Have you ever considered tinted windows for your car? Window tints do more than just look cool, they also offer numerous benefits for you and your vehicle. Here in this blog post you will learn more about window tints, their pros and cons and how to install a window tint.
According to the International Window Film Association, window films block 95% to 99% of Ultra Violet Rays. Ordinary car windows only reject 23% to 28% of Ultra Violet sunlight. UV rays can damage the interior of your car, make it generally uncomfortable as well as your skin. Bright light can also make it hard to see while driving.
Window tint installation can be done in two ways: The Do It Yourself way or have a professional install it. If done by a professional, the job will be easy and take a shorter time to complete. It will, however, cost you more bucks. Good news is that doing it yourself is not terribly difficult. Stick with us on this step-by-step guide to tint your windows like the experts do.
In 2018 alone, there were nearly 750,000 motor vehicle theft incidents. Thieves are more likely to break into your car if they see something valuable. How can such cases be prevented or reduced? The answer is simple: tinting car windows. Tinted windows not only give you privacy but also reduce the risk of your car being broken into as malevolent people won't see what is inside.
So, what are tinted windows? To tint is to apply a transparent sheet of darkened film to your vehicle's windows. The main reason for tinting windows is to reduce the amount of light and heat that enters the vehicle. Normally made from a polyester base, the window tint is a scratch resistant thin film that adheres to the inside of car windows.
There are many car models available with factory window tint. This tint is usually restricted to the rear windows of the vehicle, allowing the driver to have an unobstructed view.
A window film tint is an inexpensive and attractive way to improve the feel and look of your car interior. Window tinting not only reduces the damage caused by UV rays but also prevents upholstery fading. It is important to note that not all window tints are effective in performing these functions. That is why it is worth the effort to understand the different types of window tints.
There are 5 common types of window tint:
This is the most economical type of window tint. It is also the least functional. It is mostly added for appearance rather than functionality.
Dyed window tints block light using multiple layers of tint. The dye absorbs solar heat and prevents some of the heat from entering your vehicle. They are made up of different densities of dye, depending on how dark a tint that you require. The dye helps stop a fair amount of UV rays entering your car, keeping it cool in the process.
The main limitation of dyed window tints is that they fade with time and will need to be replaced. This type of window tint also offers the least protection against UV radiation.
Carbon window tints are infused with ultra-reflective carbon particles that won't fade over time like dyed tints. This makes them a more subtle and tasteful option than metalized tints.
Carbon window tints have their own pros as well as cons. The carbon contents help in blocking 40% of the IR radiations responsible for heating the car interior. This also helps slow down upholstery fading. This window tint is also more durable than dyed tint. Its main limitation is that due to its rarity it is relatively expensive.
Metalized window tints are similar to dyed window tints. They filter out heat by reflecting it. The point of difference is that they use tiny metallic particles to block sunlight instead of using dye. This type of window film also adds to the strength of the window making them less likely to shatter.
Metalized window tints are more efficient at blocking out heat and UV rays than a dye tint because of the infused-metal film. The downside of these window tints is that they are prone to signal interference.
Ceramic window tints are considered the perfection option for tinting your car window. They have ceramic particles that are known for their nonconductive properties. These particles don't block cell or radio signals but do effectively block UV: They boast upto a 99% reduction.
This type of window tint is the most expensive yet have the most effective performance. They have the most superior performance in terms of reducing glare and are not susceptible to scratches. They also massively reduce UV rays thus keep your upholstery safe from harm.
The process of applying a window tilt is simple:
A tinted car window has several advantages over the ordinary window.Below arethe reasons as to why you should get your windows tinted as soon as possible:
The Ultra Violet rays that come from the sun are a form electromagnetic radiation. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation will do a lot of damage to your skin. You will start showing ageing signs at an early age. UV radiation is also responsible for skin cancers around the world. Most window tints are designed to block at least 99% of UV rays thus keeping you safe.
- Thoroughly clean the inside of your car
- Use the outside of the car to shape, cut and prepare the film
- Use a heat gun and card to remove any air bubble within the film
- Move the film to the inside of the window and apply soapy water to move the tint into position
- Use a hard edge to squeegee out any water caught between the window and the film until all is clear
UV rays not only affect your but also damage the interior of your home. When furniture is exposed to Ultra Violet sunlight it tends to fade and develop a pale color. The same can happen to your car upholstery. A window tint can protect you from all this. Tinting your car window keeps your car window looking ever brand new.
The window films installed on your vehicle will give you more privacy as you move around town. Passersby won't be able to recognize you easily. The window film will prevent others from seeing what is inside but it won't prevent you from seeing outside. A window tint also deters burglars because they cannot see what is inside.
If you value the appearance of your car then 'window-tinting' is a must have. A car without this tinted glaze looks undressed. The resale of a tinted car can be much easier as for some buyers it will be a plus.
Car accidents happen every day, they can be avoided but not prevented. When a car accident happens, one of the main injuries for passengers is shattered glass. Window tints are recommended because they create a thin film around the glass which holds the pieces together in case of impact. If the glass breaks, the shards remain together not spreading all over the inside of your car.
The sun does not only emit UV radiation but also a great deal of warmth. On a hot day, this warmth will eventually build up inside your car. You will therefore be forced to use an air conditioner more often. This affects the performance of your car and its fuel consumption. A tint on your window also acts an insulator for your car. It keeps your car cool in warm seasons.
Tinted windows have their disadvantages and may even be unsafe in some cases. Listed here are the disadvantages of tinted car windows:
- Window tints reduce the driver's visibility which may lead to accidents
- They can easily get damaged. And when this happens, it is harder to remove tint than it is to tint on a clean slate.
- In case of damage to the window tint, you need to find the same exact replacement.
- Tinting may reduce the value of your car. Your window tint of choice may not be the buyer's choice which may turn out to be a deal breaker.
- It is the place where you live that determines the type of film you should buy. You are therefore forced to choose the type of film that best suits your environment.
- In each state, there are laws regulating the exact amount of window tinting allowed and where it can be used. You will run into trouble with the authorities if you do not comply with the regulations.
