Window Tint Buying Guide

There are plenty of ways to upgrade your vehicle these days and one of the most popular, due to its ease, is window tint. Window tinting is the process of adding a thin film layer to your car windows, giving them a darker appearance from the inside, the outside or both. Window tints can be made from a variety of materials and come in different shades. Some are even transparent. All of them hold different attributes, whether it's visual enhancement or infrared protection. Right now, there are over 1000 different blends of window tints on the market. With this knowledge, you may be asking two questions: why should I invest in window tint, and which option is the best for me? By the time you finish reading, both questions will be answered. But let us begin with the advantages. What are the benefits of window tint?

No matter how great of a driver you are, all humans are bound to make mistakes, little or small, when on the road. Even those who drive professionally can mess up, especially if their visibility is inhibited. When driving on sunny days, you can almost always expect a bright glare from your windshield, which can be distracting when you're trying to focus and obey traffic laws. In fact, it's been proven that the number of serious car accidents increases on sunny days when glare occurs. By adding window tint to your vehicle, you can prevent possible collisions, all while preventing symptoms like eye strain and migraines.

Part of the reason we feel so relaxed within the confines of our home is the sense of privacy we get from the walls and the house structure itself. Outsiders are blocked from seeing our activity when you're inside, while vehicles, on the other hand, are wrapped in windows that let the whole world take a glimpse. No one wants to feel uncomfortable, watched or judged when sitting in their car. Window tint can give you the privacy and isolation you seek inside, all while preserving your ability to pay attention to the outside as you drive.

Note: Window tint shades are measured by a metric called Visible Light Transmission or VLT. The VLT is the percentage of light that's able to pass through your windows. As window tints with lower VLT allow less light to get in, you can also expect more privacy.

Another perk of reducing glare in your vehicle is reducing the heat. When you leave your car parked on a hot summer day, the temperature within the vehicle will rise and create a sauna effect. According to the CDC, after sitting for 20 minutes in 80-degree weather, your car can reach 109 degrees Fahrenheit. Within 40 minutes, you can expect 118 degrees and within an hour, it will reach a whopping 123 degrees. A temperature this high can cause heatstroke or potential skin burns when touching the seatbelt or other components inside the vehicle. Adding window tint can keep these temperatures down. Even if you have the air conditioner running, the tint will reduce the amount of work your A/C system has to do. Reducing your air conditioner use not only keeps it in better shape but also improves your fuel efficiency.

Some materials used to design the inside of your vehicle are susceptible to sun damage. Sitting directly under UV rays or in intense heat can cause them to crack, split and fade. This damage is not only unattractive, but it also reduces your car's value should you decide to sell or trade in the future. Investing in window tint can protect your vehicle interior and maintain its beauty for far longer.

More important than your vehicle interior is your health. Constant exposure to UV rays from the sun can cause things like macular degeneration, skin wrinkling, cataracts and even skin cancer. While products like sunglasses and sunscreen can prevent conditions like these, what happens if you forget to grab your accessory or apply your lotion before you're out the door? No one should have to worry about these things each time they go for a drive. Depending on what kind of window tint you invest in, adding it to your car will block up to 99% of the sun's UV rays and reduce your exposure.

Now that you're aware of the perks that come along with adding window tint, it's time to figure out which type is best for your car and your lifestyle. Each type comes with its advantages, disadvantages and price points. While there are several different types of window tint, we'll be focusing on the four most popular choices (two of which are carried and installed right here at Abt).

Dyed window tint can be considered an entry point for tint film, as it's lower grade and the most affordable option. The main purpose of this tint is to block sunlight through several layers of infused dye. Dyed tint is a fantastic option for those who prioritize privacy, as this type provides the darkest effect out of all the options. It's also great for those who enjoy a darker aesthetic or visual enhancement in general, as it comes in various opacity levels. Overall, dyed window tints are more cosmetic than practical. However, because this tint absorbs heat rather than reflecting it, it won't be very efficient at keeping your vehicle cool. While it does protect against UV exposure, long-term exposure to UV rays can cause dyed tint to fade from black to purple. Dyed window tint is available for installation at Abt today.

Metalized window tint is the second level option. Rather than using dye, the film is instead layered and infused with metal particles, which make it thicker and help it to block the sunlight. Metalized tint reflects solar heat, rather than absorbing it. This will block heat from overtaking your vehicle cabin, block UV rays and reduce glare. The metal elements inside of the tint film also make your windows stronger, more durable and shatter-resistant. On top of the amazing functionality, metalized window tint also provides a shiny luster that's appealing to the eye. It doesn't fade from the sun over time either. While metalized tint is already a step up from dyed on paper, it's important to note that it can sometimes interfere with reception to your radio, your cell phone and your GPS.

Carbon window tint is a step above the two entry-level options already covered, which will be reflected in the premium pricing as well. Rather than providing a shiny finish like metalized tint, carbon tint will offer a matte finish. Using hundreds of microlayers of carbon and polymer, the tint can block also almost 40% of all infrared radiation from the sun. This will keep the car cabin temperature down and block UV exposure to protect your interior and prevent damage. The tint itself won't fade either. In fact, it lasts longer than the previous two types of tint and can hold up on your windshield for several years. The one con of carbon window tint is that the carbon particles are quite large and may cause light to bounce inside the film. This can possibly create a haze or flare which may inhibit visibility every now and then.

The best, highest-quality window tint option you can choose is ceramic. Ceramic tint uses small ceramic particles to create a nonmetallic, nonconductive surface. This means it won't interfere with your electronic signals so your WiFi, Bluetooth, smartphone and other vehicle devices will work like a charm every time you drive. The ceramic can reduce solar heat by 50% and block 99.9% of UV exposure. On top of that, ceramic tint is also extremely shatter-resistant and fade-resistant, while reducing any unwanted glare. Ultimately, this tint offers the best visibility for any driver out of the four options covered. Ceramic window tint is available for installation at Abt today.

One of the most important things to note when choosing window tint for your car is the law. That's right. Window tint is regulated by the government in order to keep everybody on the road as safe as possible. Law enforcement also needs to be able to see into your windows to ensure everybody in your vehicle is safe. In the United States and Canada, these laws differ from state to state and province to province. Window tint laws can also be based on your car model rather than your residence. So who makes these laws? The American Automobile Association or AAA. When you begin exploring the laws created by AAA, you may notice a lot of window tint and vehicle lingo thrown around here and there. Let's break it down so you know exactly what you can and cannot do before investing in tint. As stated before, tint darkness represents the amount of visible light transmission that's possible with the tint and it will be expressed as a VLT percentage. Pay attention to front-side window regulations vs. rear-side window regulations as those can differ as well. When you get tint installed, the top section of your front windshield may get a window shade band. The darkness and size of that film also has its own regulations. Your window tint will have an AS1 marking near the top of the windshield, which means your tint complies with US or Canadian Department of Transportation regulations. Most of the time, the law says this AS1 marking cannot be blocked. While the Abt store is located in Glenview, Illinois, our appliances and electronics ship all over the United States. That's why we cater our content to all customers, no matter their location. If you're a U.S. citizen reading this article and you're curious about your specific state regulations, check out this handy window tint law resource.

Typically, window tint can last anywhere from three to five years. But as of 2020, tint is being made in newer, more innovative ways that allow it to last even longer. That being said, several factors impact the lifespan of your window tint and your vehicle's resale value. What type of tint you get (explained above) can affect how long it lasts, as each type offers a different quality. The type of adhesive bond used to stick the film to your glass can also affect longevity. While higher-quality tints can handle a lot more solar heat and UV exposure, every film has its limits. If you live in a hot climate region or you park outside frequently/daily, your window tint may prematurely wear down. How well your tint is applied to your vehicle can also affect how long it lasts, which is why we'll discuss installation in the next section.

Just like any mobile upgrade (depending on the product and brand), window tint can technically be installed both by a professional or by DIY enthusiasts at home. Some window film can be purchased pre-cut, with instructions for self-application. While DIY window tint is more cost-efficient, it should be noted that these options are quite limited. Plus, DIY-friendly tint will mostly be designed for ease of application rather than advanced vehicle protection. Even with instructions, applying window film by yourself can be a challenge. You need to line everything up properly, avoid scratching the film and prevent bubbles and dust from getting trapped beneath the surface. Why do more work than you need to? We ultimately suggest turning to a professional for window tint installation. These workers can custom-fit the film, handle the prep work, apply it and even offer you a warranty. Abt offers a lifetime warranty for both the tint and the installation. While we do not cover physical damage, we do cover peeling, discoloration, bubbling and fading (so long as it wasn't caused by improper cleaning practices). When you rely on a professional, the chances for mistakes are limited. Here, at Abt, we offer professional window tint services in our Mobile Install garage. If you scroll to the bottom of this article and fill out our form, you can even schedule an estimate. Feel free to contact us at 800-860-3577 to learn more.

Before you start scheduling your window tint appointment, there are a few more things to take into account. The first and most obvious is: what is most important to you? What are you looking to get out of your window tint? Are you interested in simply elevating the aesthetic of your vehicle? Would you like to protect your interior, vision and skin all at once? These are the questions you must ask yourself before choosing a tint. Feel free to write your priorities down and bring them to your service appointment if you'd like, so you and your technician can work together to find the best window solution for you. Do remember though, to consider your visibility during both daytime and nighttime drives. While privacy is nice, limited vision is not. Your safety is key. Lastly, consider how long you plan on keeping your car. If you plan on driving your vehicle until it completely kicks the bucket, then window tint is worth your investment, big or small. If you're planning on upgrading your car soon, then perhaps wait on window tinting service or choose the lowest-priced tint/service for now.

Explore some of the most asked questions about the window tinting process and window film maintenance.

The quality of the tint you choose is the first factor that affects the pricing. As far as window tinting at Abt goes, typically the service starts around $100. But you must also keep in mind how many windows you want tinted. Is it just one or two, or your entire vehicle? At Abt, tinting a full car starts at around $250. Note: These numbers are just estimates and are guaranteed to fluctuate/change once you've decided on all the service details. If you do choose Abt for your window tint service, be sure to ask your technician about possible discounts to see if you qualify. We're happy to help out our customers in any way we can.

The time it takes to tint your windows is completely dependent on how many windows you plan on getting done. At Abt, a typical window tint appointment ranges anywhere from one to four and a half hours.

The best way to clean tinted windows is by using a "tint safe" glass cleaner, which is ammonia-free. You can find and purchase these solutions in various automotive stores.

After tint is applied to your windows, the film needs time to dry or cure to ensure it's completely adhered to your vehicle. Should you roll down the windows too early, you could possibly scrape the film off the glass. While it typically takes five days for the film to completely finish curing, we recommend waiting at least three to five days before unrolling the windows.

The window tint will be installed on the inside of your window glass.

If you're currently leasing your vehicle and are not the prime owner, you technically can get your windows tinted. However, when the time comes to turn your car back in to the leasing company, they may ask for the film to be removed. We urge you to prepare for this request and/or do it beforehand just in case.

While there are most likely several ways to remove window tint yourself at home, we strongly recommend you do not attempt to DIY. No one wants to cause accidental, but permanent damage to their car windows. If you're interested in removing the film, call our mobile install team for professional removal instead.

If you've been shopping Abt's car audio solutions and other vehicle electronics, then you might as well upgrade all at once with window tint too. Once you've collected all of the newest car tech we carry, you'll get a top-notch driving experience every time you hit the gas. Plus, with tint on your side, you can drive more comfortably with a level of privacy no standard window can give you. With the protection of dyed or ceramic film from Abt, your car is bound to stay in pristine condition for years to come. While these car films are not available for online browsing or purchase, our specialists are happy to speak to you about your options at 800-860-3577. You can also check out other car accessories carried at Abt while you decide which window tint is best for you. Want to learn more about the different ways to upgrade your vehicle? Start exploring our collection of mobile and marine electronics articles in our Learn Center today.

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1200 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Glenview IL, 60025

Phone:847-544-2810

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