Tinted Windows

Tinted windows, also known as window film, are an upgrade that can be installed to the interior of glass surfaces, such as car windows. Window film is typically made from polyester, because of its stability, tensile strength, and clarity. The main purpose of tinted windows is to reduce the transmission of light. Almost all cars come with some form of tinting on the top of the windshield to help reduce solar glare, but many people choose to tint other windows in their vehicle as well.

Brands

There are hundreds of different types of films available from a variety of manufacturers. The highest recommended brands are Axis, MaXPro, and Hanita Coatings. Axis is a new company, but they cater to professionals who are looking for a great product at a low price. Their two main lines for automotive window film are the Storm Non-Reflective and the Storm-M Hybrid. MaXPro is popular because of its low prices and lifetime warranties, while Hanita Coatings, a window film manufacturer from Israel, offers top notch quality.

Safety

Before you decide to apply tint to the windows of your car, it is important to make sure you aware of certain restrictions. It is illegal to darken the windshield, although a strip no larger than 15 cm can be placed on the upper edge of the windshield to help reduce solar glare. The front two windows must allow at least 70% of light when measured with a photometer. Occupants of the vehicle need to be able to be identified, and it is illegal to have windows so dark that this is prevented.

Benefits

The most popular reason for adding tinted windows is the sleeker appearance it provides. A subtle shade can make a vehicle look more upscale, and may even increase the value of your car. Tinting your windows also helps reduce the temperature of the interior, however. This is ideal for someone who lives in a warmer climate, as a cooler interior means a more comfortable ride for the whole car. It also means the air conditioning won’t have to work as hard, which helps improve your gas mileage.

Drawbacks

There are multiple safety risks that come with tinted windows. For starters, they reduce a driver’s field of vision. This can be especially dangerous during the night or in bad weather conditions that cause poor visibility. It also means your reaction time as a driver is slower, further endangering not only yourself, but other drivers on the road. It could also get you in trouble with the law. Different states have different laws when it comes to how dark a tint can be; what might be legal in your home state could be illegal in the next state, and vice versa. It is important to check with local laws and the laws of any place you may be visiting to ensure your window tint is not illegal.

Cost

In general, a typical film window tinting will cost somewhere between $150 and $300. This includes the rear window, the driver side and passenger windows, and a front windshield strip. If you wish to have metalized or ceramic tinting, it will likely cost at least 10% to 15% more. Different colours can also increase the price. Still, paying any less than $150 is not recommended, as the quality may suffer. While it is certainly possible to tint your own windows, finding a shop to do it is strongly advised.