6 Tips for Choosing a Window Tint Percentage for Your Car
There are various degrees to which you can tint your car windows. Here are 6 tips for choosing a window tint percentage for your car.
Your car is a major investment. In fact, the average new car costs more than $36,700.
The longer you can keep it in good condition, the longer you’ll be able to enjoy your driving experience. Unfortunately, normal wear and tear can almost destroy the inside of your car in a matter of years and the biggest culprit? The sun’s UV rays.
Installing window tinting film is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to keep the inside of your car looking great for years. However, figuring out the right window tint percentage for your car isn’t always easy.
Here are a few simple tips to help you choose the best film and the best tint percentage for your car and your driving habits.
1. Understand What You Want to Accomplish
There are many different types of window tinting films available and the percentage you choose largely depends on what you want the film to do.
For example, completely translucent films with almost no darkness block up to 99 percent of the sun’s UV rays from getting inside the car. This can help keep your interior looking like-new longer and reduces your risk of sun damage while you’re driving down the road.
Privacy films still block out 99 percent of the UV rays, but they also make it harder for people to see inside your car. If you’re looking to keep items inside your vehicle safer or want to reduce the likelihood of break-ins, a darker film is the way to go.
2. Familiarize Yourself With the Window Tint Percentage Laws
Believe it or not, there are laws you’ll need to follow when choosing the best window tint percentage for your car. For drivers in Florida, you’ll need to install films rated to allow no less than 28 percent of light into your car.
If you install a film that lets less than that percentage of light inside your car, you’ll end up facing a costly ticket. Worse, you’ll have to remove the film and replace it with a window tint percentage that satisfies the legal requirements.
The best way to make sure you’re in compliance with window tint percentage laws is to work with a professional installation team. They’ll make sure the film you select is legal in the areas you drive the most. Just remember that the lower the percentage you choose, the darker the tint will be.
3. Consider How the Window Tint Will Change the Look
Unless you choose a tint with a very high percentage rating, you’ll end up changing the way your car’s exterior looks and how the interior feels. Make sure you’re okay with those changes before you commit to a vehicle tint film.
If you’re worried that the film might be too dark, choose one that’s a little lighter. It's always best to stay on the side of caution and install a lighter film. This way, it will take a shorter period of time for you to adjust to the tint.
4. Pick the Highest-Quality Film Possible
Regardless of the car window tint percentage you choose, make sure you choose a film that’s high-quality. This means you’ll need to buy the film from an experienced window tinting shop rather than relying on the films you can find in big-box stores or online.
The films that are available through retailers typically have much shorter lifespans. This means you’ll end up having to replace them more frequently and could spend more over the life of your car.
Instead of trying to save money upfront, invest in professional-grade films whenever possible.
These films will last longer and provide you with better sun protection than the ones you can buy on your own. Even better, they’ll add value to your vehicle and will keep it looking like-new longer.
5. Look at Examples
When you work with a professional installation team, you’ll be able to look at different types of window tinting films and see samples of the different tint percentages before you make a decision. Use this to your advantage.
Look at the options they work with and see which percentage will work best for your needs. You can also ask to see pictures of cars with that same percentage installed so you can get an idea of how the film will look from the outside.
6. Always Schedule a Professional Installation Appointment
Though it is possible to install automobile tint on your own, it’s not in your best interest. The installation process takes a lot of training and experience to do correctly.
If the film isn’t installed by an experienced professional, the heat buildup in your car will cause the film to bubble up. Over time, those bubbles will make your car look more run-down. Worse, the film could end up changing colors or fading after just a few months.
When you hire an experienced professional and let them install the film, you’ll know that you’re getting the best quality workmanship possible. They’ll also be able to make sure you receive the manufacturer’s warranty for the film.
If you install the film on your own, you could end up voiding the warranty. If the film gets damaged as a result of a manufacturer’s error, you’ll have to pay the full price to repair or replace it.
Choose the Best Tint for Your Ride
Ultimately, choosing the right window tint percentage for your car is a matter of personal preference. The darker you go, the more privacy you’ll have, but the less natural light you’ll get in the cab. The lighter the percentage is, the easier it will be to see inside your car.
Keep these tips in mind when you’re deciding on the best type of film for your car and you’ll be able to find an option you’ll love having installed for years to come.
If you’re ready to improve the comfort and driving experience you have in your car, don’t wait. Contact us to schedule an appointment today and let Window Kote of Largo help you find the perfect car window tint options for your ride.
