Does it Pay to Get Your Car Windows Tinted?

Have you ever thought about getting your vehicle’s windows tinted? It is a very popular trend in today’s world. Many people like getting their car windows tinted because they can see better in the daytime when the sun is shining through. In some states certain types of window tinting are illegal, usually a certain percentage of darkness, so be sure not to exceed the legal limit in your state. Although there are DIY kits available, it takes skill, patience, and talent to be able to perform this job well. As is obvious from the bubble-laden DIY jobs you often see on the road. Let’s look at the costs versus the benefits of a professional tint job.

The Benefits of Car Window Tinting

1. Car Window Tinting Reduces UV Radiation (prevents sunburn)

2. Protects Your Car Upholstery from Fading

3. Improves Security and Privacy

4. Safer Driving – (Protection from Glare i.e. Better Visibility)

5. Keeps Your Car Cooler

Although these benefits may not be financial per se… over the long run faded upholstery can degrade the value of your car and having to run the A/C more can reduce your gas mileage. So although getting your car windows professionally tinted may not be a strictly financial decision it can improve the value of your car and make it much more comfortable to drive especially if you live in a hot climate like Florida, Arizona, or California. And if the added protection from glare helps you avoid an accident its value could be priceless.

How Much Does Window Tinting Cost?

There are many variables in the cost of car window tinting based on the size of the vehicle, the number of windows needed to tint, and even the type of tinting used. The main types of tinting are Ceramic Window Tint, Dyed Window Tint, and Carbon Window Tint and prices can range from $50 per window to $100 or more per window depending on the type of tint and your location. Generally, the cost will range between $300 and $800 for the average vehicle. See How Much Does It Cost to Tint Car Windows in 2021? for more information.

Different Tint Levels

Interestingly the tint levels are sort of the opposite of what you would think. Rather than the percentage of tint, it actually measures the percentage of light allowed through. So 5% is the darkest and 50% is the lightest with 20% being the standard used by most manufacturers. As this video explains, in most states darker tinting is legal on the side windows behind the driver but possibly not on the rear window. Your local tint shop should know the laws for your state. Following those laws should prevent you from getting a ticket.

The Starting Process

Once you have decided that you want to get your windows tinted you will need to bring it to the shop. You will usually have to drop it off there and come back in a few days when it is ready. When you drop it off the process begins by cleaning all the windows, cutting the window tint to fit the size of each window, I’m getting all the tools and supplies ready that will be needed. When the windows are all cleaned off they are sprayed down heavily and the tint is placed to fit the window. At this point, there is a lot of wetness and bubbles in between the window and the tint. Using something delicate and flat to smooth out all the bubbles and the water trapped in between is what will need to be done in order to assure a professional tint job.

Halfway Done

Once all of the bubbles are smoothed out of each window and everything looks clean and clear, heat is applied to each window to ensure the sealing process. The heating process usually consists of a small heat gun and is crucial in order to ensure that the job was done correctly. After the heat is applied to each window a piece of tape is put on every window button to cover it. The reason for that being is because the windows are not allowed to be open for the next 3 to 5 days.

The Final Product

After every process has been done the car is shined up and ready for the owner to pick it up. Some places offer warranties and if something ever gets messed up you can bring it back. Remember you get what you pay for and sometimes it can be better to spend a little more. If you are looking to get your vehicle tinted make sure to do your research beforehand. There are hundreds of places to get this done so, compare different places to see which is the best value.

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