Tinted windows aren't only for aesthetics. They serve several functions that include blocking unsafe UV rays to protect passengers and reduce wear on the car's interior materials , adding increased privacy, and keeping a motorcar cool. What's more is that the tinting movie can act in the aforementioned way as safety glass, keeping the window from spraying shards everywhere in the event of an accident. There are many types of window tint available, and with varying material types the cost can vary widely. If any of the above benefits of window tinting take piqued your interest, here'due south a look at what it costs to tint your motorcar's windows and what options are available.

What is Car Window Tinting ?

Auto window tinting is the process that adds a tinted transparent picture or coating to the within of a machine'south windows . The thickness of the window tint and the material varies. If a window tint is likewise nighttime, it can hinder visibility, peculiarly at night. That's why each state has different laws that dictate how much tinting is allowed on each window. These window tint laws include the percentage of lite immune in, which is also known equally Visible Lite Manual. Fifty ocal laws can also include how many inches of the windshield can legally be tinted. Tints can be applied at domicile, just professional application is recommended.

How Does Window Tint Installation Work?

The first step of the window tinting process is to clean and prep your windows. Next, a thin sail of tinting film is cutting to perfectly fit the window, applied using a bonding agent, and smoothed out with a squeegee to eliminate wrinkles or bubbling. Lastly, the applicator will trim the edges of the dyed film in social club to provide a perfect fit.

Which Windows Are Tinted?

A basic tinting job should cover every window of the vehicle except the sunroof (if applicable) and the windshield. This means all side windows, including the triangle windows, and the rear window . The boilerplate price should reflect parts and labor to tint all of these windows. Information technology should also include a minimum of a one-year warranty against bubbling, cracking, and peeling. However, some films come with a lifetime warranty .

Tin can I Tint My Automobile Windows Myself?

When it comes to tinting your automobile windows , y'all can do-it-yourself . It is not advisable, however, unless you are incredibly experienced considering of the skill required to do it properly. It may audio easy to cut and paste plastic motion picture on your vehicle'southward windows , merely the process is complicated and requires smashing precision. DIY tint kits tin can be institute online and at auto parts stores, and more often than not cost less than $100, merely require a great bargain of focus and patience.

Types of Window Tinting

There are v main types of machine window tinting, which include:

Dyed

Dyed window tinting includes several layers of dyed picture to absorb sunlight. The dye can be adapted based on your preferred level of darkness. Dyed tint is the most affordable and pop type of window tint . While information technology is the preferred method, it does non provide the maximum level of UV protection compared to other types.

Metalized

Metalized tints comprise metal particles that use reflection to keep out sunlight. This blazon of window tint also strengthens windows, which makes them less likely to shatter in the event of an accident. The metal particles of the metalized movie as well make windows look more shiny. 1 drawback to metalized window tinting is that it tin interfere with GPS signals.

Hybrid

Hybrid window tints combine dyed and metallic particles . They are higher-quality than standard dyes. They practise not provide as much radio interference as metalized tints and are not as shiny.

Carbon

Carbon window tints are comprised of carbon fiber particles. They are more effective than metalized or dyed tints at blocking the dominicus's UV rays . Information technology also insulates the car and reduces rut by near 40 percent. Carbon tinting is expensive and you volition pay a premium for its immovability and the fact that it won't fade over fourth dimension.

Ceramic

Ceramic tint is the near constructive of all window tint types and blocks more than 99 percentage of UV rays . This quality comes at a cost, as ceramic window tints are the well-nigh expensive. Because ceramic particles have stiff estrus rejection backdrop, they provide the same level of sunlight reflection while also adding insulation. Loftier-quality ceramic window tints reduce a vehicle'due south internal temperature past around one-half. Ceramic films are too shatter-proof and don't crave as dark of a tint every bit other types.

How Much Does Car Window Tinting Price ?

There are several brands and types of tint which tin also affect window tinting prices , but the average tinting for a passenger car is in the range of $250 to $600 for standard, non-reflective pic. For loftier-performance ceramic or metal motion-picture show , information technology tin can cost upwards of $800. The type of vehicle also plays a office. Trucks have fewer windows, so they are slightly cheaper at an boilerplate of $350. SUVs and minivans are the virtually expensive due to their number of windows and window height. The range for these vehicles are $250-$750. Coupes take large slanted dorsum windows, which make them more expensive than sedans and are by and large $200-$600. Recall, find a reputable tint shop that offers a decent warranty for their window tinting services . Some window tint films offering a lifetime warranty , while others have a shorter warranty term. This isn't one of those expenses y'all want to revisit every year.

Bottom Line

It'south a common misconception that window tinting is illegal. If y'all are interested in tinting your windows, whether it's merely for aesthetics or to protect your interior, information technology is legal as long as you follow your state's laws. If you are reselling your motorcar after tinting your windows, keep in mind that it could affect resale value. Coupe buyers may appreciate tinted windows, while sedan or SUV drivers may not. As such, you may not recoup what you paid for the service when information technology comes fourth dimension to sell.

More from iSeeCars:

  • How Much Does It Cost to Supplant a Windshield?
  • What's the Cost to Replace Brakes and Rotors?
  • How Much Does information technology Cost to Supersede a Car Door?

(Please retrieve that these repair prices can as well fluctuate based on geographic location, every bit well as vehicle make and model; and that these numbers represent averages, not actual prices offered at any specific repair facilities.)