Window tinting is a popular way to protect your car from the sun and keep it cooler in the summer months, but do the benefits outweigh the costs?
Certainly, you’ll be able to enjoy the increased privacy provided, but do tinted windows affect insurance rates?
Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of window tinting.
We’ll also discuss how state requirements and insurance rates may be affected by your decision.
Pros of Tinting your Car Windows
When you think of tinted car windows, you might associate them with celebrities who want to keep their privacy or with tinted windows that are so dark you can’t see inside.
However, there are many benefits to tinting your car windows, regardless of your celebrity status.
Increased Privacy
One benefit is that it can increase your privacy. If you don’t want people to be able to see inside your car, then tinting the windows can give you the privacy you desire. It also reduces the visibility of valuables inside, making it less tempting for people to break into your car.
Reduced Sun Glare
Tinted windows can also reduce sun glare. If you live in a sunny climate or if you find yourself driving a lot during the day, then tinted windows can help reduce the amount of glare from the sun.
Reduced UV Rays
In addition, UV protection for your car’s interior is another benefit of tinting your car windows. By reducing the number of UV rays that enter your car, you can help protect your car’s interior from fading and other damage caused by exposure to the sun.
Better Heat Management
Finally, cooler temperatures in the summer months are another pro to tinting your car windows. By keeping the sun’s rays out of your car, you can help keep the temperatures inside your car cooler, making it more comfortable for you during those hot summer days.
With all of those advantages, it’s easy to see why people have been tinting their windows since the late 1940s and 50s.
In fact, window tinting is only growing in popularity, likely because they are one of the simplest upgrades to make your driving experience “sublime.”
Cons of Tinting Your Car Windows
While there are certainly some benefits to tinting your car windows, there are also some potential drawbacks that you should be aware of.
State Requirements
One potential drawback is that state requirements for window tinting can vary, and if you don’t follow the requirements, you could be fined. Be sure to check with your state’s DMV to find out the requirements for window tinting before you have it done.
Insurance Adjustments
Another potential drawback is that your car insurance rates could be affected by window tinting. Some insurance companies may consider it a modification to your car that could increase your rates, so be sure to check with your insurance company before you have it done.
Difficulty Seeing at Night
Finally, another potential drawback of tinting your car windows is that it can make it more difficult to see at night. If you do a lot of driving at night, you may want to consider how well you’ll be able to see with tinted windows before you have them done.
Can Be Damaged by Car Washes or Other Cleaners
Another thing to keep in mind is that window tinting can be damaged by car washes or other cleaners. If you plan to get your car windows tinted, be sure to ask about how to care for them so you don’t damage the tint.
It May Be Difficult to Remove
When it comes to window tinting, it’s important to keep in mind that it may be difficult to remove if you decide you don’t like it. This is because the tinting adhesive is designed to be permanent, and it can be very difficult to get it to release from the glass.
If you’re not careful, you may end up damaging the glass or the tinting film. So, if you’re thinking about window tinting, be sure to commit to it – once it’s on, it’s there for good.
So, do the pros outweigh the cons? That’s a decision you’ll have to make for yourself.
But now that you know some of the potential risks and benefits, you can make an informed choice about whether or not window tinting.
Types of Window Tinting
Now that you’ve evaluated the pros and cons of window tinting you need to understand the different types available to you and your vehicle.
Each type comes with its own sets of pros and cons.
Here are some of the most popular options sorted from low-priced to high.
Dyed film: The most common type of film is Dyed film, which is a black or dark-colored film that is applied to the inside surface of your car windows. They don’t offer the same UV protection as other types and they may fade over time.
Metalized film: Another type of film is Metalized film, which is a metallic-coated film that is applied to the inside surface of your car windows. These are extremely scratch resistant and add strength to the windows, but they may cause GPS signal interference.
Hybrid film: These films feature a combination of dyes and metal particles. They are known for reducing the negative aspects of dyed and metalized films like radio interference and lacking a mirror-like appearance.
Ceramic film: Finally, there is Ceramic film, which is a ceramic-coated film that is applied to the inside surface of your car windows. They are capable of blocking more than 99 percent of UV rays and are resistant to fading.
Find a Professional and Get Started
So, who can do it? Any qualified auto glass shop should be able to do it, but you may want to ask if they have experience with the type of film you’ve chosen.
You should also ask about their warranty – most auto glass shops offer a warranty on their work, but it’s always best to ask just to be sure.
Now that you know the basics of car window tinting, you can decide if it’s right for you.
If you do decide to go ahead with it, be sure to do your research and choose a qualified installer who can do a good job.
Luke Williams writes and researches for the auto insurance comparison site, 4AutoInsuranceQuote.com. His passions include insurance and helping drivers upgrade their vehicles cost-effectively.
