Getting your car’s windows tinted can be a great way to get more benefit out of your car, but if you don’t do it right, it can be an expensive mistake.
When you’re looking at the cost of auto window tinting, you need to have some idea about why you want your windows tinted and how long you plan on having the car for. This will help you make the right choice for you and your car.
Here is everything you need to consider when looking at getting your car’s windows tinted.
Benefits of Car Window Tinting
One of the most common reasons for getting your car windows tinted is to help keep it cooler and to block UV rays.
UV rays can be damaging to the skin so there is a clear benefit to minimizing exposure to them.
The added shade can also reduce solar heat in your vehicle by up to 60%, which is great if you live in a warm climate.
Darkened windows also give you more privacy, if you don’t want anyone looking into your vehicle. They can also keep your car’s upholstery protected and reduce the chance of it fading over time from exposure to direct bright sunlight.
Auto window tinting can also be beneficial if you have an underlying medical condition that has a negative reaction to bright sunlight. This includes albinism, some kinds of dermatitis, drug photosensitivity, and more.
Legal Factors
Something else to be mindful of when looking at costs for getting your car windows tinted is local laws.
Different states have different legal requirements in terms of the windows you can tint and how dark you can make them.
Check this before getting your windows tinted or you’ll be paying for them to be tinted, for the tinting to be removed, and any fines or penalties you get stuck with.
How Much Are DIY Car Window Tinting Kits?
If you are on a very tight budget, you could look at tinting your car windows yourself. DIY kits are available to buy online and can cost less than $100 in total for everything you need.
Bear in mind that car tinting can be a fiddly process if you haven’t done it before and will take you longer than a professional.
You also won’t be able to guarantee your own work so if the appearance gets worse within a few weeks or months, you might be buying another kit or getting a professional to re-do it anyway.
Cost of Professional Auto Window Tinting Companies
When using a professional car window tinting service, it is usually a case of getting what you pay for.
Typically, the cost of car window tints will average out to somewhere between $25 and $50 per window. However, there are a lot of things that can impact the actual amount you pay, and here are some of the biggest factors:
Your Car’s Windows
If your car has more complicated window shapes, such as curved rear windows like some compact cars have, this will take more time and work.
Likewise, if your car has a lot of windows or the windows cover a large surface area as you would find with many SUVs, this will require more film to tint and cost more.
Type of Film
Using a high-quality film in tinting your car should be seen as an investment. As well as the other benefits, good quality work will improve the appearance of your car and in some cases could increase its value.
A low-cost film can start to peel or bubble quickly, meaning that anything you save on cheaper film at the start will be lost when you need to get the tint re-done.
There are 3 types of film that can be used for tinting car windows.
The most expensive is usually ceramic film because it is complicated to make. It is free of dye and metal, meaning that it won’t fade and also won’t block your phone signals.
The cheapest is a dyed film. Over time this will fade and can turn purple or blue, meaning it needs replacing more quickly than other types of film.
The third type is carbon-based film. It is longer-lasting than dyed film and won’t fade as quickly. It is also not as complicated to make as ceramic film, making it more affordable.
When you are speaking to a professional it is worth asking them which film they recommend for your car and why.
Warranty
If you use a professional car tinting service, find out what kind of warranty they offer. It will give you some protection if the film isn’t up to par.
A basic warranty should cover against bubbles or the film peeling, as well as cracks and other damage from faulty materials for a certain period of time.
Some companies may charge more and offer a lifetime warranty, but this might not be worth the extra cost if you are going to be changing your car even in a few years.
Peace of Mind
One of the best ways to give yourself peace of mind with car tinting is to use a local provider.
Do an online search for “car tint near me” and find some reputable local companies that can offer you a free estimate. It will give you some idea of what you can expect to pay for your car’s windows and opinions from more than one professional.
You’ll also be able to check reviews so you know the quality of the company’s work, and if anything goes wrong, you’ll be able to get it repaired quickly.
Get Your Car Windows Tinted
Whatever the reason you want to get your car’s windows tinted, a local, professional company might be the best way to go.
Not only will they be able to do a better job than a DIY auto window tinting kit, but they will also be able to help out if anything needs repairing. That should give you some peace of mind about using a professional.
If you’d like to find out more about looking after your car, read the rest of our blog.
