There’s a good reason why the automotive glass film market is expected to reach $7,315.7 million in value by the year 2033. People rely on this industry to protect not only their vehicles but also themselves from the bright sun.
Despite their popularity in automobiles, there’s still a lot of confusion surrounding tint levels for cars. That’s a problem because choosing the wrong window tint percentages can not only affect your drive but also be potentially illegal in your state.
Luckily we made this guide to help clarify things when it comes to tint levels. That way, you can find the perfect percentage for your specific needs.
What Are Tint Levels?
Car window tint levels are measured by the specific amount of light they let through. To make things easier to understand, the levels are assigned a percentage.
This percentage is known as visible light transmission (or VLT). Many people make the mistake of thinking that a higher VLT means that more light is let through the tints. However, it’s the opposite.
A low VLT, like 5%, would be almost pitch black. Meanwhile, a 90% VLT would still be quite visible. The right tint level will depend on your personal preferences.
However, as we’ll learn in another section certain car tint levels are illegal in certain states. As such, you’ll want to make sure that you’re compliant. Make sure to check out this guide if you want to learn more about auto window tint percentages.
What Are the Different Types of Window Tints
Multiple types of window tins can decrease the overall visible light transmission in your vehicle. Perhaps the most common type of a dyed tint. While this option does absorb sunlight and is affordable, it does come with some downsides.
First, it doesn’t provide UV protection. Plus, it’s not very durable, so you’ll likely need to replace it after a few years. Another popular type of window tint is metalized material. This type of tint is ideal for sunny areas like San Antonio, Texas, because it reflects sunlight away from the vehicle instead of absorbing it.
Since it’s metal, it can also strengthen your car windows. However, the metal can interfere with cell phone and GPS reception. If you want the best of both worlds, you can choose between a hybrid window tint. This type combines the best parts of dyed and metalized windows.
Or, if you want something newer, consider investing in carbon or ceramic material. These types of car tints are the most expensive. But they also come with the most benefits in terms of UV protection, durability, and style.
This resource can help you discover the different types of tint material available to you when you shop.
What Are the Benefits of Car Tints?
There are a lot of benefits that come with car tints. First, if you invest in a type of window tint that can block sunlight (like ceramic material), you get UV protection.
In case you didn’t know, UV radiation is responsible for a whole range of health conditions, including premature aging, sunburn, eye disease, and even skin cancer.
Many people with sensitive skin invest in car window tints to protect themselves during long drives in the hot sun. Many car tints also block out vision from the outside of the car. This adds an extra layer of privacy and security to your vehicles.
Potential thieves are less likely to target your vehicle if they can’t see inside it. Car tints are also great for hot areas of the country like Texas, Florida, and California. For one thing, these window tints can help maintain a cool temperature in your cabin.
On top of that, they also help reduce the visible glare of the sun on windows and pavement when you’re driving. Lastly, they look great! Many people invest in car window tints because of their aesthetic appeal.
What Window Tint Percentages Are Legal?
Different states all have different laws about the lowest possible VLT percentage you’re allowed to have on your vehicle. These laws also detail what percentage is allowed on the front, side, and back windows of your car.
For example, here in the state of Texas, we have a 25% limit on the front window and no limit on the rear and back windows. However, more strict states like New York and California have a 70% limit.
It’s vital to research the window tint laws in whatever state you live in. If you’re driving with a tint that’s too dark, you’ll be pulled over and fined. Not only that, but you’ll also have to pay to get your tint changed if you want to drive legally on the road again.
How Do You Pick the Best Window Tint Percentages?
The right tint percentage level for you will depend on why you want the tint. For example, if you want a tint for UV protection, you’re going to want to invest in a fairly low tint percentage (around 35%).
The type of material is also important for this. Ceramic material is better at protecting against UV rays. However, if you want a window tint for aesthetic or glare reasons, you’re okay with getting a higher tint percentage.
If you aren’t sure which type of tint percentage is right for you, we recommend consulting with an expert window tinting services. These window tinting professionals can ask you questions about what you want out of the tint, which will help you find the perfect option.
Ready for the Window Tint You Deserve? Contact Fletch Window Tint
We hope this guide helped you learn more about tint levels for cars. As you can see, tinting car windows can add a lot of value to your car.
Sadly, many providers are so concerned with selling you the most expensive product they don’t listen to your needs when it comes to window tint percentages. That’s not the case with Fletch Window Tint.
We know that you know best when it comes to what you want out of your window tint. That’s why we listen to you and work to find the best solution for your needs. So if you’re ready to make your vision a reality, contact us today.