Have you been thinking about tinting the windows of your car? Not quite sure if you want to make the commitment just yet? Well, there are plenty of reasons to tint your windows that go way beyond just the aesthetics. So read up and find out if window tinting is the right option for you!

Why Tint Your Windows?

One of the greatest benefits of window tinting, aside from the fact that it adds a chic look to any vehicle, is that it protects your skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays! (not to mention the interior of your car). If you spend a lot of time in your car, then it might be worth it to add an extra layer of protection between yourself and the sun during those long drives and summer road trips. The tinting protects your eyes as well as your skin. So, in a way, tinting your windows has a similar effect to wearing sunglasses and sunblock for you and your vehicle. What’s more, in the summertime, those UV tints help keep the temperature in your car down during hot summer commute, which helps save you gas by using less A/C.

Not only is it great for comfort and health reasons, but window tinting is a great option to increase the security of your car and to better protect the items stored inside. When installed, tinting lines the insides of your windows. In the event your windows break, the tinting can help hold together the pieces. This reduces the chances of you and your passengers being injured by broken glass. In addition to just the physical security of your passengers being increased with window tinting, the items left in your parked car are better protected as well. A nice layer of tinting gives you more privacy in your car and acts as a deterrent against theft.

How Much Window Tinting is Too Much?

We all know that it’s possible to have too much of a good thing. Window tinting is no exception. Because over-tinting can be an issue with sight impairment, there are legal restrictions on the amount of tint that is legal.

The allowed percentage of tint and the areas of your car that you are allowed to tint change from province to province. It’s important, then, to check with your local UniglassPlus/Ziebart technicians or your local authorities to find out the legal percentage of tint that your vehicle can have before you get work done.

Here are some general tinting restrictions by province. This list, accurate for 2017, is subject to changes.

Ontario - No more than 30% light reduction

Alberta - No window tinting on windshields, front driver side and passenger side windows.

Quebec - No more than 30% light reduction on all car windows. Only a 15 cm strip of tinting can be applied to windshield.

B.C. - No window tinting on windshields, front driver side and passenger side windows.

Different Types of Window Tinting Film

What are the different types of window tint on the market? Let’s go through the available options from cheapest to most expensive together.

Dyed Tint Film

This is the most economical window tinting on the market. This tint blocks sun rays with a thin layer of black dye on the adhesive. The black dye absorbs some of the heat while adding an extra level of privacy at the same time. This type of tint, although it does help keep your vehicle a little cooler, is more aesthetic than anything else. For that reason, it is the most affordable tinting available. Depending on how much sun it gets, this type of tinting will fade and lose its colour over time.

Metallized Film

This type of film reflects sunlight using microscopic metallic particles that are embedded in the film. These particles are invisible to the naked eye. As an added bonus, they strengthen the window and make windows more shatter proof in the case of an accident. The biggest drawback to metallic film is that it is conductive and has a tendency to interfere with radios, cell phones and other technology used in the car.

Carbon Tint Film

Carbon tint is a different option for people wanting to get a little more shade in their vehicles. Unlike the metallized film, it won’t interfere with reception of radio waves and other tech and unlike the dyed window tint film it won’t fade quickly with time. As far as UV protection and heat reduction go, carbon is comparable to the first two mentioned options. In addition, carbon tint is matte-finished, which provides a different and quite tasteful look compared to other available tints.

Ceramic Tint Film

Out of all the tinting materials available today, ceramic film is the most effective for blocking UV rays and keeping your vehicle cool. It protects drivers from up to 50% of the solar heat and almost 99% of UV rays! The ceramic particles used in this particular tint are both nonconductive and nonmetallic so they won’t interfere with devices that you may have in your vehicle. When held up to other types of tint, ceramic takes the cake, but it doesn’t come without its price.

How Long Does Window Tinting Last?

Different types of window tinting film have different life spans for usefulness and colour. The difference between them can be up to several years, so it’s important to know what you’re getting into and why certain tints are priced higher than others.

On average, the cheaper dyed tints should last a couple years, but you may see fading as early as 4-6 months. Hybrid tints, like metallized tints, will last longer because they take longer for the sun’s rays to break them down. It’s not unheard of to get 5 years out of these types of tint, but it depends on how much sun your car gets. The top-of-the-line ceramic tints will last the longest and sometimes even come with a lifetime guarantee. For more detailed information or to get exact pricing for window tinting, contact your local technicians at UniglassPlus/Ziebart.