Car Window Tints: 6 Car Tint Types and Their Differences

Did you know that drivers are more likely to get skin cancer on the left side of their face, which is less protection from the sun’s UV rays? Besides protecting you from cancer-causing rays, car window tint can add style and comfort to your car, among other benefits. 

There are many different car tint types. Each one comes with different advantages and drawbacks. It can be hard to know where to start.

The flipside is that there are a variety of products available to fit almost any style and budget. Keep reading to find out more about the different types of car window tinting, so that you can decide which is best for you.

Benefits of Car Window Tinting

Besides giving your vehicle a sleek, modern look, there are several benefits to automotive tinting. Blocking sunlight is one of them.

While film shields your skin from harmful UV rays, it also protects the interior of your vehicle. This means leather seats, upholstery, and plastic components will last longer without fading. 

Another benefit to blocking UV rays is that it keeps your car’s cabin cool. You might assume that this is the only advantage during the warm summer months, but tint also has an insulating quality that can keep heat in during the winter. All of this affords you the ability to better regulate the temperature inside your vehicle.

A final advantage of keeping UV rays out of your car is safety. It makes driving more comfortable and reduces glare so you are not blinded by the sun.

Another benefit of window tinting is that it adds privacy and strength to your windows. Since passers-by cannot see inside your vehicle, it dissuades thieves who might be enticed by valuable items left lying out.

Also, window film makes it harder to shatter windows. This is an advantage against both potential break-ins and an advantage during accidents. Windows with tints are less likely to have shards of glass flying around during a crash.

Car Tint Types

How well your tint performs depends on the type you choose. Note that there are hybrid versions of these options as well. For example, metalized and dyed tints may be used together to leverage the different benefits of each.

1. Dyed Tint

Dyed film is the most common type of automotive tinting. It comprises several layers of dyed plastic film that adhere to your vehicle’s windows. Its biggest advantage is that it is the most economical. If your primary goal in buying a tinted window is aesthetics or privacy, then dyed tint is a good, affordable option.

Dyed window film is the least effective at blocking the sun's rays. This means some lessened benefits associated with this inability, such as UV protection and cabin temperature regulation.

The biggest downside to dyed film is that it tends to fade over time. They are also more susceptible to scratching and surface damage.

2. Metalized Tint

As the name suggests, metalized tint is made up of small, metal particles that rest between layers of film. They use reflection to keep sunlight out and are very effective at doing so.

Metalized tint also is very durable, much more likely to keep your window from shattering than with dyed film. They also will not fade like dyed tints.

For these reasons, metalized tint can be much more expensive than dyed film. Otherwise, they are the second most economical option on this list.

One big downside to metalized tint is that those metal particles can interfere with cell reception, as well as radio and GPS signals. Another deficit is that, beyond shading level, it is difficult to customize metalized tint. If you prefer a matte finish over a shiny one, then you should select another tint type.

3. Carbon Tint

Carbon tints contain tiny carbon particles that produce a distinctive matte finish. They will not fade over time and provide excellent protection against UV rays. They also do not inhibit GPS, cell, radio signals.

One of the biggest advantages of carbon tints is that they are much better at insulating than other types of film. This means they can keep your car warm during the winter in addition to blocking heat during the summer. Also, carbon tints will not fade--you can expect them to last the life of your vehicle.

A downside to carbon tint is that they are expensive. However, many people feel that they are well worth the investment, given their performance and durability.

4. Ceramic Tint

Ceramic tint is the top-of-the-line for film aesthetics and performance. They use non-conductive ceramic particles that do not block reception or signal transmission. These films do block up to 99 percent of UV rays, offering superior protection from the sun.

Ceramic is one of the most effective car tint types when it comes to reducing glare. This means you can couple the darkest tint available without reducing visibility--in fact, you improve it. Finally, other than metalized films, ceramic tint is the most impervious to scratches and other damage.

As you might have guessed, ceramic tint is the most expensive option on this list. Like carbon tint, you have to decide if the advantages are worth the extra cost. But you can expect ceramic tint to look and perform the same as it did on day one, for the life of your vehicle.

A Note on State Window Tinting Laws

Keep in mind that each state has different laws on tint levels, which also vary by window. For instance, a few states do not allow tinting on the front side windows or windshield. While some permit any level of tinting on rear side windows, they might have different standards for back windows.

This is only of concern for DIY window tinting projects. Besides ensuring that the job is done right, this is another reason to have a professional install your window film. They will be able to select the darkest tint level possible while ensuring your car complies with the law.

Find Automotive Tinting Near You

Now that you have an idea of the different car tint types, you can determine which is best for your vehicle, lifestyle, and budget. Choosing the right one can help preserve your car’s interior, make it more comfortable, protect your skin, make your vehicle look great.

At Velocity Window Tinting, we specialize in auto, residential, and commercial window tinting services. We use high-performance tint to ensure your windows last and perform well for the life of your car.

Velocity Window Tinting offer mobile car tinting, so you don't have to leave your driveway to get the job done. Reach out to us today to learn more about our products and services, or to schedule an appointment.