During hot summer months, you might find yourself scrambling to find ways to keep your car cooler without having to crank up the air conditioning (which can adversely affect your fuel economy). Most of us have used windshield sunshades to block out the heat and probably a seat cover to keep our leather seats from overheating. But have you ever considered getting your windows tinted? I know most of you have probably at least thought about it, but does window tint actually help keep your car cooler?
The short answer is, yes! Tinted windows have been shown to be effective at cooling the temperature inside your car. They provide an affordable, energy-efficient way to keep your car interior cool on hot summer days while also blocking out up to 80% of harmful UV rays which has been linked to causing skin cancer.
If you’d like to know more about how window tint can help reduce the heat in your car, keep reading to learn more!
How Tinted Windows Work
The first question that you might have is, “How do tinted windows even work, on the most basic level?” Let us break it down for you. In most cases, “window tint” is actually a clear layer of polyester film combined with other tinting agents, such metals and dyes. This film – which is applied to the inside of the window – blocks visible light from being transmitted through the glass. In most ordinary (untinted) windows, approximately 90% of visible light is transmitted through the glass. In tinted windows, however, this number is much lower. Exactly how low depends on the window tint type that is being used.
How Window Tint Helps Reduce Heat
Fortunately, tinted windows do not only block visible light; they block ultraviolet and infrared light as well. Both ultraviolet and infrared light can heat your vehicle. By blocking these two types of light, tinted windows actually make your car cooler. An important side note: ultraviolet light is the type of light most commonly associated with skin cancer. By blocking ultraviolet light, tinted windows can actually reduce your risk of contracting this horrible disease. This is another good reason for purchasing tinted windows.
How much heat does window tinting block? The answer is, “a lot.” While the exact amount varies from car to car, standard window tint reduces heat by 35-45%, while premium tint blocks 75-80% of infrared and ultraviolet rays. These heat blocking capabilities make for a much more comfortable ride for you and your passengers–and you don’t have to waste precious gas by cranking up the air conditioning.
Of course, tinted windows don’t just block heat while the car is moving; they block heat while the car is parked in a blazing parking lot as well. You know that awful feeling when you open the windows to a stifling hot car? With tinted windows, you can kiss that feeling goodbye. No more waiting around for the car to cool off.
Get Your Tinted Windows to Block More Heat & Make Your Car Even Cooler
We have established that tinted windows can reduce the heat in your car by a significant percentage, but there are ways to make tinted windows even more effective at blocking heat.
For one, as the numbers above show, you should go with a premium tint for maximum heat blocking capabilities. Premium tint uses higher quality metals/materials than standard tint. Ceramic film is often regarded as the highest quality tinting material.
Tinted windows are most effective at blocking heat when combined with other natural heat reduction methods. Parking your car in a shaded spot, for instance, can make a huge difference. Keeping your windows ever so slightly cracked when the car is parked can also help keep your car cooler.
If you want to get the most out of your tinted windows, you should consider using products such as windshield sunshades, solar power fans, or other car cooling gadgets for maximum effectiveness.
Myths About Tinted Windows
Tinted windows are some of the most misunderstood car accessories. We are here to dispel some of the myths about tinted windows. For one, many people are under the impression that the film will eventually discolor and bubble. We can tell you that high quality film, that is installed correctly, will not have this problem. Your tinted windows will last for years.
There is also a common misconception that tinted windows are illegal. In fact, this is probably the biggest tinted window myth. While different states have different regulations regarding the placing of the tint (some states prohibit tinted windshields, for example), or the reflectiveness of the tint, no state bans tinted windows outright. Check with your state for specifics on what kind of tinting is allowed.
The third and final myth that we would like to dispel here today is that tinted windows lower the resale value of the car. This could not be further from the truth. In most cases, window tint actually enhances resale value, precisely because of its heat blocking capabilities. Like you, most people want a car that isn’t stifling hot. To bust this myth even further, the application of window tint is completely reversible. This means that tinted windows should never impede a sale.
Window Tint Installation
While tinting your own windows can be a DIY project, its not exactly a skill that can be picked up from watching a single tutorial on YouTube. To do this properly requires extensive knowledge and training. If the window tint is applied improperly it won’t look as good, or last as long, and it won’t keep the heat out of your car. This is why you should go to an experienced automotive shop to have your window tint installed.
Another tinted window myth is that these services are expensive. They don’t have to be. You can find affordable, yet high quality, window tinting services if you’re willing to shop around. When you go to the right company, this could end up being one of the best purchases you ever make for your car.
Conclusion
Tinted windows can reduce the presence of heat-causing ultraviolet and infrared light rays by a significant amount—the difference will be noticeable. As an added bonus, tinted windows will give you a sense of privacy while driving your car. While you will need help applying tinted windows to your vehicle, that help does not have to cost an arm and a leg. Quality, affordable tinted window installation services are available, even for premium tints. This is why tinted windows have experienced a surge in popularity lately. To experience these benefits for yourself, stop by your local auto service provider.