What Is the Best Type of Car Window Tint for Your Vehicle?
There are numerous advantages to tinting the windows on a vehicle. See more as we take a look at how to choose the best car window tint for the job today.
Most people tint their car windows to add style and privacy to their vehicle. But there are many other reasons to install window film, including protecting the interior of your vehicle and your skin.
The benefits of car window tint depend on the type and quality you select. There are lots of different products to choose from, with pros and cons to each and at varying price points. It can be difficult to know where to start.
The good news is that, once you have an idea of your tinting goals and understand the attributes of different products, you can decide which is ideal for your driving needs and budget. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about the best car window tint for your vehicle.
Benefits of Car Window Tint
One of the biggest benefits of car window tint is protection from the sun’s UV rays. The American Skin Cancer Foundation recommends window film as an effective way to prevent cancer. That is because certain types of car window tint can block more than 99 percent of the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Window tint does not only reflect light, it helps keep heat from the sun out. High-quality films have an insulating quality, which means they will help keep your cabin cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Besides privacy, window film can add security to your vehicle. It can help dissuade theft and give you the peace of mind that your car will not become a target if you leave valuables out in otherwise plain view.
Window film also makes driving safer. It reduces glare and haze, allowing you to see the road and whatever else is in front of you more clearly.
Types of Window Tint
Not all window tint is created equal. Like many products, the benefits (and lack of drawbacks) are proportional to the cost. Here are the major types in order of performance.
Dyed Film
Dyed window film is the most common type of tint because it is the most affordable. It comprises several layers of dyed film. You can customize these to get the desired level of darkness.
A major downside to dyed film is that it does not offer the same level of UV protection as other products on this list. It also has a very limited ability to keep heat out. Dyed films will fade over time, so you should not expect them to last the life of your vehicle.
Metalized Film
Metalized window tint has layers of microscopic metal particles. Unlike dyed film, which absorbs sunlight, metalized film deflects it. This makes it more effective at keeping you safe from UV rays.
Another big plus is that metalized film is very durable. It is resistant to scratches and adds strength to your windows. Metalized film will cost more than dyed film but less than other types.
Metalized film is more difficult to customize. It has a shiny finish, which many people prefer. For those that want a matte finish though, you should select another product.
The biggest downside to metalized film is that it can interfere with radio, cellular, and GPS signals. This may be a minor inconvenience but something you should consider if you are leaning towards this type of film.
Hybrid Film
Hybrid films consist of several dyed layers that envelope a very thin metal layer. The idea is to optimize the pros of each type while minimizing the deficits.
Hybrid films are stronger than dyed tints but do not have a shiny finish. They also are less likely to interfere with cell and GPS signals than fully metalized films.
Carbon Film
Carbon tint for vehicle windows is made up of tiny carbon-fiber particles. They will not fade over time and are much more effective than dyed and metallic films at blocking UV rays. Carbon tinting also has a natural matte finish.
Besides blocking sun rays, carbon film has superior insulating capacity. It can reduce the heating effects of the sun in your cabin by as much as 40 percent.
As you may have guessed, you can expect to pay more for carbon film. When you consider that it will look and perform well as long as you have your vehicle, the extra costs seem more reasonable.
Ceramic Film
Ceramic tint is the highest-quality, best-performing film you can buy. It will block more than 99 percent of all UV rays. It will not fade over time, nor will it obstruct radio signals.
Ceramic particles that make up the film do not conduct heat. This means that, while they do a great job at reflecting sun rays, they also are the best at insulating your vehicle. You can expect the reduced impact on your cabin to be upwards of 50 percent.
Ceramic film also is on par with metallic film in increasing your windows’ durability. They are the most effective at making windows shatter-proof, in the event of an accident or impact.
A final advantage of ceramic film is that it can offer all these benefits without having to use a very dark tint. If you are someone who prefers a lighter shade without sacrificing performance, then this high-performing option is your best choice.
The only downside to ceramic film is that it is the most expensive. Like with carbon film, you will never have to replace it, and it will perform just as well years down the road as the day you bought it.
A Note on Professional Installation
There are many DIY videos and products to help you install car window tint. Proper installation is imperative if you want to see all the benefits of the film you select. For this reason, you may consider leaving it up to a professional.
Also, state laws vary widely on how dark a tint you can have on different vehicle windows. If you want the darkest tint possible while still complying with the law, a reputable installer will be able to achieve that for you.
Learn More About Tint for Vehicle Windows
Now that you have an idea of the best type of car window tint for your vehicle, you can ensure that the interior of your vehicle and your skin is protected. It is a great way to add style and comfort while making it safer to ride and drive.
Solartex Window Tinting is a premier residential, commercial, and automotive window film installation company. We offer industry-leading LLumar window film products that provide superior performance and longevity. Reach out to us today to learn about our products and services or for a free estimate on your vehicle.
