Is Window Tinting Right For Your Car?
Window tinting is a common addition to many vehicles, whether you own a car, truck, or SUV. Sometimes, you may be a new or used car that comes with tinted windows. However, suppose you do not have tinted windows and are considering this addition to your vehicle's glass. In that case, there are a few things to consider before booking your appointment with the best-rated window tinting company in your area.
Before you decide to apply window tint to your car, understand the basics of window tinting. Window tinting is the process of applying a thin laminate film to a vehicle's glass to darken the glass. There are many reasons to use window tint, one of them being purely aesthetic. Some people believe that window tint makes a car look "cooler" and equate window tinting to sunglasses for a car. Other reasons for window tinting include privacy and security because a dark tinted window reduces outsiders' ability to see inside.
An0ther key reason why car owners get window tinting is that window tinting protects the sun's potentially damaging UV and UVA rays. These rays are responsible for causing skin cancer, so when you choose window tinting for this reason, you are investing in your health. Window tinting, along these lines, can also reduce solar gain, which is interior heat, and in turn, this improves the fuel economy of your vehicle over time. When applied correctly, i.e., by a top-rated professional, window tinting also protects the interior of your car, including the upholstery, which fades over time in the sunlight.
However, it is essential to understand the local laws in your area regarding window tinting. There is a range of options for window tinting, and these typically dictate the amount of light that is allowed into the interior. It also affects how well you can see out of the window, and that is why each state has its own laws and regulations. The light that is allowed through is called variable light transmission, or VLT. The aforementioned state regulations differ among the VLT percentage. These laws and restrictions are well-known to those who professionally apply window tint, so it isn't advised to DIY window tinting.
The amount of window tinting that is legal can vary significantly from state to state. Most car window tints are dark films, but there are transparent and clear versions of car window coverings. Technology has come a long way, and some high-tech window tinting boasts of the ability to block up to 99 percent UV radiation and provide 1000 SPF. Windshields cannot be tinted, but in some states, such as California at 5 inches and Alabama at 6, tinted bars are allowed.
If you are considering window tinting, there are many positive reasons to contact a professional and get the job done. While you may feel as if you don't want to pay a professional's price, these window tint experts do the job right the first time, save you time, and know the laws and regulations. Whether you do it for aesthetic reasons or to feel more secure inside your vehicle, make sure that you are aware of local laws so you can apply it safely and legally.