Window tinting is not just for show, although it significantly contributes to the overall look of the vehicle. More importantly, it’s an effective way of keeping the heat out of the vehicle in the summer and reducing the sun glare that can be very distracting.
The high cost of window tinting means it’s not a suitable feature for everyone, which is why we’ve found alternatives that will provide a similar effect.
The classic aftermarket window tinting involves a thin sheet of film that blocks out a percentage of light. It makes it difficult to see inside the vehicle, but the visibility from the inside-out is also affected.
There’s a lot of debate whether window tints are applied on the inside or outside of the glass. Both methods are used, depending on the manufacturer of the film. In the past, the film was only applied on the inside to protect it from the weather, but modern solutions allow for the foil to double as exterior protection to the glass, and keep it from scratching.
Improved looks and privacy are not the only benefits of window tinting. The film provides UV protection and reduced the glare of the headlights. In the summer, tinting can significantly slow down the heating of the interior, while in the winter it adds some insulation to keep the heat inside.
Window tinting is legal in all 50 states, but the limitations on which glass you can tint and to what extent varies. Glass surfaces are divided into categories: windshield, front passenger glass, rear passenger glass, and rear window.
Tinting the windshield is forbidden in all 50 states for obvious safety concerns. The stickers placed at the top of the windshield are permissible if they fall within the specified height. New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Vermont are the only states that forbid front passenger window tinting, while the rear passenger and rear glass can be tinted everywhere.
The law says one thing, but the reality is very different. Police officers generally dislike window tinting because it affects their safety. Not being able to see into the vehicle from the rear prevents them from counting the number of passengers, and walking towards the driver’s door still leaves them unaware of what’s happening inside.
Offices have the authority to issue a ticket for tinting that exceeds the state regulations, and you’d have to go into a lengthy and expensive process of disputing their claim, which ultimately may not be worth it.
As this is the grey area, I can only offer you one piece of advice. If you have window tints and get pulled over, immediately roll down all your windows until they’re visible by an inch or two. This way, the officer will not assume you’re trying to hide the tint they clearly saw, and instead, shows that you respect them and want them to feel safe. The way you approach the situation can make a difference between a fine and driving off ticket-free.
Car manufacturers have been tinting the trunk glass and rear passenger glass on estates, SUVs, and vans for a long time. Due to high demand and legal issues with aftermarket options, factory tinting has become widespread.
It’s not possible to get a factory tint on a used car, it’s technically possible to buy a set of tinted glass. However, the main reason why I’m pointing out factory tinting is so you can request it if you buy a brand new car, or if you’re buying used, know that some tints are stock.
Unlike aftermarket tinting, factory tints are almost always street legal, as the brand has to adhere to road regulations of the country where it’s selling vehicles.
The clear film, otherwise known as ceramic window tint doesn’t block out any of the visible light but protects on par, if not better than the dark film.
It’s capable of not only blocking out UV and infrared light but also reducing the heat buildup. The only real downside of the clear film is the cost – it is as expensive to buy and install as a dark film, but doesn’t come with the visual benefits.
Window shades are the cheapest and the most practical way of gaining the benefits of window tints. It may not look nearly as good, but it’ll keep your passengers safe from UV rays and keep the vehicle cool on a hot day.
The Goldflower car window shade is our top pick, but if you’d like to see more options, read the full review below!
What separates this shade from other options and makes it the best one is the roll-over installation. Instead of using suction cups on the glass, you open the door and cover the door from both sides. Once it’s stretched tight, you can close the door and secure the mesh in place.
The advantage of the Goldflower shade is that your kids won’t be able to remove the shade, and you can still open the window while keeping them completely safe. The nylon mesh is breathable and allows the fresh air to flow into the vehicle while protecting against gusts of wind.
The disadvantage of the Goldflower shade is that it doesn’t fit on every door shape and it’s incompatible with sliding doors. As one layer of the mesh remains outside the vehicle, it doesn’t look the best and is exposed to rain. The packaging includes 2 shades to cover both rear windows and comes in two sizes – medium for passenger cars, or large for SUVs and minivans.
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The Enovoe window shades have the classic, universally applicable design, but substitute the suction cups for a cling design. Once you position the shade on the window, you just need to run your hand across the edge and it will stick. Even if the interior reaches a temperature of 110 degrees, the shade will remain in place.
The universal design is both a strength and a weakness of the Enovoe shade. While this means you can place the shade on almost any window, it won’t cover the window completely. The package includes two or four shades and a storage bag.
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The EcoNour shade may not offer more protection than the classic fold-up aluminum foil shades, but it’s far more durable and convenient. It’s available in 7 sizes to fit every car, truck, SUV, and even RVs.
Storage isn’t an issue as the EcoNour windshield shade comes with a storage bag and folds easily. Installation is simple – with the right dimension, all you need to do is lower the sunshades and the will keep the EcoNour shade in place. While it’s only usable when the vehicle is parked, it’s a great way to keep the heat out during hot summer days.
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Munchkin shade is capable of covering the entire window thanks to its stretching properties. Its standard dimensions are 14 x 28 inches, but the size can be almost doubled to 28 x 34 inches by stretching it out.
The five magnetic points allow you to attach the shade to the metal frame of the door rather than the glass. This means that you can safely open the window with the shade installed. All things considered, Munchkin Brica magnetic stretch shade is one of the best window tint alternatives available, but its slightly higher price and single-unit packaging keep it from getting a higher spot on the list.
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The ggomaART shade’s defining characteristics are that it doubles as a curtain and has a reversible surface. You can get it in all-black, but also pick designs that will be interesting to the youngest passengers, while the side exposed to the sun remains black.
The curtain is attached to the door frame through strong magnets and has suction cups as an additional layer of safety. It can be bunched up and tied so it doesn’t get in the way and if you don’t have to open the window, it can remain in place. I was expecting a set of two, but the package includes only one shade, but if this design is what you’re looking for, you’ll be quite satisfied!
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The Zatooto curtains can be used to block out front and rear side windows, the windshield, and the truck glass. They’re much cheaper than the curtains covered previously, but Zatooto curtains also look and feel cheaper.
Because of the oversized design, I would recommend them for large SUVs and RVs, rather than the common passenger vehicles. Attached by string to the roof of the vehicle, Zatooto uses magnets to connect the two curtain sections together. It’s not the most practical design, but it does come with a 24-month warranty and a lot of positive reviews as proof of quality.
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The Winsall sun shades have a simple, universal design with a maximum length of 17.7 x 15.7 inches. It attaches to the window with suction cups or hooks that go over the glass. The curtain can be extended and attached to the glass by a separate suction cup, or you can stick a piece of velcro tape on the door and use it as a connection point.
The universal design means that Winsall shade won’t cover the window completely, and the attachment method is not ideal. However, this pack of two is not a bad if you want a simple solution that will block out the heat and sunrays from entering the vehicle.
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The obvious problem with the Moyidea windshield umbrella is going to be durability, but the design is so interesting and easy to use that I had to include it on this list. The main problem with windshield shades is how annoying it can be to stretch it out and then repack it. The umbrella design allows you to open and close the Moyidea shade with a single movement.
Other than that, it works like a standard windshield shade and keeps the vehicle from overheating. High summer heat can easily crack the dashboard and weather the steering wheel and seats, so placing a windshield protector is advised even with new vehicles.
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Window-tinting foil is removable, but not reusable. If you’re tinting the windows of your vehicle with foil, consider the costs of reapplying it in the future before ripping it off.
The best way to create shade inside your vehicle without spending a ton of money on tinting is to get universal or custom-fitted window shades.
The exact regulation differs between states, but the general rule is that car windows cannot be tinted or shaded past a point where it affects visibility. Different criteria are set for the rear glass, rear windows, front windows, and windshield.
If you want to avoid the high cost of tinting windows, especially if you don’t need the tint all the time, buying a couple of window shades is all you need! It may not be as good-looking, but with how much cheaper and convenient it is, it’s an alternative well worth considering!
Get more tips on car tinting with these similar topics:
Does Window Tint Go On The Inside Or Outside?
How to Smoke Headlights – Step by Step Guide
How To Remove Scratches From Car Windows: Quick Fixes
