Question 1

What is Window Tinting?

Accepted Answer

Auto window tinting is a process of installing a thin film, usually made of a polyester base and other types of additives on the interior face of the automobile’s window. Generally, the purpose of window tinting is to protect the windows, passenger, and upholsteries from the harmful effects of sunlight. Furthermore, other important factors such as improving the aesthetic look of the automobile, cooling the interior temperature and privacy concerns are also considered in having a window tinted.

Question 2

How dark is the allowable tint shade?

Accepted Answer

The allowable tint shade limits depend on which state you reside in, but usually, the prescribed level by law is 35%. Tint shade limits are prescribed due to security reasons because window tints are usually dark in shade. However, this shade level can be adjusted depending on the type of window tint used and there are numerously available in the market.

Question 3

What are the reasons for tinting your automobile?

Accepted Answer

The main reasons for tinting an automobile are to protect the windows, passenger, and upholsteries from the harmful effects of sunlight. Window Tinting helps in decreasing the interior temperature of the automobile, improves aesthetic looks and privacy concerns.

Question 4

What is window tint made of?

Accepted Answer

Window tints are essentially high-quality films or stickers with strong reflective capabilities. In its very core, it is made up of a very thin film of a polyester base with a scratch coat resistant coating. Additives such as dye, metallic, ceramic, carbon, crystalline or hybrid elements are used to enhance other capabilities of the tint film. The other side of the window tint is the adhesive face and is covered by the release liner for installation purposes.

Question 5

How long does window tint last on an automobile?

Accepted Answer

The lifespan of window tints depends on its type but there are other factors affecting its longevity. But generally, lower quality window tints have shorter lifespans. For instance, dyed window tints, being the lowest quality, lasts up to five years. And higher quality tints such as metallic tints last up to ten years and ceramic, carbon and crystalline tints have lifetime warranties provided that the tint is properly installed and well maintained.

Question 6

Which is better, ceramic or carbon tint?

Accepted Answer

Ceramic window tints are new to the market and are considered the highest quality among other window tints. In terms of performance, ceramic window tints are the best. It performs better in aspects such as heat, glare, and UV ray rejection both in a laboratory and actual settings. Its enhanced performance is made possible by the superior nano-ceramic technology which is nonconductive to heat. While carbon window tints just lag a tiny bit behind ceramic window tints in terms of performance, ceramic window tints are on a different level. Their cost difference typically ranges from $100 to $150.

Question 7

How much does window tinting cost?

Accepted Answer

Your typical auto window tinting shop near you will usually charge around $100 to $800, depending on the type of tint used and type of automobile. A standard non-reflective tint such as“dyed window tint” has lower material and installation cost while higher quality tints such as ceramic, carbon, metallic and crystalline have higher material and slightly higher installation costs. The size of your automobile also affects the price range of window tinting, for instance, the cost difference between the installation cost for a regular sedan and SUVs are usually $250.

Question 8

Is it okay to wash the window after tinting it?

Accepted Answer

It’s not advisable to wash your window right after tinting it. While you can be tempted to wash your windows, never try to disturb the newly installed window tint for whatever reasons and let it cure for three days. After this timeframe, your windows can be washed since the tint already cured. Washing your window during its curing time will most likely cause premature peel off and misalignment, thus requiring you to re-install the tint.

Question 9

What type of window tint is the best?

Accepted Answer

Ceramic window tint is the best among all other types of window tints in all aspects of performance. A relatively new addition to the market, it has already proven its worth due to its superior performance both in a laboratory and actual settings. It’s material composition is what makes it superior, thanks to its nano-ceramic technology which is made from nonconductive ceramic particles. It has high reflective capabilities but it does not hamper visibility which is an issue in other window tints. UV rays are also reflected completely, making it the ideal choice of cooling your interiors and preventing deterioration.

Question 10

Can I tint my own automobile windows?

Accepted Answer

Window tinting is a delicate task to do and requires the services of a professional. However, there are DIY kits available in the market so there are some people doing it for themselves. But doing it your own is not advisable even with concise instructions and guides to help you along the way. Instruction and guides mean nothing if the person doing it is inexperienced and does not have the technical know-how of a professional. Thus, doing it yourself will pose certain risks associated with subpar tint installation which can result in low-quality installation and will cause premature problems. Also, the cost of re-installing and buying new materials is another issue with doing it yourself.

Question 11

What type of window tint removes the most heat?

Accepted Answer

Ceramic window tint removes the most heat among all other types of window tints. It owes its superior performance to its material composition which is made from nonconductive ceramic particles. Ceramic tints can block as high as 50% infrared light or “solar heat” while other low-quality type window tints usually just block up to 25%, but it depends on which type.

Question 12

Does the factory window tint keep out heat?

Accepted Answer

Factory tint is mainly installed for style and privacy to make the manufacturer’s product more attractive to buyers. While factory Window tint provides heat rejection, it does not compare to a high-quality aftermarket tint because factory tint is usually just low-quality dyed pigments built-in inside the window. It does not provide the amount of heat rejection as aftermarket tint does.

Question 13

Why does the factory tint the windows of SUV but not cars?

Accepted Answer

Factory window tints are built in inside the windows of an SUV which are called as “privacy glass”. State laws on tinting dictates that automobiles categorized as “multipurpose passenger vehicle”, in which the SUV falls into category, will only need to use the two front windows and windshield while driving but automobiles categorized as “passenger car” requires its drivers to use all the windows of the car. For these reasons, manufacturers purposely tint the rear windows. Also, laws are more lenient on SUVs as compared to sedans so manufacturers tint the front windows as well.

Question 14

How can I tell if I have a factory tint or aftermarket tint on my automobile?

Accepted Answer

Factory tints are only found on the rear windows of SUVs, minivans and trucks and oftentimes the front windows as well, whereas aftermarket tints are found on both sedans and SUVs but it can go both ways. However, in order to determine which automobile has an aftermarket tint, one can simply just feel the edges of the windows and if there are seams felt on the edges then it has aftermarket tint. And if there are none, then it most likely a factory tint since it is a pigment embedded on the inside of the window.

Question 15

How do I find what window tint is legal in my state?

Accepted Answer

There are numerous site or blogs on the internet that summarizes the prescribed allowable tint shade levels and other restrictions for each state. But a general rule of thumb suggests that the front windshield and windows to be the most restrictive. However, each state has its own tint laws which are oftentimes not aligned with other states. For instance, New Mexico allows as low as 20% tint shade levels while Pennsylvania only allows up to 70%. Other states does not even allow window tinting altogether. Since most states are not on the same page, it is advisable to be familiar with the allowable tint shade levels in your state to avoid transgressions.

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