Different types of window tint create different custom looks on your car. Let us help you understand these varieties with educational reviews and help you make your final decision on the ideal type of window tint. There are various styles of car tints at a relatively wide range of prices. Therefore, it might be difficult to determine what exactly you would be looking for.
You might even be confused about where to start and what to choose. You should also be able to meet the best product within the limits of your budget. Therefore, let’s get a brief understanding of the concept of car window tinting and how to choose the best.
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Benefits of Car Tint
Tinted car windows give a stylish look depending on the type of tint, its shade, and the model of your car. Getting to choose your favorite color and shade is an added advantage that you can enjoy in the process. This also makes your car look unique and identifiable.
If your car windows are tinted, the people walking by would not be able to see inside much clearly. Therefore, even if you leave your valuables inside the car, potential thefts may be reduced. Tinted car windows also increase your privacy.
Window tint can also reduce the effect of the bright sun and make driving more comfortable and safe. It also reduces heat getting penetrated inside the vehicle. Hence, window tint is highly common in tropical countries. Considering countries with seasons, this can help eliminate heat during summer and also trap the internal heat from escaping to outside during winter.
The most important advantage of tint is the protection that the passengers receive from harmful UV radiation. This alternatively reduces the possible risks of melanoma and skin cancer. Thus, it can be shown to have health benefits too.
Different Types of Window Tint
Before you start shopping for car window tints, let’s identify the different types, along with their advantages and disadvantages.
Dyed Tint
This is the most common type and is the most affordable in terms of cost. This consists of having several layers of the dyed film. This absorbs the light rays that try to penetrate through the glass. The number of layers can be adjusted depending on your personal preference of the darkness level. The highest level of darkness in window tint can be expected through this type.
The disadvantage in these dyed car tints is that they get faded, turns into a purple shade, and become less effective over time. The layers may get separated and delaminate and might even have bubbles trapped inside if not installed correctly. They also have limited heat-blocking ability. This also, might not be the best UV blocking type of car tint when compared with other options in the market.
Metalized Tint
Metalized car tint contains microparticles of metals, and hence it is a thicker film. Rather than the choice of absorbing radiation, this type of tint keeps out the sunlight by directly reflecting it. Hence, they are much more effective than dyed tint.
These are highly resistant to scratch and add strength to the windows. This makes them less vulnerable to shattering during impacts and accidents. It consists of a separate treated layer that creates a dark effect. It does not fade over time and has durable properties. The added shiny, mirror-like look is preferred by some people.
When considering the disadvantages, there may be minor interferences with radio and GPS signals due to the metal microparticles. This drawback might not affect a person who uses less technology while driving. But, you might need to consider it when going for metalized car tints.
Hybrid Tint
This is a combined form of both dyed and metalized films. There are several layers of the dyed film along with a thin film of metalized tint in the middle. The most common metal used in this is Titanium.
This hybrid form is able to reduce the disadvantages of both individual types. They have less interference with radio signals and also have a less shiny, mirror-like effect. These may seem to be more expensive than dyed tints but are surely less expensive than the metalized tints.
Carbon Tint
Carbon tints are made with fine particles of carbon particles. These are considered to be more efficient in the task of blocking UV radiation and less likely to fade over time. The carbon tint has more of a matte finish and is preferred by many people.
This tint prevents the rising of internal heat by about 40% due to its high insulating properties. Since it helps to maintain the internal cool temperature, carbon tints also help the air conditioner favorably. This type of tint is highly durable and considered as a recommended type of window tint with authentic lack appearance. Nevertheless, it might be more expensive than previously mentioned types of car tints.
Ceramic Tint
Ceramic tint has the best performance in blocking harmful UV rays. It successfully blocks more than 99% of UV rays. Since it does not contain any dyed films or metallic particles, the disadvantages of signal interference and fading over time are not present in it. As we all know, ceramic is highly heat resistant. Sunlight is reflected and higher heat insulation is created, but the appearance is not much mirror-like as the metalized tint.
Ceramic tint reduces the rising of internal temperature by about 50% and is considered the most effective among all the car window tints. It adsorbs heat with twice the capability of dyed and hybrid versions. The advantages of shatter resistance and scratch resistance are also present in this type, and the glare of sunlight is reduced without having to use a darker shade of tint.
Therefore, this is preferable for people who like to have a lighter shade of tint on their vehicles. As you would guess, this type of tint is likely to have the highest cost when compared to other products. But still, you would not regret paying the price for all these benefits obtained by high-standard ceramic tints as they are the most technologically advanced type of tint.
Other Tint Options
The crystalline tint is another option that is available for you. It is efficient in blocking off UV radiation but is fully transparent.
Therefore, it tends to provide very low privacy and security. It would be an ideal choice if you are looking for protection at an affordable price, and not interested in the appearance and visibility of the car window. Rather than looking in types of car tint, this type is more suitable for buildings and living spaces that require unlimited natural lighting.
What You Should Consider Before Choosing
The optimum solution would vary with the area you live, depending on cooler countries and hotter, tropical climates. Try to picture a virtual image of the ideal appearance of your car that you would ultimately expect after the application of window tint. Decide what type of shade you prefer, whether it is a light shade or a darker one. Choose whether you like a reflective, mirror-like look or a matte shade on your windows.
Consideration of your health is one of the most important factors among all these. Decide how much harmful radiation you would like to keep away, depending on the time you drive or use the vehicle most. You would also need to determine the reduction of glare so that you would feel comfortable while driving. Follow expert’s tips for choosing the best tint percentage for your car.
Consider your usage of electrical device usage within the vehicle, as some tint types would interfere with the signals. With all the above considerations, you need to decide on the best you can buy according to the budget you can manage. After all, you don’t tint your car windows every day! So make a wise choice, optimize your budget and go with the best option suitable for you!
Application Methods
When installing window tints on your car, you can choose either to seek professional guidance or do it yourself. Most commonly referred to as the DIY method, it would be more cost-effective and less expensive as you do not need to pay a technician.
It would also be more satisfying to put your effort into a new work experience. But still, it might be more advantageous if you follow some professional guidance, as there are certain aspects that you might not know, in terms of technical details or legal conditions and other requirements.
Professional Guidance
You may find the best solution for car window tinting for your budget and preference. Nevertheless, if you need any more clarifications on the varieties and application procedures, it is recommended to seek professional guidance from a reputed specialist in the field of window tinting. They would provide you with knowledge and guidance on the procedures that should be followed and types of auto window tint. Y
ou would be able to find a trusted, trained technician who would help you with the installation. Professionals would also advise you regarding the legal issues related to car window tinting. For an instance, there may be restrictions in the darkness shade percentage that may vary within states, countries, and models of vehicles. Therefore if possible, use professional guidance in the process.
