A window tint guide: How to choose a tint that’s right for you

Choosing to tint your car’s windows can radically change the way you interact with your vehicle. If you want to tint your vehicle’s windows, there are methods that can help smooth the process. With that in mind, here’s a window tint guide to support this endeavor.

Benefits of Window Tinting

Why opt for tinted car windows? Window tinting offers the following advantages:

Increased Privacy

Window tinting limits visibility into your vehicle. This gives you more privacy when you’re behind the wheel.

Deterred Theft of Personal Belongings

With tinted car windows, it’s more difficult for would-be thieves to see if there are valuables in your car, which serves to deter theft.

Cabin Sun Damage Protection

The rays of the sun can cause certain materials in your car’s cabin to fade with time. Window tint film slows this process and keeps your cabin looking newer for a longer period of time.

Shattered Glass Prevention

In an accident, shattered glass from the windows and windshield can cause injuries. Window tinting holds glass together and reduces its chances of shattering, making the car safer during accident situations.

Cabin Cooling in Hot weather

Window tinting shields your car’s cabin from the sun’s rays, helping to keep the cabin cool on hot days.

How to Choose the Right Car Window Tint

You have many different options to consider when it comes to window tinting. Here are some tips to help you make smart choices:

Research Your State’s Laws Around Window Tinting

Window tints come in various shades, and the rules for how dark you can go vary from state to state. Look into your state’s rules so you can choose a tint that meets the legal requirements.

Know Your Choices

You have a wide range of window tint options available. High-end tints cost the most, but they also tend to look better and last longer. Still, if you aren’t too picky, there are more affordable choices that can get the job done quite nicely. Research your options so you can make a choice that fits your aesthetic and your budget.

Keep Your Location in Mind

Certain types of window tints block UV rays from entering the cabin to protect your skin from sun damage. These provide the most value in parts of the country with the hottest climates, so if you live in one of these regions, a UV-blocking tint can be a worthwhile investment.

Consider Getting Your Tint Professionally Installed

Skilled installation is key with window tinting, and it greatly impacts the final look of the tint. Even the most expensive tint will look shoddy if it isn’t properly installed. You can install window tint yourself, but for the reasons previously discussed, it’s a good idea to turn to a skilled professional. Another benefit of getting your tint installed professionally is that professional installers are up to date on state laws. Getting your tint installed by a pro can give you peace of mind, as you’ll know that your tint falls within the parameters of what’s legally allowed.

Window tinting can enhance the look of your car and offer various forms of protection. By keeping the points discussed in this window tint guide in mind, you can ensure that you’re making informed choices as you select a tint for your vehicle.

Check out all the window products available on NAPA Online, or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on window tints, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

Photos courtesy of Pexels.