Which Tint is Right for Your Vehicle?
Tint is a thin film that goes over a car’s window, so why does it vary in cost? There are many different types and brands of tint, all with different features and durability. Before you settle on a tint for your car, you should understand what your options are (and how much you want to spend).
The Different Types of Window Tint Film
- Ceramic. Ceramic is a luxury model of tint and is the most expensive because it is the most durable. Made with ceramic particles, ceramic window tinting can significantly reduce the heat and solar radiation that penetrates windows, preventing upholstery from fading and keeping a vehicle cool. Ceramic film is glare resistant and protects windows from shattering.
- Metallized. A metallized film is reflective, durable, will protect your windows and can be virtually opaque (which also means that the darker tints of metallized tint are often not allowed). Light metallized tint, on the other hand, is available in nearly every area and provides a very eye-catching sheen. The drawback to this type of tint is that it can interfere with mobile data and radio reception.
- Carbon. Strong, dark and matte, carbon tint is an attractive option that does not interfere with mobile data and radio reception. Carbon tint is going to be more expensive than metallized film (and it may not be as shiny), but it’s also much more durable and will not fade. It will also protect the interior of a vehicle.
- Dyed. This is the most affordable type of window tint. A dyed window tint film is simply a thin sheet of plastic which has been dyed to the right color. Dyed window film is the type that people are most familiar with. This kind of film will end up fading, and it can sometimes flake off (especially if the car is left in the sun). Because it is so cheap, however, it can also be reapplied fairly frequently and not break the bank.
The Differences in Tinting Installation
In addition to differences in the tint itself, there are also some differences in installation. A very cheap tinting job may eventually peel away or may reveal bubbles and streaks, which indicates that the tint was applied quickly and not necessarily with care. Premium tinting jobs take longer to do (and consequently are more expensive) because the individuals completing the tinting need to have a very focused attention to detail. The better the job is done, the more likely the tint is to adhere for a long time, and the less likely there are to be any imperfections in the job.
The type of tint you get is going to depend on your local laws, your budget and your desired style. You can always try out some new tints by going to your local shop and comparing them to your car. For more information, contact the tinting experts at Executive Motorsports!
