Understanding tint percentages is an important part of installing auto window films. The right amount of tint should reflect your preferences but at the same time enable compliance with state laws.
Additionally, it is advisable to choose high-quality car window tints for better longevity and sturdiness. When selecting the right tint percentage for your vehicle, you can consider the following factors before finalizing a commitment.
Know Your Tint Percentage Options
Auto window tint darkness depends on visible light transmission (VLT), meaning the amount of visible light that can pass through the window film. Lower percentages allow less light to penetrate. On the other hand, higher percentages allow more light into the car.
The different options are as follows:
- 90% tint is among the lightest options, allowing 90% of visible light to penetrate auto glass while offering decent sun protection.
- 70% tint is another option on the lighter side but adds a little more shade and blocks about 30% of sunlight.
- 50% tint blocks half the light coming into your car but remains effective in blocking out the sun’s UV rays and heat. It also helps reduce glare for a more comfortable driving experience.
- 35% tint is darker but still enables you to easily see through the glass. This option is popular among vehicle owners because of its sleek and stylish look, complementing the car.
- 20% tint is a good choice if you are aiming to improve privacy for your vehicle. Even though you can still see through the window from the outside if you are up close, it can be challenging.
- Vehicles that often come with factory tints have tint percentages that range from 15-20%.
- 5% tint is the darkest option available. Nevertheless, it is often illegal in most states but typically used on private cars’ and limousines’ back windows.
Think About Why You Want Car Window Tints
Some get auto window tints installed for privacy or security, while others want to boost comfortability and sun damage protection when riding their vehicles.
If your primary concern is sun protection, you should choose a tint that can efficiently block out UV rays. However, darker tints do not always mean more sun blockage. There are translucent window films with little darkness but still offer a high percentage of UV protection.
For glare reduction, you should select the tint darkness that reduces the transmission of visible light.
Furthermore, if you aim to make your vehicle safer, it is ideal to choose darker tints that make it hard for others to see inside your car.
Check if Your Auto Windows are Already Tinted
Vehicles are usually manufactured with factory-tinted windows, but they can often go unnoticed. Installing window films over the factory tint can make the final output darker than intended.
Before having auto window tints installed, you should research this information about your car or contact the manufacturer.
Understand the Window Tinting Laws in Your Area
Legal tint percentages vary per state, and vehicle owners should be aware of these laws to avoid penalties and unexpected replacement costs.
In California, sedans, SUVs, and vans are allowed to have window tints with a minimum VLT of 70% if combined with factory windows, and 88% of lights should be able to penetrate the windows.
Where to Have Reliable Window Films Installed?
If you are looking for high-quality window films and tints, you can rely on trusted companies like Global Tint. We offer services for car window tint Chino CA, window tinting Riverside CA, and many other areas in the state.
Contact us today at (855) 489-8468 or send us a message on our website at www.globaltintusa.com/contact.html for a free quote and estimate.