Going Dark: Pros and Cons of Getting a Windshield Tint

UV Ray Protection

Some standard glass used for making vehicle windows can provide some protection from UV rays. According to Car and Driver Magazine, a good quality car window tint can increase protection.

If you buy a good quality window tint for your car's windows, it can help protect you from ultraviolet radiation. It can also increase the inside of your car's protection.

A good quality windshield tint can help protect the upholstery inside your car. It can protect carpeting you may have lying on your car's floor as well as your dashboard.



The color and quality can fade over time in any of these objects.

Privacy

You should know that window tint comes in a wide range of shading. Darker tints provide an increased level of privacy within your car's interior.

According to Madico, a major benefit of having a dark window tint on your car windshield is privacy.

While you are away from your parked vehicle, and someone walks by and tries to peer inside, they won't be able to see inside. But this depends on how dark your windshield tint is.

Installing a darker window tint can also keep your passengers happy. Many people prefer to have a window tint on their car because it is harder for people to see through the window. So it gives both you and your passengers an immense sense of privacy.

With darker windshield tint, it can give you, and your passengers increased peace of mind. Those are the pros of applying windshield tint. There are a few cons to having the windows of your vehicle tinted as well.

Visibility Issues of Windshield Tint

Certain weather conditions or times of day may impair your ability to see while driving.

According to Nappa Know How Blog, you may find yourself experiencing visibility issues while driving. It will depend on the darkness of your tinting on your windows. And it may only be under certain weather conditions. 

Say there is a blizzard outside. Even without professional window tint on your car's windows, it is hard to see while driving. With dark windshield tint film applied to your car, it will be even more difficult to see the roadway.

The bottom line of this con: if you find you are having trouble seeing while driving, you should not be driving. If it is bright outside and if the sun is blinding, you should no be driving, even if you have dark windshield tint.

Poor Quality Tint

The bottom line of this con: if you find you are having trouble seeing while driving, you should not be driving. If it is bright outside and if the sun is blinding, you should no be driving, even if you have dark windshield tint.



If your tint film becomes damaged, you will have to strip the old film off your windows and apply a new layer. It can be both expensive and time-consuming for you as a car owner and driver. It can be avoided. Starting with a high-quality window tint film for your vehicle is a good idea. That way, you likely won't have to apply for a new one for a few years.

The Law

One of the most major cons to getting your windshield or any of the windows on your vehicle tinted is the law. According to WindowTintLaws, the legal tint limit for passenger vehicles in the state of Virginia is as follows:

• A non-reflective tint is above the manufacturer's AS-1 line
• The front driver's side window can have up to 50% darkness allowed; that also applies to the front passenger's seat
• The back windows of your vehicle can have up to 35% tint to them
• Rear windows can also have up to 35% of darkness tint to them

Window tinting is only allowed on vehicles with two mirrors on the front, according to DrivingLaws AAA.

Passenger vans, SUVs, and trucks and the front side window tints cannot reduce the amount of light transmittance up to more than 50%.

No tints on the vehicle may produce a prism or holographic effect.

No tints on may produce a prism or holographic effect. The 'holographic' effect means an image or picture that will remain constant or change as the viewing angle does. It is according to the Code of Virginia.



The Prism effect means a rainbow-like effect that is separating light different color components. The components may change depending on the angle in which they are viewed.

Applying dark film is not allowed on your car's windshield unless you replace the sun-shield on the highest area of your car's windshield. No Light reduction on your vehicle greater than the percentages listed above is allowed.

If you want darker windshield tint, the written authorization you must get written authorization. Authorization must be from the commissioner of the DMV.

What We Offer

We offer a list of benefits that come with putting windshield tint on your vehicle, and it's other windows. Benefits include enhancing the style and appearance of your ride. Another benefit may include reduced glare from the sun and blocking out harmful UV rays.

Applied Film Technology will also offer an auto window film viewer. All you have to do is select your vehicle's year, make, model, and sub-model. And you will be able to see what your car may look like with many types of tint films we offer.

For more information, please fill out our contact form. We will be more than happy to answer any of your questions about windshield tint.