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Installing tinting film on your car is a fantastic way to achieve a sleek and modern finish. It is also an inexpensive way to improve the aesthetics and functionality of your car as it provides excellent protective properties. The window film provides privacy and cuts down on the heat, harmful rays and glare. However, when it comes to car tinting, it can be installed with different types of film and not all are the same, let alone priced equally. If you want to find out what are the most popular options, then you are in the right place.
Although there are many different types of car tinting alternatives, there are only a couple that we would recommend for your car. Below, we will list the top 4 popular options and break down our top 2.
Different Types of Window Tints
Window tints for automotive use come across a wide variety of materials, shades, and features. Some are transparent; some provide infrared protection; some are super tough and so on. With so many options available, as a car owner, we understand that it is can quickly feel confusing and overwhelming. However, rest assured, it ultimately comes down to 4 different types of car tinting materials.
1. Dyed Window Film
Probably the most budget way to tint your windows, but are rapidly getting phased out with better technology out there. Dyed tints can block light rays and absorb heat to some extent, although, this is particularly ideal for people who want privacy but do not care much about UV or infrared light resistance. The durability of this film is not as good and they have poorer colour stability, meaning they are more prone to fading. These were a great option, maybe 10 years ago, but advances in technology has given rise to better options. They may look the deal, but their durability comes at a cost, don’t get fooled with Dyed Tints.
2. Metallised Film
Metallised window tint: these car tints can reflect heat because there are metallic particles embedded the film. It is better than dyed tints and have this reflective shiny appearance from the outside. One major problem with these window films is that you may get interference on your cell phone, aerial signals such as your GPS and radio. Like Dyed Tints, these were a great option many years ago, but there are better options nowadays that will not compromise on your aerial signals and have a modern sleek finish to the complexion.
3. Carbon Film
Carbon window tint: these are made using carbon particles infused inside with the film. It is much better than metallised and dyed window tints because it can resist more heat and does not interfere with cell phones or GPS. Also have excellent colour stability, meaning you can expect that nice dark finish all year round for many years to come.
4.Ceramic Film
Ceramic window tint: ceramic particles are embedded while manufacturing these ceramic window tints. They can resist and reject heat, glare, and UV rays at an advanced level, better than any other alternative. This is the best among all the window tints. Moreover, it adds to the structural stability of the window, making it more secure and more shatter-proof in the case of a car accident. Why is this important, well the last thing you want to happen during a car accident is flying shards of glass, which is extremely dangerous. There are also high-quality carbon films where they act as a hybrid, where it has some ceramic particles infused as well. One thing that stands out with ceramic particles, is that it boosts heat rejection to another level with its ability to shield infrared radiation.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Car Window Tint
Regardless of what window tint you’d like to have for your car, it’s very important to know why you should choose the right type. But first, let’s look at the advantages of a car window tint.
Protection of your Interior
Window tint prevents the sun’s UV radiation from penetrating through the car. Without protection, those rays will cause the upholstery in your car to fade, lowering its market value. Moreover, it just looks horrible. Who wants to drive a worn-out automobile along the coast?
Keeps Your Parked Car Cool
Everyone has felt uneasy when stepping into a car that has been left outside under the heat of the sun. Window tint can help lower the interior temperature of your car, thus reducing the workload placed on the air conditioner.
Protect your Valuables Inside the Car
While we strongly discourage leaving your valuables in the car, there are many cases where it can be helped. If you’re one of those who always leaves possessions inside the automobile, having a car window tint is highly recommended. Darker window tinting can prevent snooping burglars from clearly seeing the inside of your car and we are not just talking about Factory Privacy Glass.
So, why is it important to choose the right car window tint?
Low Quality Tint Can Be Stressful
Paying for inexpensive window tint may look like it’s a good deal, but you need to consider some factors first:
The cheapest window tints would require replacement more frequently than higher-quality brands. Is the price difference really worth it if you have to replace cheaper window tint more frequently than high-quality tints?
Always consider the cost of the supplies required to install the tint, as well as the time and expertise required to do so, if you intend to save money by doing it yourself.
Installing the Wrong Tint Can Lead to a Fine
This may come as a surprise to many, but the level of darkness that can be used as a window tint in your car is governed differently by each state. By doing your homework, you can make sure the window tint you install won’t result in a fine or the need to buy a new window tint. Window tinting companies are aware of the restrictions on tint darkness.
Installing the Wrong Tint May Not Look That Appealing
Everyone wants to appear stylish when they travel; so don’t let an incorrect window tint ruin that. That’s why it’s important to ask your tint installer regarding the type of tint that would work best for your car
The Final Verdict?
According to our extensive history of tinting, you really can’t go wrong with carbon or ceramic tints. They both fall under the category of nanotechnology-infused car tinting and share excellent heat rejection and protection. This is not to be confused with ceramic coatings, which also fall under the category of nanotechnology based protection.. This is not to be confused with ceramic coatings, which also fall under the category of nanotechnology based protection.. This is not to be confused with ceramic coatings, which also fall under the category of nanotechnology based protection. All in all, car tinting is one of those services that you only ever apply once in a cars lifetime and so, most often you would want to opt for the best option possible. Especially when it lasts such a long period, the extra cost per year divides into a minimal amount.
Hi, I’m Chester
author, Automotive Service writer
As a seasoned author on our team, Chester also known as ‘Gadget’, for his love for all things mechanical, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, particularly when it comes to automotive topics.
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