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Should You Tint Your Car Windows?

Summer is the time of vacations, road trips and lazy afternoon outings – but it’s also the season of coming back to an extremely hot car in the afternoon. Even on an 80- or 85-degree day, the interior of a car left out in the sun can reach 130 or even 170 degrees. One of the best ways to keep out the heat? Tint your car windows.

Benefits to Tinting Your Car Windows

There are many different benefits to tinting car windows, and for some drivers this can be a lower-cost solution to a variety of issues. Tinting windows can:

  • Help keep your car cooler.
  • Help protect you and any passengers from UV radiation.
  • Keep your upholstery from fading as quickly.
  • Help shatterproof your windows.
  • Improve security and privacy by limiting visibility from outside the vehicle.

Tinting is a fairly straightforward process and costs can range from around $150 to $500 or more. These costs vary depending on the type of vehicle, number of windows being tinted, and the material and level of tint selected.

To tint car windows, films are used. First, the window films are fitted to each specific window and its curvature; this often requires a heat source to properly mold the film exactly to the curve of the window. Next, the windows are meticulously cleaned to ensure a clean, smooth surface for adhesion. Finally, the films are placed on the windows. Although it doesn’t take long for an expert to apply the window films, it can take several days for them to dry completely.

Reasons to Consider Having an Auto Glass Shop Tint Your Windows

Because the tinting process is so straightforward, many people try to do it themselves. However, there are several reasons to consider having your windows tinted by a professional at your local auto glass shop.

  1. Experts are more efficient. A trained technician can usually complete a tint job in about 90 minutes, depending on the number of windows and type of material. If you do it yourself, it will likely take longer, and the results may not be seamless.
  2. Experts will get it right. Technicians know how to do a tint job correctly the first time. With DIY jobs, results can vary widely, especially if you’ve never done it before. It takes expert patience and coordination to apply the window films without leaving bubbles, scratches or other noticeable imperfections that can potentially obscure your driving vision.
  3. Experts know the rules and regulations. Laws vary from state to state regarding how dark window tints can be or even which windows can be tinted. Technicians will be well versed in these laws to ensure your car is within local regulations.

Find a Local Auto Glass Shop Near You

Ready to learn more? Use Carwise.com to search for auto glass shops in your area that can professionally tint your vehicle’s windows. With Carwise’s shop search tool, you can read reviews from real customers, find hours and office locations, view before and after photos, and contact a shop to ask for examples of their work before you book an appointment. Search more than 20,000 auto glass and auto body repair shops today: https://www.carwise.com/auto-body-shops/.