Infused Tints
You can find the three types of tints above at most car window tinting services. However, you might prefer a look that’s slightly higher-end. In that case, take a look at the features of a carbon-infused tint.
Unlike most standard auto tints, carbon-infused varieties do more than enhance the appearance and comfort level of your car. They can actually make the interior of your cabin healthier.
They do so by blocking a majority of the infrared radiation that your vehicle absorbs. This is a type of radiant energy that is invisible to the human eye but is felt as heat. If you feel hot when you get into your car, infrared radiation is at work.
Not only can carbon-infused tints help lessen the effects of this radiation, but they can also block more UV rays than any other type of auto tint on this list. Not only does this keep your skin healthier, but it also keeps your features and finishes from fading.
The plastic trim in your cabin can melt and warp in high temperatures. Likewise, your seats can fade, crack, and wear out when they get too hot. By shading those elements, you can help extend their lifespan.
Ceramic-Infused Tint
While there are many benefits to having auto tinted windows, one of the biggest drawbacks is that many types of tints can reduce in-cabin signals. This means your car’s Bluetooth features might not work as well, or it might be more difficult to pick up the nearest Wi-Fi signal.
With a ceramic-infused tint, you don’t have to worry about this frustrating issue. These tints are infused with tiny particles that have a ceramic base. By nature, these particles are non-conductive.
It’s this feature that allows you to retain normal connectivity throughout your vehicle. If you’re a driver who routinely connects to Bluetooth to make professional calls, or pulls over to work on a laptop in the nearest parking lot, you’ll need that unimpeded access.
Another reason to invest in a carbon-infused tint? It’s also great at blocking solar heat, but it will not alter your visibility. Other top benefits of this type of tint include:
- Helps resist window shattering
- Blocks UV exposure
- Reduces glare
- Reduces interior fading
While you will pay a little more for a carbon-infused tint, the investment is more than worth it. This is considered the most premium type of auto tint, though not all providers may offer it.
Crystalline Tint
Finally, the last tint on our list is a crystalline one. While this one isn’t as feature-rich as the carbon-infused tint, it still offers plenty of benefits.
These tints are great at keeping your car cool and a little darker. They can also block some degree of UV radiation and infrared radiation.
How It Works
Unless you’re an auto mechanic, you won’t likely be applying the window tint to your own car. Rather, you’ll take it to an auto salon or special window tinting service. If you’re an Ohio driver, you can Google custom truck accessories near me to find a reputable local company like Solar Shade Truck and Car Paradise.
It’s important to know what to expect when you take your vehicle into the shop. Here’s a quick run-through of the process.
Prepping Your Windows
Once you choose the type of tint you want and the percentage you need, you will relay this information to the tinting team. Then, they will begin to prep your car windows.
If you already have a tint on your windows, they’ll remove that first. Then, they’ll thoroughly remove all dirt, grime, and debris from your windows. They will do so using special solutions that are sure to note leave a film.
Fitting the Tint
Next, the team will measure and cut the tint to fit your windows precisely. They will do so by measuring the outside of your window and using that as a template.
Applying the Tint
The specific application method will vary based on the type of tint that you select. This step tends to go fairly quick, as most of the time and labor is wrapped up in the measurement step.
Note that the tint is always applied to the inside of each window, so it’s safe from impact and weather.
Curing the Tint
The tint will need some time to cure before you can drive off from the shop. Most drivers are asked to keep their windows rolled up for a few days to ensure the tint can properly adhere to the glass.
Is Auto Window Tinting Right For You?
Now that you know a little more about auto window tinting, are you ready to upgrade your ride with this helpful feature? Though it isn’t for everyone, there are many benefits to tinting your windows.
Not only can they improve the appearance of your vehicle, but they can also keep it cool and prevent harmful UV radiation. Talk to your local mechanic or auto salon to learn more about your options and begin the process.
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