Are you facing the problems of heat, glare, and prying eyes?
We have the perfect solution for you!
Window tints.
But with so many different types and qualities of window tint, it can often become difficult to choose one. Fret not; we’re here to help.
This article will not only list the 9 best car window tints but also outline the application procedure and all the information surrounding car window tints.
What Is a Window Tint? Why Do You Need it?
Car windows are often covered with a thin film to control the amount of light that crosses the glass. This thin glass film is known as window tint.
Tinted windows present many benefits over clear glass. These include protection against harmful UV and infrared rays, glare reduction, elevated privacy, improved performance of AC, and reduction of solar energy transfer.
9 Best Car Window Tints
Here are the 9 best car window tints you can buy on Amazon:
1. Mkbrother 20% VLT Window Tint Adhesive Film Auto Car
Pros:
- Improves comfort by reducing heat.
- Non-metalized construction eliminates interference.
- Improves personal safety by blocking 96- 99% of UVA & UVB rays.
- Reduces glare and fading of vehicle’s interior.
Cons:
- It might not be legal in some US states.
- It comes without protective adhesive.
2. Gila XLB242 Xtreme Limo Black 2.5% VLT
Pros:
- 97.5% light blocked and 2.5% Visible Light Transmission.
- Helps keep your drive cool with up to 42% heat rejection.
- Reduces glare, helping you see better and drive safer.
- The adhesive film is easy to install.
Cons:
- The application kit for this film is sold separately.
- It’s not good for vehicles with large windows.
- It might not be legal in most US states.
3. TOYOCO Window Tint Film for Cars
Pros:
- It prevents dazzling sunlight and is gentle on the skin.
- A transparent coating prevents scratches when cleaning the glass.
- It protects the privacy inside the car.
- It prevents glass from scattering due to accidents, earthquakes, and typhoons.
Cons:
- It might not be dark enough for summer.
4. Gila Static Cling 5% VLT Automotive Window Tint DIY Easy Install
Pros:
- It can block up to 95% of all UV rays.
- Easy to remove when no longer needed.
- Reduces glare, helping you see better and drive safer.
- Durable material uses deep-dye technology that lasts.
- Static cling film is easy to apply.
Cons:
- The application kit for this film is sold separately.
- It might not be legal in most US states.
5. Gila® Heat Shield 20% VLT Automotive Window Tint DIY
Pros:
- It can block up to 80% of all UV rays.
- It keeps the interior cooler and reduces glare, making driving safer and comfortable.
- Durable material uses deep-dye technology that lasts.
- Specifically designed for all rear window applications, regardless of make or model.
- It is highly scratch-resistant.
- It is very easy to apply.
Cons:
- It’s not the best protection against UV rays.
- Difficult to install on vans and RVs.
6. 80% VLT Nano Ceramic Car Front Window Film
Pros:
- It can effectively block out 99% of UV rays.
- It protects your skin and prevents your car seat from aging and fading.
- It comes with a 2-ply design and a scratch-resistant coating.
- It strengthens the glass and effectively prevents accidents caused by glass splash.
- It is based on nano-ceramic film technology that absorbs sunlight and exchanges heat.
Cons:
- It might not be the easiest window tint to install.
- UV and heat rejection isn’t as good as claimed by the company.
- It doesn’t give you a sense of privacy.
7. LEXEN 2PLY 24″ x 10′ Premium Carbon Window Tint Film Roll
Pros:
- It can block up to 95% of all UV rays.
- Reduces glare, helping you see better and drive safer.
- It is made out of durable material that will last longer.
- It is one of the darkest shades of tint film available.
- It gives you a sense of privacy.
Cons:
- Tint film doesn’t shrink the way it should.
- It is illegal to use in most of the states.
8. DIY-Moto Shield Pro Premium Precut Ceramic Window Tint
Pros:
- Nano Ceramic Window Tint Blocks 99% of UV Rays.
- It also protects against 99% of infrared heat radiation rays.
- It preserves your car’s interior from fading away.
- Moto Shield Pro offers a lifetime warranty on window tint films.
- It doesn’t interfere with the signal of your car.
Cons:
- The application is not easy for beginners.
- It is illegal to use in most of the states.
9. Car Window Tint Film for Auto Sun Shade Roll 20% VLT
Pros:
- It doesn’t affect the viewability of the driver.
- It blocks up to 99% of UV rays and 85% of infrared rays.
- This tint film is fade and scratch-resistant.
- You can choose between four different levels of visible light transmission.
- It gives you a sense of privacy.
Cons:
- The adhesive of the film isn’t very strong.
What are the Benefits of Car Window Tinting? Do You Really Need it?
Window tinting offers multiple benefits. Let’s explore some of them.
1. Protection against shattered glass
Broken glass can have devastating consequences for you and your family. However, if your windows are tinted, the tint film adheres so well with the glass that it acts as a reinforcement in the event of a collision. Even if the glass is broken, tint film prevents it from spreading everywhere.
2. Glare Free Driving Experience
Sun rays in the day and flashy headlights of other cars during nighttime can cause trouble. Glass tint provides a peaceful, glare-free driving experience by toning down the intensity of light rays passing through windows. It not only helps the driver but also the passengers to relax.
3. Protection against UV Rays
You must know that the sun emits high-intensity UV rays. Extended exposure to UV rays can cause sunburns, irritation, itchiness, premature skin aging, and melanomas. Window tinting is an effective way to block up to 99% of all kinds of harmful UV radiation.
4. Enhances AC performance
Having a window tint film can enhance the performance of your car’s AC. Tint film blocks the majority of heat waves from entering the car, hence reducing the load on air conditioning. This will also result in improved fuel economy due to decreased load on AC.
5. Longer lifespan for interior
Extended exposure of plastic and fabrics to sunlight can cause fading. This gives a very bad look to the interior of your car. Having a window tint will ensure a longer life for the interior of your car.
6. Gives You Privacy
What good is a private car if you have to deal with prying eyes? A suitable window tint gives an elevated sense of privacy. You can enjoy cherished moments with your loved ones in peace.
Which is the Best Type of Car Window Tint?
Window tint films can be made out of various materials. There are many different types of window tints based on these materials. Here are the most common types of window tints:
- Carbon Tint is the most popular choice for window tinting.
- Ceramic Tint is regarded as the best type of window tint overall.
- Crystalline Tint is the most subtle option among all window tints.
- Metallic Tint can mess up the electronic systems, but it has decent performance.
- Dyed Tint will not last long and is prone to color change and fading.
- Hybrid Tint can also interfere with the electronic systems.
So, the question arises: which type of window tint is best? Well, my first choice will be ceramic tint. It is widely regarded as the best type of window tint. But it is slightly more expensive.
In that case, you can opt for a carbon tint. Carbon tint is almost as good as a ceramic tint, with some shortcomings, such as ineffective glare reduction.
Metallic and hybrid are no choice at all since they interfere with the electronic features of your car. As far as crystalline and dyed tints are concerned, they have an extremely short lifespan.
What is the Best Car Window Tint Percentage in the US?
There are five different levels of common window tint percentages in the US. However, which one is the best? Let’s find out!
- 20 window tint is the darkest of all. It gives you the best dark experience.
- 25 window tint is the way to go if you feel like 20 is way too dark for your taste.
- 35 window tint provides the perfect balance of visible light and UV blockage.
- 50 window tint is a great choice if you live in an area with long winters.
- 70 window tint is compliant with window tint laws of almost all states.
You can see that you can choose any window tint percentage according to your choice. The single most important thing to consider before getting window tints is your state legislature. Look at the window tint percentages allowed in your state. Then you can decide according to your preference.
How to Choose the Best Car Window Tint?
Various factors need to be considered to choose the best car window tint.
Type of Car Window Tint
You can only wish to get the best car window tint only if you choose the best type. The two best types of window tint are ceramic and carbon. You’d be better off choosing between these two.
Legal Restrictions
Each state has different window tinting laws and regulations. However, it is important to note that if you don’t comply with the window tinting laws of your specific state, you can be pulled over.
The Cost
You must consider the cost of the window tint you’re getting. The average cost of window tinting in the US starts from $100, and it can go up to $1,500. It depends on the size and shape of your car and on the number of windows in your car.
Your Personal Preference
No matter how many blueprints you follow to choose a specific exterior part for your car, it boils down to one thing: your personal preference.
The Style and Type of Your Car
The window tint should look good on your specific car style and type. Dark tints are suitable for only a few sports cars with flashy colors, whereas everyday cars should have a lighter tint.
The Climate You Live In
The climate you live in plays an important role in the selection of the best window tint. If you live in an area with longer summer, it is better to opt for a dark tint. However, if your area has long winters, you can choose a lighter tint as well.
Quality of Tint Material
The quality of the tint material determines its lifespan. Low-quality tints often fade out after a few months, whereas high-quality tints last much longer.
How to Apply a Window Tint?
It is recommended to use smaller pieces of extra film to practice before your first time installing. Here’s the brief procedure to apply a window tint:
- Firstly, you must clean the glass surface.
- Measure the glass surface & cut the film 1″ larger than the size you need.
- Remove the plastic liner under the film.
- Spray the window with the application foam that comes with the tint.
- Apply the application solution generously to the adhesive side of the film.
- Starting from the top, apply the film to the window.
- Always remember to apply window film to the inside of the window only.
- Do not apply film when the outside temperature is below freezing (32 F).
- Squeeze out any air bubbles or imperfections.
- Now, trim away extra film.