Which Window Tint Type Is Right for Your Car? A Quick Guide

There are many window tint options available to you and choosing one can be a challenge. Use this quick guide to learn which window tint type is right for you.

There are many reasons why you would want to tint your car windows. These include protecting your eyes from glare, protecting your skin from harmful UV light, or simply giving your car a cool look. With a wide array of car window tints available in the market, choosing the right one could be challenging.

If this is your current predicament, you have come to the right place. The objective of this guide is to help you get the best window tint type for your car.

Different Types of Car Tint

Aftermarket car tint comes with a variety of options. There is something for everyone. For instance, if you want to apply tint for security and privacy reasons, you will get it.

 What's more, is that you can choose your preferred color, shade as well as the location you want it to cover.

In this section, we cover the different window tint types for your car. We will also look at their advantages and disadvantages.

Dyed Window Tint

If you are looking for something simple and affordable, the dyed window tint could be a great choice. Its main purpose is to protect you from direct sunlight. With its several layers of dye, this tint absorbs the heat that comes from the sun.

As a result, you enjoy a cool feeling in your vehicle’s cabin, even when the sun is scorching. Dyed window tint provides reasonable levels of opacity. Unfortunately, this tint doesn’t protect you from harmful UV rays. Also, it is susceptible to fading.

Metalized Window Tint

The metalized window tint consists of a combination of metal particles. Instead of absorbing sunlight, this tint reflects it. Unlike dyed tint, metalized windows are more effective in keeping the sun at bay.

On top of that, this type of tint is scratch-resistant.

If you like a shiny tint, metalized window tints will not disappoint you. Due to their structure, they tend to strengthen your car windows. And in case of an accident, your windows will shatter easily.

The only limitation is that these metalized window tints can compromise your GPS and radio signals. Otherwise, they tick all the right boxes of quality window tint.

Hybrid Window Tint

The hybrids are a combination of dyed and metalized car window tints. They contain a thin layer of metal microparticles sandwiched in layers of dye. These tints strike a great balance between metalized and dyed tints.

Hybrid tints will not affect your GPS and radio signal immensely. They cost more than dyed tints but less than metalized tints.

Carbon Window Tint

What sets carbon tints apart from the rest is that they don’t fade easily. Fiber particles are the components that make them. When it comes to blocking sun rays, they do a better job than dyed and metalized tints.

In terms of overall health benefits, carbon tints outshine most of their counterparts. This is because they keep out over 40% of infrared radiation. They also provide a cool atmosphere in your vehicle’s cabin.

While direct sunshine leads to the aging and fading of your car seats, dashboard, and plastic trims, these tints slow down the process tremendously. However, they tend to cost more.

Crystalline Window Tint

If your goal is to maintain a cool atmosphere inside your vehicle’s cabin without making it darker, crystalline window tints will come in handy. These tints provide significant protection against harmful infrared and UV radiation.

Crystalline window tints will also allow ample natural light into the vehicle’s cabin. The only problem is that they will not guarantee you any privacy or security.

Ceramic Window Tints

Ceramic window tints are arguably the best in the market. They are products of an infused ceramic film. And this makes them incredibly non-conductive.

 As a result, ceramic tints do not affect your electronic transmission. You can use your phone, Bluetooth, and wifi without any qualms.

They allow you to enjoy cool temperatures while driving in the scorching sun. And the best part is they’ll not reduce visibility. Besides that, they provide 99% protection against UV rays.

The Legality of Car Window Tint

If you intend to get any of these tints, you want to do it within the confines of the law. Some state regulations are against extremely dark tints. The American Automobile Association provides comprehensive regulations that govern car window tints.

 You can read the section that covers your state in this document.

How Do You Identify the Best Types of Window Tint for Your Car?

Determining the right window tint for your car is a personal choice. First off, think about your priorities. For example, do you prefer to protect yourself from UV rays without interfering and still get ample natural light?

 If the answer is a resounding YES! Crystalline window tints are your best option. Other factors that will come into play include your budget. If you want high-end window tints such as ceramic, you are going to pay more.

How Many Years Do Car Window Tints Last?

Window tints are not the same. Some are scratch-resistant and others are not. The materials that make a particular tint determine its longevity. For instance, metalized tints are likely to outlast dyed tints.

Another factor that determines how long window tint will last is where you live as well as where you park your car. If you live in an extremely sunny area and you don’t have a parking shed, your tints will not last long.

Not Sure What's your Window Tint Type? Reach out Today

When professionals such as car salons do your car window tinting, chances are that they will last long. But if do-it-yourself, you may not do it right due to inexperience. Subsequently, the tints may not hold for long.

Applied Film Technology is here to help you. We are trusted leaders in Auto, Home & Commercial windows film installations in the west Virginia beach area. Contact us today, and our experts will help you identify the best window tint type for your car and install it.