A Guide to Window Tinting
Tinting your car windows is a popular way to customize your vehicle. It can improve the look of your car, provide privacy, block UV rays, and even keep your car cooler. But before you run out and get your windows tinted, it’s important to understand the different tinting windows levels available.
Understanding tint percentages is key. You’ll also want to know the legal restrictions in your state, as well as safety considerations.
This article will cover everything you need to know about window tinting levels, including what the percentages mean, legal aspects of tinting, and how to choose the right tint for your car and your needs.
Decoding Window Tint Percentages: What Do They Really Mean?
When you’re shopping for window tint, you’ll notice that the different options are described in percentages. But what do these percentages mean?
Visual Light Transmission (VLT): The Key Metric
Window tint percentages refer to Visual Light Transmission (VLT). VLT tells you how much visible light can pass through the tinted window.
The lower the percentage, the darker the tint, and the less light gets through. For example, a 5% tint, also called “limo tint,” allows very little light to pass through. A 70% tint allows much more light to get through.
Factors Influenced by Tint Percentage
The tint percentage you choose will affect a number of factors, including:
- Privacy: Lower VLT means more privacy.
- UV Protection: Darker tints block more UV rays.
- Heat Rejection: Darker tints block more solar heat.
- Visibility: Darker tints reduce visibility, especially at night.
Exploring Common Car Tint Percentages and Their Applications
Car window tint comes in a range of darkness levels, each offering a different balance of privacy, UV protection, and visibility. The darkness of the tint is expressed as a percentage, indicating how much light is allowed to pass through the film. Let’s take a look at some common tint percentages and what they’re typically used for.
The Spectrum of Tint Levels
You’ll typically find car window tint in the following percentages: 70%, 50%, 35%, 20%, 15%, and 5%. Here’s a quick overview:
- 70% Tint: A very light tint that provides basic protection and temperature regulation. It’s often used on front windshields where allowed.
- 50% Tint: Offers good UV protection while maintaining decent visibility. It’s a good choice for drivers who prioritize sun protection without significantly darkening their windows.
- 35% Tint: A popular choice that balances privacy and UV protection. It’s widely used and accepted in many areas.
- 20% and 15% Tint: These offer similar levels of increased privacy.
- 5% Tint (Limo Tint): The darkest legal option in many areas, providing maximum privacy. Keep in mind that it significantly reduces visibility, especially at night.
Let’s delve a little deeper into some of the most popular options:
- 70% Tint: As mentioned, this is a light tint, so it’s generally deemed legal for use on front windshields.
- 50% Tint: A solid option if you want UV protection without sacrificing too much visibility.
- 35% Tint: This is the sweet spot for many drivers, offering a noticeable increase in privacy and sun protection without making it too difficult to see at night.
- 20% and 15% Tint: If privacy is a top concern, these darker tints might be a good fit.
- 5% Tint (Limo Tint): For maximum privacy, limo tint is the way to go, but be aware of the reduced visibility, especially when driving at night.
Navigating Legal Considerations: State Laws and Regulations
Before you tint your car windows, it’s important to understand that the laws governing window tinting vary a lot from state to state. If you don’t research the local regulations, you could end up with a ticket, a fine, or even be required to remove the tint.
The Importance of Compliance
Here are some things to keep in mind as you investigate your state’s laws:
- VLT Requirements: Most laws specify the minimum Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentage allowed for each window.
- AS-1 Line: The AS-1 line (or mark) is located on your windshield and indicates how far down you can legally tint.
- Reflectivity Restrictions: Some states also regulate how reflective your window tint is.
To find out the rules in your area, check the website for your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), or talk with a local window tinting professional.
How do I calculate tint over factory tint?
Some vehicles come with factory-installed tint, usually around 70-80% VLT. This means the windows already block some light before you add any aftermarket film.
Adding extra tint reduces the VLT further. Here’s how to calculate the total VLT after adding aftermarket tint. Multiply the factory tint percentage by the aftermarket tint percentage. For example, if your car has 70% factory tint and you add a 50% tint film, the final VLT would be 35% (0.70 x 0.50 = 0.35).
It’s important to calculate the final VLT to make sure you comply with state laws, which vary considerably from one place to another.
Choosing the Right Tint Percentage: Balancing Needs and Preferences
Picking the right window tint level means finding a balance between what you need and what you like. Here are a few things to think about.
Factors to Consider
- How much privacy do you want? Window tinting is often chosen for privacy, so decide what level of privacy is important to you.
- How important is UV protection? Darker tints block more UV rays, which can protect your skin and the inside of your car.
- Will the tint affect how well you can see, especially at night? If you often drive at night, make sure the tint isn’t so dark that it makes it hard to see.
- Do you have a certain look in mind? Choose a tint level that goes well with the overall style of your car.
Recommendations Based on Driving Conditions
- City Driving: A moderate tint like 35% can give you a good balance of privacy and visibility.
- Highway Driving: Focus on tints that block UV rays and reduce glare.
- Night Driving: Don’t go for very dark tints that make it hard to see when it’s dark.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the right window tint level means understanding tint percentages, staying within the legal limits in your area, and finding the right balance of benefits for you.
Before you decide, think about your specific needs and double-check your local laws. And for personalized advice, talk to a professional window tinting shop. They can help you make the best choice.