How Much Does It Cost to Tint Car Windows?
Like anything worthwhile in life, car windows will cost money to tint. Find the average cost to tint car windows right here.
Tinting the windows of your car has a lot more surprising benefits than just looking cool.
One of the biggest advantages that window tinting provides is the ability to block ultraviolet (UV) rays. Without tinted windows, up to 50% of cancer-causing UVA radiation can penetrate the glass to reach your skin!
If you're thinking of tinting the windows of your car, it's important to do your research on what will fit your car, needs, and budget the best.
We'll break down everything you need to know about the cost to tint car windows in this article.
What Are the Benefits of Tinting My Car Windows?
As mentioned in the intro, the biggest advantage of tinted windows is their ability to block UV rays from reaching your skin inside the car. It can block as much as 99% of harmful UV rays that can cause cancer!
Another great benefit of tinting your windows is being able to block out more solar heat. Your air conditioning won't have to work as hard to keep your car cool when you start up your car. Ceramic window tints can block up to 50% of solar heat.
Along with keeping the heat out of your car, it will also protect your car upholstery from fading. Quality window tint can reduce the solar rays that enter your windows. This keeps your valuable leather and vinyl from discoloring.
Tinting also makes your windows stronger. This means more protection from your windows shattering against break-ins or severe weather.
Lastly, quality window tint provides increased privacy and security. You can choose the level of tint shade, which can protect your interior valuables from prying eyes, giving you peace of mind when you're away from your car.
How Much Will It Cost to Tint Car Windows?
There is a wide range of factors that come into the cost of tinting your car windows.
But depending on the kind of tint you choose to install, the average cost of tinting your car windows for a sedan can be anywhere from $200 to $500, while large vans and SUVs can get up to $1,000 or more.
Also, if you already have a tint on your car, you need to remove that tint before you can install a new one. This will cost more.
Some other important factors that will affect the cost of your window tint are:
- Size and type of vehicle
- Size and contours of windows
- Number of windows
- Tint level and quality
- State and local laws on tinting
- Warranties
All of these factors will affect how much your local auto shop will charge to tint your car. Let's take a look at the different types of window tints.
Types of Window Tints
Window tint is made out of a polyethylene film that's applied to the inside of car windows. This in effect will help reduce glare, increase privacy, as well as protect your car's interior from the sun and outside intruders.
Today, there are several different kinds of window tints that can fit any budget.
Ceramic Window Tint
Ceramic is the most expensive window tint and the highest quality tint money can buy. This material starts out at around $200 but can cost more than $1,000 for bigger vehicles.
Ceramic window tint is made up of tiny, nonconductive ceramic-based particles.
Ceramic window features include:
- Blocking 50% or more solar heat from entering the car
- Blocking 99% of infrared and harmful UV rays
- No interference with Bluetooth or cellphone signals
- Higher shatter resistance
- Several shading options
For these reasons, ceramic window tint is one of the best and most expensive options on the market.
Carbon Window Tint
The next level down from ceramic is carbon window tint. At most, it will cost around $600-$800.
Carbon tint performs nearly as well as ceramic window tint does, and is made up of tiny pieces of carbon. These particles are what filter out light and heat.
Carbon will also not interfere with your Bluetooth or cellphone signals and it won't fade or peel over time. Compared to other types of tint, carbon has more of a matte finish, as compared to the shinier metallic material.
Metallic Window Tint
Metallic window tint will run you anywhere from $100 to $800. The metalized film is sufficient for blocking out heat, UV, and infrared.
While carbon has more of a matte look, metallic has a more chrome-like finish, which in effect makes it much harder to see inside the vehicle.
This appearance has a reputation of standing out to police easier. Some version of metallic window tint is illegal in 20 states.
Nowadays, metallic film is not as popular, as it seems to disrupt Bluetooth and cell phone signals.
Dyed Window Tint
Lastly, and least expensively, is dyed window tint. This can cost as little as $50 and might reach around $600 for a larger vehicle.
Dyed window tint is comprised of a single layer of polyester film. It can block out glare and heat fairly successfully, but it will also fade and peel over time.
Can I Tint My Car Windows Myself?
If you want to tint your own car windows, it is possible to do it on your own. But be aware that tinting your car windows is not as easy as "slapping a sticker" onto your car.
It's not advised to do it on your own unless you are experienced in how to do it properly. It takes a lot of precision and is much more complicated than it seems.
However, you can find DIY tint kits at any auto parts store. They usually cost less than $100, so if you're looking for the cheapest route, this might be an option for you.
Key Takeaways
That's everything you need to know about the cost to tint car windows.
Getting tinted windows has a wide variety of benefits outside of pure aesthetics. From health to security to comfort to savings, it's no wonder why more and more people are deciding to get their car windows tinted.
If you want to enjoy the benefits of automotive window tinting, ask Velocity Window Tinting and get a free estimate for your car today!
