There is a stealthy, seductive, charismatic appeal to tinted vehicle windows and an aire of confidence and mystery surrounding tinted cars and their drivers that no other adornment is able to achieve. One of the most common questions the JBT sales associates are asked is what is the best tint for car windows. And, a simple online search will yield millions of results to sift through — 4,540,000 to be exact; we checked for you. So, how can you filter out the truth amidst the hundreds of thousands of sites with optimized marketing content flooding to the top? In today’s post, our tint experts offer some advice to help you make a well-informed decision and upgrade your ride as a savvy tint consumer.
Six Factors to Consider
Selecting the best window tint for your car is like selecting the right shoes — it all depends on your style and outfit selection. There is no one-size-fits-all solution and once you understand and apply these five considerations, you’ll land on the best tint for your car windows.
Many consumers tend to weigh one of these considerations more heavily than the others like tint material quality or tint performance as the “main indicator” of what’s the best on the market, but there’s more to car window tint than just materials used, so getting a full 360-degree view is your best bet.
#1. Tint Quality
The quality of car window tint will vary between different materials used. Some options include static tint, dye tint, ceramic tint, nano-ceramic tint, metallic tint, and carbon tint. Each of these materials offers different features that will yield different aesthetic results. You’ll need to determine which option is best for your car based on your vehicle type, budget, and the installation type.
#2. Tint Performance
As with any other product, various tint materials provide different performance outputs. It’s important to understand the reasons you are seeking window tint options and invest in a film that meets these requirements. For instance, some low-end tint films offer the look of tinted windows while providing very little glass protection or solar filtration. On the other hand, high-performance tints are developed to provide optimal protection and security and offer very different features than dye tints. Some performance measures to look out for in your new window tint include:
- UVA & UVB filtration
- Privacy ratings
- Energy savings
- Shatter resistance level
- Sun glare reduction
- Customization
- Aesthetics
The features and performance expectations will vary, so it’s important to know what you are wanting from your tint and find the product that will perform as you want. Talk to the sales experts at Jet Black Tint for a comprehensive comparison of products and let them guide you to the best product for your needs.
#3. Tint Installation
The next factor to consider to get the right window tint for your ride is the film installation method. If you’re a confident do-it-yourselfer, pre-cut static tint is a great option for you. At Jet Black Tint, we make it easy for you without compromising on tint quality or performance. Check out our DIY tint options.
The other option getting your car window tint professionally installed. Professionally installed tint has several benefits including the latest technology, tools, and techniques deployed by trained and experienced tint technicians. At Jet Black Tint, our tint experts use the best tint in the industry and our garages are stocked with state-of-the-art installation equipment to deliver the best quality every time.
#4. Tint Use/Environment
The use and environment of your vehicle matter when you get your car windows tinted. A warmer, dryer climate warrants a different car window tint material than a colder, wetter climate. To avoid peeling, bubbling, and other problems, you need the best tint and installation methods for your area. When you purchase your tint from a local tint shop you can bet you’ll get the right tint for your region. At your local JBT, our professionals will consult you on what’s best and then help you narrow your choices to make the best selection.
#5. Tint Appeal
It can be difficult not to immediately jump to this factor when selecting your window tint. One of the biggest reasons people get their car windows tinted is for enhanced curb appeal. You wouldn’t use a discount store brand tint film on your BMW, would you? Whether you’re driving a Nissan Sentra or a Tesla, you want to get the tint film that adds the most curb appeal to your vehicle. If you’re not sure what would look best on your car, book a consultation with your local tint expert to review your options and help you visualize the final look.
#6. Tint Type
There are many different options for achieving the benefits of window tinting. Each tint film type has benefits and drawbacks to consider. We briefly discussed this above, but let’s take a closer look.
Dyed
Dyed window tint is made of several layers of dyed film that is available in a variety of colors and darkness. The dyed tint is the most affordable and common type of window tint. The downside to dyed film is that it does not offer the same level of UV protection as other products. They have limited ability to block heat from the sun as well. They also tend to fade or warp into amber or purple hue as the dye fades unevenly, and it becomes even less effective over time.
Metallic
As the name suggests, metalized tints contain metal microparticles. They use reflection to filter out solar rays, as opposed to absorbing it. Metalized tint is extremely scratch- and glare-resistant. Metallic tint adds strength to your windows, making them less likely to shatter in accidents or impacts. The metal particles give a shinier appearance to your windows, which some people prefer. One big downside to metallic tint is the metal particles that can interfere with radio or GPS signals.
Hybrid
Hybrid window tints are made using a combination of dyes and metal particles. They consist of several dyed layers, with a thin metal layer — usually titanium — in between. Hybrid window tints reduce the negative aspects of both dyed and metalized tinting. They offer less radio interference than fully metalized films and don’t have a mirror-like appearance. Hybrid tints are also more affordable than metalized tints, but more expensive than dyed ones.
Carbon
Carbon window tints are made up of carbon fiber particles that will not fade over time. They are more effective than dyed or metallic tints at blocking the sun’s rays. Ceramic tinting has a matte finish, which a lot of people prefer for aesthetic reasons. Carbon tinting is also known for its strong insulating features. It reduces solar heat which can raise the vehicle’s internal temperature by about 40 percent, helping to keep things more consistent and comfortable. One downside to carbon tinting is that it can be much more expensive than other tint products, but its durability and life expectancy can offset the additional upfront cost.
Ceramic
Carbon fiber tint is one of the higher-end options, considered the gold-standard tint. Since it contains no dyes or metal particles, ceramic products will not fade over time or interfere with radio signals. The ceramic particles do not conduct heat, so they offer the same level of solar rejection and increased insulation as carbon tint, with enhanced strength. The ceramic layer offers superior durability that makes the windows nearly shatterproof. Ceramic tint has the added benefit of reducing glare without the necessity of a very dark tint. Unsurprisingly, the downside of ceramic tint is that it is the most expensive of tint film products.
Now that you have all of the information to make a well-informed decision, it’s time to select your film and schedule your installation at the Jet Black Tint location nearest you!
