Carbon tint is the best!
No, no.
It’s ceramic, which gives the best protection.
Have you tried dyed tints? They’re cheap and do the trick.
We all have come across these statements whenever we think of getting window tints. With so many types of window tints around, it can be a tough decision to choose one.
But don’t you worry, we have come up with a solution. Here are the 6 types of window tint and their pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision!
What is a Window Tint? Why Should You Get It?
A window tint is a thin film applied to the glass of your car. Window tints provide numerous benefits over clear glass. You should get a window tint with a suitable window tint percentage in order to reap these benefits.
An important benefit of window tint is the protection against UV sun 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.
Another benefit of window tints is protection against shattered glass. This is because of the fact that tint film adheres so well with the glass that it acts as a reinforcement in the event of a collision.
Other benefits of window tinting include glare-free driving and riding experience, enhancing the performance of your car’s AC, improved fuel economy due to decreased load on AC, ensuring a longer lifespan for the interior, and an elevated sense of privacy.
6 Types of Window Tint
Window tint films can be made out of various materials. There are many different types of window tints based on these materials. Let’s see some common materials that are used for window tinting:
1. Carbon Tint
What is it?
Carbon tint films are synthesized by stacking the layers of carbon polymer one over the other. The final product has an excellent finish with a sleek look. The carbon fiber particles mixed in carbon tint are very durable and last longer as compared to other types of window tints.
Pros
- It is a durable and long-lasting type of window tinting.
- The carbon film has an inherent ability to repel sun rays.
- It can provide a cooling effect by reducing the internal temperature by up to 40%.
- It won’t fade like some other types, such as dyed tints.
- It is a non-conductor that won’t affect the car electronics.
Cons
- It is one of the more expensive types of window tinting.
Who should get it?
If you’re looking to get a high-quality window tint that will last at least 10-15 years, then carbon tinting is the way ahead. Carbon tints might be expensive, but they are certainly the best ones.
2. Ceramic Tint
What is it?
Even better than the carbon tinting is the ceramic tint, which is made out of three layers. On top, you get a protective coat; ceramic particles are sandwiched in the middle, and at last, there is an adhesive layer that glues to the window.
Pros
- It is the best type of window tinting.
- The natural matte finish effect of ceramic tinting will enhance the bold exterior looks.
- Tiny ceramic particles don’t affect the cabin visibility at all.
- It can block up to 99% of UV sun rays.
- It can provide a cooling effect by reducing the internal temperature up to 50%.
- It makes your windows shatterproof.
- Despite being a light tint, it reduces glare.
- It is a non-conductor that won’t affect the car electronics.
Cons
- It is the most expensive type of window tinting.
- Its light tint does not provide you with a sense of privacy.
Who should get it?
If you’re looking for window tints with the best capability of blocking heat, then you should get ceramic tint. But know that it is expensive and won’t do much for your privacy.
3. Crystalline Tint
What is it?
It is not even considered a proper type of window tint by many experts. However, it does exhibit the qualities of a window tint. It is a crystal clear layer of plastic sheet applied over window glass.
Pros
- The crystalline tint gives the glass a very subtle look.
- It can be used in states that don’t permit the use of window tint.
- It provides excellent protection against UV sun rays.
- It is one of the cheapest window tints.
Cons
- It lacks the opacity levels one likes to see in a window tint.
- It won’t give you any privacy whatsoever.
Who should get it?
If you’re looking for a subtle option in window tinting, then crystalline tint is the way to go. It gives you the benefits of having a window tint without messing with the looks of your car.
4. Metallic Tint
What is it?
Metallics tints are composed of metalized microparticles. Instead of absorbing the UV rays, metalized tints tend to reflect them.
Pros
- It reflects almost all the harmful UV rays.
- It has an excellent scratch-resistant finish.
- Metalized tints add strength to your window glass, making it shatter-resistant.
- It doesn’t fade away like some other types of window tints.
- It gives your windows a shinier look.
Cons
- The metal microparticles can interfere with the GPS signals and electronics of your car.
- Safety systems such as blind spot monitoring and radar might be affected.
- It is slightly more expensive as compared to other window tinting options.
- It is a thick tint that might not look nicer from the outside.
Who should get it?
If you own an old car that doesn’t have navigation and various electronic features, then metalized tint can be a suitable choice. Otherwise, there are better options.
5. Dyed Tint
What is it?
In dyed tint, a protective layer of dye is applied between the glass and tint film, which fades over time. You can choose the level of darkness by varying the color and amount of dye.
Pros
- It can absorb the majority of UV and sun rays.
- It is a commonly available and rather cheap type of window tint.
- It provides a certain degree of scratch resistance.
- It doesn’t impact the cabin visibility.
Cons
- It lets some amount of UV rays through it.
- Exposure to UV rays can slowly fade the dye inside the film.
- Its color might change after some time.
- It is not a highly durable choice.
- It becomes less effective over time.
Who should get it?
If you’re afraid of making a long-term commitment with window tinting, dyed tints are the way to go. It is one of the more affordable and commonly available types of window tinting.
6. Hybrid Tint
What is it?
Hybrid tint is a mixture of metalized microparticles and UV-absorbing dyes. It comes with three layers. A protective top layer, a sandwich mixture of metallic powder and dyes, and, at last, an adhesive layer that sticks to the glass.
Pros
- It provides superior UV blocking as compared to dyed tints.
- Metallic powder increases the lifespan of hybrid tints.
- It is a touch lighter than metalized tints but still reduces glare.
- Metal makes the hybrid tints a shatter-resistant option.
- It is not a crystal clear window tint. It does provide some privacy.
Cons
- It is more expensive than dyed tints.
- The metal powder can interfere with the electronic systems of your car.
Who should get it?
Hybrid window tint is a perfect combo of dyed and metalized tint, thus the name hybrid. It combines the benefits of metallic and dyed tints while tying up loose ends.
Which Type of Window Tint is the Best?
Choosing a window tint can be a hard choice. It depends on your personal preference, state laws and regulations, car body type, and weather conditions. However, if it was up to me, I would choose the carbon window tint. Carbon tint gives the best protection against UV and sun rays, plus it is durable and long-lasting. Its price can make things tough, but all good things come at a certain price. It is expensive but not super expensive, like ceramic coating. So, there you have it: carbon tint is the best window tint, in my opinion.