Knowing How They’re Similar and Different Guides Your Choice When It’s Time to Darken Your Car Windows

To people unfamiliar, it doesn’t seem like there’d be many types of window tinting on the market. After all, it’s just a film that simply darkens your windows, right?

This kind of thinking is largely incorrect. In fact, there are many different kinds of tint to choose from, and the best one for you and your vehicle depends on your personal preference, the benefits you want from it, and your budget.

The Most Affordable: Dyed Window Tint

The least expensive of all tint, dyed window tint simply blocks sunlight through layer upon layer of infused dyes. The layers absorb heat from the sun, which keeps your car interior cooler.

Dyed window tint comes in multiple opacity levels, but none of them protect against the sun’s harmful UV rays – the kind that cause cancer or age your car interior or dashboard.

Also Read: 5 Best Ways To Improve Car Fuel Efficient

If your goal is to keep your vehicle a little cooler during the summer, and to improve the aesthetics of it, a dyed window tint is probably what you’re looking for.

The Shiniest: Metallic Tint

Sometimes called “metalized window tint,” this type is infused with small particles of metal that block the sunlight, rather than relying on dye.

Metalized tint looks shiny and reduces the risk of your window glass shattering everywhere. As an added bonus, this tint blocks heat, reduces glare, and can block UV rays, too.

The biggest downside, though, is that it may interfere with your cell phone reception from inside your vehicle.

Best of Both Worlds: Hybrid Window Film

You can get window tint that blends dye and metallic flakes. It combines gray dye and titanium flake to block UV rays and reduce sun exposure. The dye and metal combination doesn’t excessively darken your windows, which makes it ideal for night driving.

However, like metallized film, the metallic flakes in this tint can have an effect on cell phone reception.

The Coolest Looking: Carbon Tint

For a superior tint with a unique look, go with carbon tint. It has a matte, non-shiny finish that can block 40 percent of infrared radiation, which is what makes your car feel so hot inside on summer days.

Carbon tint also blocks UV exposure, which fades and ages your dashboard, leather seats, and plastic trim – as well as your skin!

If you’re looking for protection from the sun that also looks awesome, carbon tint is the way to go.

The Most Benefits: Ceramic-Infused Window Film

This top-of-the-line window tint uses small, ceramic-based particles to form the basis of the film. It blocks up to 50 percent of solar heat and provides shatter-resistance.

Best of all, it blocks almost 100 percent of UV exposure, meaning your car interior will stay looking great for much longer, and you can even reduce your risk of developing skin conditions as a result of sun exposure.

Because ceramic is non-conductive, this tint won’t affect your cell phone reception.

The Clearest: Crystalline Film

If you’re only looking to keep your car cool and block UV rays, and you don’t want to darken your windows at all, crystalline film is for you.

Crystalline film blocks infrared radiation and reduces the potential of wear and tear from the sun, without adding darkness and maintaining the amount of visibility you prefer.

Always Get Professional Window Tinting Installation

While you may be tempted to try your hand at installing window tint yourself, if you want flawless results that are covered by a warranty, getting professional installation is the right choice.

To find a service center near you, conduct an Internet search for “window tinting near me.” Then, read reviews of the auto centers that come up in your search results. You also can ask family and friends for their recommendations.

Going the do-it-yourself route is fine, but know that if you make a mistake, you’ll have to start over, which may involve spending more money on more film. And you’ll also need a variety of supplies, which you’ll have to buy if you don’t already own them. Your environment should be free of dust and wind to make application go smoothly – and most people don’t have that kind of place. Finally, applying window tint takes lots of patience and time, especially if you’re unskilled. So what you may think will take you a couple of hours, may end up taking you all day!

Also Read: Choosing The Most Comfortable Vehicle At Used Car Lots Near Me?

Not only can window tinting professionals perform your installation, but they also can recommend the window tint product that will best meet your needs and your budget, and that will look great on your vehicle.