Best Window Tints: Block the Sun & Make Your Car More Stylish

The best automotive window tints for privacy and to keep the heat away

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PUBLISHED ON April 18, 2019

Whether it’s to upgrade your vehicle’s look or block light on hot days, the best window tint can completely transform your car or truck. Auto tints are applied to the glass surfaces of your vehicle, such as the windshield, rear glass, and side windows. The best auto tint has several advantages that will make driving not only more comfortable but also safer.

This window tint provides good heat reduction and has a 99% anti-UV rate. You can choose a shade up to 50%.

This scratch-resistant tint blocks 99% of UV rays and is non-reflective. It includes five tint shades, and the company provides thousands of tint patterns for 1990-2018 vehicles.

Written by Noelle Talmon

Published April 18, 2019

All of our reviews are based on market research, expert input, or practical experience with most products we include. This way, we offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.

Benefits of Window Tints

• Keep your car cooler. During the summer or in hot climates, the interior of your car can get very hot. The best auto tint will keep the interior cooler.
• Block UV rays. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can be very harmful to the human body. It can cause a number of health issues, such as skin cancer (melanoma), cataracts, and premature skin aging.
• Cut down glare. When you’re driving, the sun can be very bright, which can cause eye fatigue. The best window film for cars is particularly useful if you’re driving a long distance on a sunny day.
• Get more privacy. The best auto window tint will conceal items inside your vehicle, particularly things in the back seat. It’s also more difficult to see people inside a car with a window tint.
• Reduce fuel consumption. Since window tints keep your vehicle’s interior cooler, you’re less likely to crank up the air conditioner. This reduces the amount of fuel you use, saving you money.
• Keep your interior from fading. The best-quality window tint will prevent the hot sun from penetrating the glass and fading your front and back seats, dashboard, and other interior areas.
• Boost glass protection. The best window tint film has an adhesive layer that may prevent the glass from shattering if it is struck in an impact. This can help protect you and your passengers.

Types of Window Tints

Dyed Film

This type of tint includes a layer of dye between an adhesive layer and a polyester top coating. The tint appears flat and opaque from the outside and gives the driver and passenger good visibility. Dyed film is non-reflective, less expensive, and blocks glare. However, it provides the least amount of heat and UV protection. It can also deteriorate in high temperatures. Eventually, UV rays will turn the dye from black to a shade of purple.

Metallic or Metallized Film

Metallic tints have a metallic look and feature an adhesive layer, a layer that blocks UV rays, a metallic layer that reflects light, and a protective outer layer. This type of tint does not fade, is very durable, and is great at reducing heat and UV reduction. However, it can obstruct radio waves and other electronic signals, such as a cell phone signal, GPS, or TPMS.

Carbon Film

Carbon tints block UV rays and interior fading. They reflect as much as 40 percent of infrared light with their dark, matte finish. They do not fade over time, and they help reduce overall fuel consumption because they cool your vehicle enough to reduce the amount of air conditioning you need.

Ceramic Film

The best ceramic tint features ceramic particles that are non-conductive. It performs very well and is the newest type of tint on the market. It blocks up to 99 percent of UV rays, reduces glare more than other types of tint, and does not fade. It keeps your vehicle at the desired temperature and does not interfere with electronic signals; however, it’s more expensive than other types of tint.

Factory

Several car manufacturers offer you the option of having a factory tint. Windows are permanently tinted via a process known as «deep dipping.» While this darkens the glass, it is not the best car window tint for heat reduction or UV protection. Typically, factory-tinted windows have a VLT index of 15 to 26 percent. This can cool your car’s interior but won’t offer a lot of privacy or protect you completely from the sun.

Top Brands

Suntek

SunTek is headquartered in Martinsville, Va., and is under the Eastman umbrella. The parent company has more than 60 years of experience in film production and technology. One top product is the Suntek Window Films Carbon 18 Black 40 Inches by 100 Feet 1.5 Millimeter Non-Fade — CARBON 18 40X100.

MotoShield Pro

MotoShield Pro is based in Commerce, Calif., and focuses on using nano-coating protection for your car inside and out with an easy-to-clean, ultra-smooth surface. One popular product is the MotoShield Pro PreCut Ceramic Tint Film All Windows Any Shade.

3M began as a small-scale mining venture in Northern Minnesota over a century ago in 1902. The company operates in 70 countries and produces more than 60,000 products. One popular auto window tint is the 3M 1080 G12 GLOSS BLACK 5 Feet by 7 feet (35 Square Feet) Car Wrap Vinyl Film.

LEXEN

LEXEN is based in Catonsville, Md., and is a Formula One/LLumar-authorized window tint dealer. One of its top products is the LEXEN 2 Ply Premium Carbon 20 Inches by 100 Feet Roll Window Tint Film.

Gila Window Film is manufactured by CPFilms Inc., a subsidiary of Eastman Chemical Company in Martinsville, Va., which has over 60 years of experience in film production. One popular product is the Gila 550001807 Heat Shield 5% VLT Automotive Window Tint DIY Heat Control Glare Control Privacy 2 Feet by 6.5 Feet (24 Inches by 78 Inches).

Window Tint Pricing

• Under $25: There are several window tints on the market in this price range, but they sometimes cover just a couple of windows and not the whole car. A few may be applied with static cling instead of adhesive.
• $25-50: Some of the best window tints fall into this category. You can get a decent-quality product for this price, and they typically come in larger square footage.
• Over $50: Window tints can cost upwards of several hundred dollars. More expensive products tend to be more pliable and easier to use with curved surfaces. They also are more resistant to bubbling and peeling.

Key Features

Pre-Cut Versus Rolled

Pre-cut films are cut precisely to match the dimensions of your windows. Conversely, you must cut rolled tints yourself to make a proper fit. Pre-cut films are typically more expensive compared to the DIY version. If you are proficient at measuring, consider a rolled tint to save some money.

VLT Levels

The shade measures how much light can pass through a tint. The best types of window tint typically come in various shades of black and are rated by the percentage of visible light transmission (VLT) that enters the vehicle. Tints with a lower VLT percentage are darker, while tints with a higher VLT percentage are lighter. For example, a VLT with 50 percent means that 50 percent of the light will come into the vehicle. The best window tint percentage is up to you.

Is Car Window Tinting a Good Idea?

There are benefits to window tinting, but know the regulations where you live so you can do it legally.

Window tinting refers to the process of applying a thin laminate film to a vehicle’s glass in order to darken it. The reasons people choose to tint the windows of an automobile vary. These might include privacy or security; protection from UV rays including UVA, the ones responsible for causing skin cancer; and reducing solar gain (interior heat) and thus incrementally improving fuel economy; and cutting down on glare from the sun. Of course, there are purely aesthetic reasons as well for applying car window tint. It doesn’t hurt that some people think that tinted car windows look cool, like celeb-style sunglasses for your car.

A Car Window Tint Can Reduce UV Radiation

While the standard glass used in car windows can block some UV radiation, a car window tint of good quality from a reputable manufacturer —if applied correctly—can help increase protection from ultraviolet radiation. It can also help preserve the interior of your car, including the upholstery, carpeting, and dashboard, which can fade over time by exposure to sunlight.

The amount of light that a window tint allows into the interior varies greatly, and affects how well you can see out. Every state has its own regulations and laws pertaining to the level of darkness it allows for automotive window tints. The volume of light that can pass through your window is referred to as variable light transmission, or VLT. Each state has different regulations concerning VLT percentage, so it’s a good idea to check local laws concerning what you’re allowed to do.

In addition to blocking UVA radiation, a window tint can provide a couple of safety and security benefits. In an accident, automotive window tint film can actually help hold shattered glass in place or reduce the amount of shattered glass. Darkened windows may also hide or obscure articles left in your car, which may deter a thief. (But be sure to roll down your darkened windows if you’re stopped by a police officer. Not being able to see in will put them on the defensive, and neither you nor they want that.)

The amount of window tint that’s legal differs from state to state

While most car window tints are dark films, there are clear and transparent versions such as 3M’s Crystalline Series. According to 3M, its clear car window covering is actually a form of nanotechnology consisting of 200 layers of optical film stacked into a coating thinner than a Post-it note. The maker claims the Crystalline Series rejects up to 60 percent of solar energy and 97 percent of heat-producing infrared rays—although 3M doesn’t cite minimum protection levels. The company also says that the clear «tint» blocks up to 99 percent of UV radiation (again, without citing a minimum level) and provides an SPF factor of 1000.

Generally, you can’t tint an entire windshield, but a tint bar that runs across the top of the windshield is allowed in some states. In California, for example, a tinted bar up to five inches is allowed at the top of a windshield. In Illinois and Alabama, a window-tint bar of six inches is allowed. In Michigan, any amount of tint is allowed on the rear side windows and rear window.

Do You Really Want to Do It Yourself?

The process of applying window tint can take between one to four hours, sometimes more, and can get expensive. A basic car window tint can be done for $100, while a high-quality job can range up to $800.

It’s possible to do it yourself to save the cost of labor, but there are some issues to consider before you decide to apply a car window tint yourself versus allowing a professional to handle it. The most obvious positive to taking the DIY route is that it’s cheaper. If you’re handy, patient, and have a clean area in which to work (such as a garage with little to no dust), applying window tint isn’t especially hard. Then again, an experienced professional can generally do a better job while saving you time. The work often comes with a guarantee or warranty, and they can make sure the tint is legal, helping you avoid a citation.

Now you know the basics. The choice to tint or not to tint is up to you.

Removable tinting

• Reviews:
• Views: 5233
• Author: Марина Герасименко
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The need for removable toning arose in connection with the frequent pressure from the traffic police on drivers. The main advantage of this tuning glass is considered a quick and simple installation and dismantling. The modern market is replete with proposals and a variety of modifications for every taste and budget. This article is based on real reviews about removable toning will help to understand all the nuances and make the right choice.

What tinted car Windows are allowed.

Film coating does not hide occupants from prying looks, as absolutely transparent, but it is considered good protection against solar radiation. In contrast, when you use a tinted film is allowed to choose any tone and the level of membrane permeability. And after installing nearly will be impossible to analyze what is in the bowels of the car, however, will be perfectly clear what was happening outside. Valid:

• the different tinting of auto glass, if it siteproduct exceeds 70%;
• allowed strip of transparent colored membrane on the top of the windshield, maximum width 14 cm (for car);
• siteproduct front of the glass should be not less than 75%, front 70%, and svetoproekt other auto glass does not regulated.

Removable tuning is not considered an excuse for liability before the services of the traffic police. At the time of the stoppage by employees of patrol service layer is removed and an administrative penalty is not imposed, and the actions of the driver are regarded as the elimination of problems on the spot.

How to choose a film for tinting car?

Replacement thermoenergy for windshield was conceived as a compromise solution between the convenience of the owner of the car and His Majesty the Law. The transmittance of the front glass is in the range of 70%, which completely meets the industrial regulations, and thermoenergy in some cases, irreplaceable. After installation, the owner will receive many advantages, and reviews on termoarredo and gel removable toning accentuate the positive aspects:

• well-absorbed by the glare of the sun and the reflections of the lights;
• manufacture of leather and upholstery seats and interior will last longer;
• glass is reliably protected from mechanical damage;
• with tinted Windows the car looks solid and effectively;
• when a traffic accident film protects occupants from falling debris;

• it is possible to reduce the power of the air conditioner slightly reduce fuel consumption;
• the threat of deformations under exposure to high temperatures of interior items made of plastic will be eliminated.

By far the most effective method of recovery from bright sun and prying eyes is removable toning, and the reviews of car owners will confirm this fact. However, adding to the original tinted glass is another of darkening insulated layer is unlikely to succeed to meet the required 70%.

The percentage of light transmission of the film are:

• 5% of passers-by nothing will not notice in the cabin;
• 10% — can only be seen only rough silhouettes of people in the car;
• 15% of visible contours;
• 20% — you can see the faces of the passengers;
• 35% — of the objects and people in the cabin are clearly visible;
• 50% — you can see everything without exception that is in the cabin, without too much effort.

Produced in several categories:

• Colored – coloring element is introduced in the polymer texture base, and the material consists of multiple layers of polyester. This kind of raw material transmits radio waves and does not form glare, but at the same time insufficiently opposed to mechanical influence, for which reason his services are not too large.
• With shielding of transition – coating is made from below upwards, and for this reason the greatest protection from the sun’s rays is located in the upper region.
• With metallic Shine on the painted layer between the toner and the protection of sprayed metal. This filter works excellent protector from the sun’s gleams, does not burn and is sufficiently resistant to outside influence. The material is holding up on the glass much longer, and the structure allows adhere firmly to the surface.
• Satterlee – like metallic, but the process of metallization is performed by heteropolar exchange. Film layer has a pleasant appearance, and in addition has a virtually eternal guarantee and is used to create a more bright and transparent variations, called insulated.
• Insulated – modern material, minimizing eye strain due to prevent glare. While glass remains nearly transparent, but sunlight actually doesn’t bother them.
• Infinity – metallic coating is outside and not between the layers. Stands out a mirror Shine and much better resists solar radiation. Has an extensive range of colors and does not violate the visibility and colour reproduction.
• Carbon – the technique consists in the deposition of a graphite layer, which efficiently resists UV rays. It does not fade and can withstand temperature fluctuations in a wide range.

Drivers can select the desired tuning on the resources, which produces ready-cut kits for specific car brands. When you select it is only necessary to consider what result you want. In case you have entirely protected from ambient light or to passers-by nothing is not seen, it is necessary to apply on the rear window mirror metallic membrane with rates of 5-10%. If this kind of need not, film 35% is perfect. In addition, it is important to focus on how much dubbing material as the low price of similar products can not ensure quality.

Now consider some of the most popular application methods and compare the pros and cons based on reviews on removable toning.

Silicone tinted last generation

This coating is removed in a split second, and its mounting will not require the paste as it rests on the glass due to the sticky surface of the silicone, however not one with God. The pad can be removed immediately at the request of the inspector DPS, and for this reason it is not prohibited by the legislation and is regarded as a sun screen. Keep it should be coiled into the form of rolls.

Reviews of removable silicone toning suggests that it has:

• great sun protection qualities;
• guarantee excellent visibility;
• contains a large degree of transparency;
• external data is no different from conventional deposition and has an excellent tuning properties;
• it can be simply removed and put in a few dozen times;
• not afraid of wrinkles or frequent withdrawal.

This kind of plate repeats all sorts of kinks and curvature, including the most time-consuming of the windshield. In addition, between the surfaces of the air gap is formed. That’s just to remove it carefully so as not to compromise the integrity.

In addition to the advantages of removable silicone toning can often come across such a disadvantage as deterioration in visibility and image distortion. Nevertheless, this is a very well-known and affordable method to be unnoticed to others and a great chance to avoid a fine if stopped by the traffic officers. Many drivers I assure you that it is easy to install and clings on the glass, but after repeated use deteriorates its translucency and lost money.

Silicone modification may not have the sticky layer and stick by static effect. Judging by the reviews, removable tinted static has such advantage as low price and practicality in application. And, of course, the main advantage is reusability and, if you follow all recommendations and instructions, it will last quite a long time.

It is important to note that should be wary of materials of poor quality, non-industrial production. These products have a pungent odor, turbidity, and only will complicate life to drivers.

The cassette consists of 2 layers – a transparent plastic, which serves as the substrate for the glass and tint, vykladyvaetsya on this database. Such a structure is installed on the front or side window with double-sided tape, and the main obstacle is the bend. In fact, for this reason, to achieve the optimal fit to the plane hard enough. Reviews of removable toning says that the problems appear because of the dust that invariably accumulates between the glass and film replacement. Professionals most often this device is used for the side window, however, there can be problems with the lowering and raising.

Motorists are noted in the reviews about the hard removable toning following advantages:

• easy installation;
• the increase in sound insulation;
• not interfere with the review;
• the machine is not heated by the sun;
• high quality materials are the property of chameleon;
• can be easily removed.

Besides the advantages, the rigid removable toning noted and cons. For example, such as the need to do a custom frame, and sometimes the manufacturer may not be the desired patterns. This high cost in both materials and installation.

Tinted rigid base

This is becoming more known, such as tinted comfortable to use and is a more suitable method of solving the problem with excessive heating of the car interior. This is a progressive development, which represents a cut stencil of a sketch window that is inserted into the gap, preserving a slight gap between it and the glass. May be made of plastic (PET) or composite materials, but when buying, you must keep in mind that it is not those solid toners sold in a tube, the production of which used the cheap Chinese dyed film is of poor quality. Beware of imitations, which can lead to poor visibility and muddy glass. Quality window tinting on a rigid Foundation:

• has a high heat-resistant substrate;
• is heat-resistant;
• not deformed;
• no swells in the sun;
• creates a perfect visibility of the interior;
• has a different degree of toning.

In the authoritative reviews of removable toning and about this method addresses the issue of condensation, which occurs when sudden changes in temperature. Outwardly, it looks like the liquid stains that are ruining the aesthetics.

Removable tinted glass without mirror effect

Polyester removable toning is an analogue of the silicone on polyester base. It is reusable and can withstand up to 1000 plants, resistant to kinks and has a different transmittance (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 35%). Has a mirror effect. This kind of film is relatively new and is a novelty.

In fact, it is an interesting focus, because it’s the same material on the basis of the PAT, only the manufacturers suggest to install it from the outside of the glass. Tinted the dark tones and really does not have a mirror gloss, but it is an uncertain factor, as any removable tinted glass does not possess this property, the mirror is obtained if there is an effect double glazed Windows. And if install it outside, it will be no different. The disadvantages of this type of plate is its «singleness», slush and dust spoil the appearance and also the design is awkward to use. Reviews on polyester removable tinted with a matte shade for the most part positive, but note that it has an ordinary look.

Gel removable tinted

Replacement gel film has a thickness of 300 ΜM. Its semi-soft base ensures a smooth and rapid embedding in the seals. The material resists well to heat and cold, contains a light transmission of 5%, 15%. It is possible to set 2 methods:

• If the record to tape at the upper edge of the glass, the appearance will be a guaranteed result of the mirror, as between the glass and tint is a small space and not absolute fit. Reflective coating more efficiently to cope in Sunny weather, as the shell with different shades of the mirror beats the glimpses that are minimally heated showroom.
• When you install using water or nezamerzayki happens a snug fit, and the glass of the car will have a classic black color.

Next, let’s look at a few popular manufacturers and analyze feedback about the removable tint from Mosteo, Sparks and General.

Mosteo

Quick-plate from Mosteo are a new generation of simple tinting film, which provides a perfect image without distortion. The construction does not need special tool and adaptations. It is easily cut and applied to glass. This album works in range of temperatures from -60 to +75 degrees. It is not necessary to align because it contains a hard base and driven into the corner between the glass and the gasket, fixing through thin colorless Velcro, repeating the curves.

Reviews of removable toning «of Mosteo» talking about the fact that the material gives no distortion, and after installation there are no gaps. It adheres to glass well, without forming bubbles, providing excellent visibility from the cabin even in cloudy weather. In General, this is a good option which is inexpensive and brings a good result.

Sparks

This is a removable membrane, the manufacture of which used American film SunTek or Llumar, and other types. Within a few years of installation gathered a lot of positive feedback about the removable tinted Sparks. Actually it has a lot of advantages, and motorists note:

• high quality;
• ease of use;
• well kept on the glass due to static electricity.

The transmission is 5 and 15%, but most buyers prefer the latest version.

General

General company for several decades and offers its own services on tuning glass films with different degrees of shading and color nuances. Buying products of this company, you can be assured of guaranteed high quality. Car mechanics are assured of removable toning General that due to the static effect of the plate quite easily strengthened glass and fully resistant to the rapid resets. It does not deform and whatever the weather, it can be removed and put back, as the substance is not affected by frost, heat or humidity.

In a very large number of reviews about the removable tint «General» there is a fine quality and sensible cost. Those who put the membrane on a rigid Foundation, notice the lack of waves and bubbles, even in sultry weather. The downside of this view is the penetration of moisture under the plate during washing or shower.

Unfortunately, today many companies are scams that produce fake without quality certificates, and upset consumers. In order not to make the wrong choice and does not alter the tuning of the car, it is recommended to carefully read the documents on toning and only then buy autotower.