Your Auto Window Tinting Guide to Choosing the Perfect Percentage
Auto window tinting is a great way to protect your vehicle and your investment, however, it's important to choose the right tint percentage.
Did you know that the US has roughly 289 million vehicles on the road? If you're one of these motorists, then you want a comfortable, stylish vehicle, especially if you commute to and from work every day.
Auto window tinting is a great way to improve the comfort of your vehicle while giving it a personalized appearance. But what types of window tints are available, and which should you choose?
You also need to familiarize yourself with window tint laws from state to state, to avoid costly tickets.
This article explains why you need window tint, and what percentage is best for your needs. Be sure to keep reading for information you won't want to miss.
Benefits of Window Tint
Window tint boasts countless benefits. Here are some reasons why you should consider installing it on your vehicle:
- Less glare when driving
- Improves your vehicle's appearance
- Protection of your vehicle's interior
- Protects you from the sun's harmful UV rays
- Protects valuables inside your vehicle
- Energy efficient so you use your heat and AC less
- Adds a layer of privacy
- Reinforces window strength
Should your window sustain damage, tint works to hold the glass intact. But what types of window tint are best? Let's take a look.
Types of Window Tint Percentages
Your ideal choices range from 5% to 90%, but you need to follow your state's laws. Remember that the higher the percentage, the lighter your window tint will be.
Consider the following mobile auto window tinting percentages when choosing the best window tint for your vehicle:
35% and 50% Window Tint
If your goal is to keep UV rays and heat out of your vehicle, then 50% is ideal. You'll successfully block out half of the sun's rays, reducing eye strain and glare while driving.
However, 35% is perfect if you want to add a sleek, stylish look to your vehicle. You'll benefit from a darker appearance without sacrificing how well you can see out your windows.
20% and Less
If you opt for 20% window tint, you'll have the perfect balance between looks and privacy. You can't see easily into a vehicle with this type of tint percentage, whether you're close up or far away.
This means you'll deter people from casually looking into your car, or from eyeing up items to steal. And since more than 900,000 vehicles were reported stolen in 2021 alone, it's important to protect your personal items from prying eyes.
However, a 20% tint may deter criminals if they can't see what's in your car, such as spare keys or a pocketbook (items you want out of sight). If a prospective car thief sees your vehicle has a tint preventing them from gaining a look inside, they may choose a different vehicle to break into.
Window Tinting Tips
Now that you know about a couple of popular tint choices, you're probably wondering what tint is best for you. Here are some factors to consider.
Why Do You Want Tint?
Do you have leather seats? If so, you may want 50% tint. This can help protect your seats from fading.
Additionally, are you prone to headaches? You may want this percentage to reduce sun glare.
Aesthetics
Before installing tint, consider your car's aesthetics. What percentage tint best matches your exterior color? If you have a black car, a darker tint gives a more cohesive appearance, but it might appear too stark against a white paint job.
Consider the type of look you're going for when installing tint on your vehicle. Also, if you're unable to tint your passenger and driver windows, you may want a lighter tint on the back windows so it blends better.
Consider Local Tint Laws
As previously mentioned, your city and state have local tint laws. Consider their laws when professionally installing tint on your vehicle. For example, a second window tint violation ticket can cost as much as $200, so it's best to familiarize yourself with the laws- and follow them.
Visible Light Transmission Calculator
It's common for factory glass to have some level of tinting already in place. That means it's not 100% clear to begin with. However, this may make it difficult for you to figure out the best window tint percentage for your vehicle.
Keep in mind that the majority of vehicles have a visible light transmission (VLT) of 80%. However, VLT varies from model to model, so you need to check with your manufacturer to determine what your VLT is before installing tint.
It's possible to calculate your car's VLT. You would take your car's existing tint, which is typically 80%. Multiply this number by the percentage of tint that you want to apply on top of it.
If, for example, you want to apply 5% tint to your windows, multiply 5% times 80%. Your vehicle's VLT would be 4%. Apply this formula for every tint percentage you're considering so you know what tint percentage you'll have as the final result.
Should this formula seem overwhelming, or if you want extra reassurance, you can always invest in a tint meter. This is similar to what the police use, and can help you determine your vehicle's VLT, minus the math and calculations.
Auto Window Tinting for All Your Needs
Now that you know why you need window tint, along with the best percentage, you can choose the best auto window tinting for your vehicle. Consider why you want tint- is it to protect your skin and your vehicle's interior from the sun's harmful UV rays? Are you looking for a certain aesthetic appearance?
No matter what type of window tint you're interested in applying, Metropolitan Tinting can help. Reach out to us today for a free estimate.
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