How To Choose the Right Auto Window Tint Film for You: A Guide
Are you wondering how you can choose the right auto window tint film for you but don't know where to start? Learn more here.
The auto window tint film market is worth over $3.14 billion. More and more drivers are having these protective layers installed over their windows to get the benefits it provides.
Tinted windows are aesthetically pleasing but can do so much more than spruce up the look of your car. They can also protect against UV rays, provide privacy, lessen the likelihood of damage or break-ins, and more.
All of these benefits make them worth the installation, but not all window film options provide them at the same level. Read our guide to learn how to choose the best auto window tint film for your needs and where to have it installed.
Types of Window Tints
Window tinting is a major business, and there is no longer only one type to choose from. There are plenty of options to choose from that cater to different drivers.
Types of window tint films include dyed, metalized, hybrid, carbon, and ceramic.
Dyed window film is made of thin layers of dyed plastic with several shade options. It's a popular film due to its affordability and decent UV protection but fades over time and may need to be replaced every few years.
Metalized window film is made of metallic microparticles. It provides a stylish, sleek look. Its reflectiveness provides a high level of privacy and protection against UV rays, heat, and break-ins. Despite this, it is one of the more expensive options and can interfere with signals from your radio, GPS, or cell phone.
Hybrid film is like a combination of the features of dyed and metalized film. It offers security and protection but is even more expensive than either of these options on its own and can block signals.
Carbon film made from carbon particles is one of the most subtle options but still offers plenty of heat insulation. Its reflectiveness keeps it from fading, and it blocks up to 40% of UV rays. It doesn't block signals but can cost more than other options.
Ceramic film uses non-conductive ceramic particles to create a film that blocks up to 90% of UV rays. It provides the best performance of any window tint, but that makes it the most expensive.
Choosing An Auto Window Tint Film
Knowing what types of auto film you have to choose from is only the first step. The next is to learn how to choose between them and find the best option for you.
There are several factors to keep in mind to find the right auto window tint film. You'll need to find the right percentage, cater the product to your needs, and ensure it fits in your budget.
Choose the Right Tint Percentage
The darkness of a car tint is measured in VLT or visible light transmission. This is measured in percentages and determines how much light can get through.
Every state has its own laws about the VLT you're allowed to have. Knowing the car window tint laws in Georgia ensures you don't go over it and risk expensive fines.
You can only tint the top 6 inches of your front windshield and have a 32% tint on your front side windows. The back side windows and rear windshield of a sedan can only be tinted up to 32%, but there are no such restrictions for SUVs. Also, no window can be more than 20% reflective.
You can tint your windows as dark as you like as long as the VLT percentage falls within these legal limits. Consider what percentage you want before you have auto window tint film installed.
Consider Your Priorities
Tinting your windows has a wide range of benefits, and it's a wise choice for any vehicle owner. Choosing the right type of film involves deciding which of these benefits is most important to you.
UV radiation has plenty of damaging effects, including sunburns, premature aging, skin cancer, eye problems, and immune system suppression. If you want the highest possible level of protection from these health effects, you may want to choose a ceramic coating.
If you want the highest level of privacy possible, you'll want to go with the darkest legal tint percentage. If you want the highest level of privacy and high protection against shattering, you may want to choose a metalized tint film.
If heat reduction is your primary concern, choose a carbon or ceramic film. They block the highest percentage of UV rays and will help keep your vehicle cool and comfortable.
Aesthetic appeal may even serve as your primary reason for getting auto window tint film. Dyed films are one of the least appealing and fade over time. Carbon and ceramic provide a shinier look, while metallic tins are dark and mysterious. Choose whichever one fits your vehicle's aesthetic.
Create a Budget
Window film is an investment, and you need to determine what you can afford before you begin. Consider how much the film will cost to install and maintain.
Dyed window film is the most affordable type, but more expensive options like ceramic film will last longer and save you money in the long run. You should also consider the cost of labor.
Keep all these factors in mind and compare all the auto detailers in your area to decide who should install the film. Compare the auto tint options they offer, get quotes to see how much they cost, get a sense of their experience, look at their past work, and check reviews.
Where to Get My Windows Tinted
The market for auto window tint film continues to grow as drivers realize the benefits it can provide them. It's aesthetically pleasing, increases privacy, and protects against breakage and UV rays.
All window tint film options are made in layers and placed over your window. Your options include dyed, metalized, hybrid, carbon, and ceramic.
There are several factors to keep in mind when choosing between these tints. Find the right percentage, consider their pros and cons, and find one you can afford.
Metropolitan Tinting is the detailer to trust to complete your window tinting job. Get a free estimate today.
