Most people will agree that having tinted windows is a good thing. Tinted windows keep your car cooler and block heat, reduce the glare from the sun, help preserve the interior of your car, etc.
However, there is a complication to this: there are 6 different types of car tint.
How do we differentiate the different types from one another and how do we choose between the 6?
In this article, we’re going to discuss all of the car window tint types available so you can decide if tinted windows is right for you. Keep reading to learn more!
Should I Tint My Car Windows?
This is a question that the majority of car owners ask themselves at one point or another. On one hand it looks cool, it blocks out annoying sunlight and cuts down on glare, but on the other hand its expensive and could result in a ticket. What’s a guy or gal to do?
Deciding on whether or not to get your windows tinted really comes down to personal preference and what you want out of your vehicle. If you want your car to be a little more aesthetically pleasing while also helping reduce the heat in your car during the summer months, then yes, tinting your windows may be a good idea. If the price of getting your windows tinted and the potential unwanted attention from police (if tinted too dark in certain states) isn’t worth it to you, it may not be worth the money.
By the end of this article you’ll have all the information you need to decide which window tint is right for your car.
What Types of Window Tint Are Available?
There are 6 main types of car window tint. They are:
- Dyed Window Tint
- Metalized Window Tint
- Hybrid Window Tint
- Carbon Window Tint
- Crystalline Tint
- Ceramic Window Tint
#1 – Dyed Window Tint
This type of tint is composed of multiple layers of dye which blocks sunlight and absorbs solar heat put off by the sun. This prevents heat from entering into your vehicle. However, this tint option doesn’t offer the same protection as other types of tint.
Dyed window tint is relatively inexpensive when compared to other options and is great for those who are on a budget. It has an opaque appearance which is great for increasing privacy. The downside to dyed window tint is that over time it will fade and need to be replaced and it doesn’t offer the same amount of interior heat reduction as some of the other high-end options available.
#2 – Metalized Window Tint
Unlike dyed window tint which makes use of multiple layers of dye to block out sunlight, metalized window tint makes uses tiny metallic particles embedded within the film to reflect sunlight away from the windows. This makes it highly effective in reducing heat inside your vehicle, blocking harmful UV rays, and helps reduce glare.
Another great thing about metalized window tint is that it adds strength to the windows. Your windows shatter resistant properties will be greatly increased with this type of tint. Its also much more scratch resistant that dyed window tint making it much more durable and longer lasting.
#3 – Hybrid Window Tint
Hybrid window tint, as you may have guessed, combines both dyes and metallic particles to block out the sun and prevent heat build up within your car. It is designed to give all the advantages of both types of tint without the disadvantages of each.
Hybrid tint is constructed of multiple layers consisting of an adhesive layer, a dyed layer, an metalized layer and a top coat. All these layers combined makes for a very effective tint which helps reduce heat efficiently while also reducing glare and UV rays. This option is a bit more costly but with the added benefit of two tint options in one, most would agree that its well worth the upgrade.
#4 – Carbon Window Tint
Unlike the last two options, carbon window tint doesn’t have any metal in it at all. Because of its unique carbon content its able to block about 40% of infrared light which is whats responsible for causing heat. This also means that its very effective in protecting the interior of your car from fading due to excess sunlight.
Another benefit to carbon tint is that is provides a dark matte-finish which makes it very appealing to lots of buyers. Couple this with the fact that it doesn’t fade over time like dyed tint and you can see why this is a great option.
#5 – Crystalline Tint
Crystalline tint is the best option for anyone who wants the heat reducing and UV blocking benefits of typical tint without having to black out their windows. Crystalline is a clear car window tint that blocks heat and protects you and your interior from UV rays. This means you don’t have to change the looks of your vehicle to reap the rewards of typical window tint.
Some brands of crystalline tint, such as 3M Crystalline series, blocks out as much as 97% of infrared light. This makes for a cooler, well protected interior without having to alter the appearance of your vehicle.
#6 – Ceramic Window Tint
Ceramic tint is the Cadillac of window tinting. It doesn’t contain any dyes, metals, or carbon. Its constructed of a type of ceramic particle that’s non-conductive and nonmetallic. This means that it wont interfere with radios, cell phones, or GPS.
Its also highly effective in blocking out harmful UV rays, up to 99%, while also reducing up to 50% of the solar heat that enters in through your windows in the form of infrared light. It provides superior resistance to fading and glare and increases window shatter resistance.
The only downside to ceramic tint is the price. It is typically the most expensive option available but its also the best.
What Type of Car Tint Should I Get?
They type of tint you choose is highly dependent upon your budget, the level of protection you desire, and whether or not you want to change the appearance of your vehicle. Each tint option has its pros and cons but all of them provide some degree of protection and privacy (excluding the crystalline). It’s up to you to set your budget and decide if its worth the investment.
If you want basic protection and privacy at an affordable price, consider going with the dyed or metalized tint. If you want the benefits of window tint without blacking out your windows then your best and pretty much only option is the crystalline tint. If you want top of the line protection and the best heat reduction capabilities then ceramic tint may be your best bet.
Pros & Cons of Window Tint
As you can see from the options above, each type of window tint has its own list of pros and cons. Lets take a moment to look at window tint as a whole and weigh the pros and cons of getting your windows tinted.
Pros
- Heat Reduction: Because window tint blocks out and reflects sunlight, it aids in keeping the interior of your car cooler.
- Reduces Glare: Having your windows tinted helps block out excessive sunlight that can be quite annoying while driving.
- Blocks UV Rays: UV rays are harmful to the human body and are what is responsible for sunburn and skin cancer. Tinted windows helps keep you and your passengers safe.
- Protects Your Interior: Excessive heat and sunlight can lead to fading and drying out/cracking your leather seats and other interior components.
- Energy Efficient: Because your vehicle is kept cooler with tinted windows, your AC doesn’t have to work as hard to cool your vehicle. This makes your car AC colder faster and also makes it more fuel efficient as well.
- Safer Driving: By having your windows tinted, its less likely that your windows will shatter while in an accident.
- Extra Privacy: If you like your privacy, as most of us do, tinting your windows is a great way to keep others from peeking in at you.
Cons
- Can Impede Your Vision: Depending on how dark you tint your windows, you could have a hard time seeing out of them.
- Unwanted Attention: Although tinting your windows can keep people from seeing you inside, your vehicle itself will stand out. Just consider this when deciding how dark you want to tint.
- Legality Issues: Depending on where you live, dark window tint may not be legal. Check your state laws before blacking out your windows.
In Conclusion
As you can see, there are a variety of car window tint options to choose from.
Be sure to check your state laws prior to having your windows tinted. Doing this could save you from getting a ticket later. If you have your windows tinted by a reputable company, they should be able to tell you what is legal and what isn’t.