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Window tint film is a great product for everyone from the average car owner to the exotic car enthusiast and the luxury limo fleet manager. If you’ve been tossing around the idea of tinting your car windows and begun the process of searching for just the right tint for your ride, there are a lot of terms and numbers in the product description. For instance, tint film descriptions include how thick the film is in millimeters, the dimensions, what percentage of UV light it blocks, and the visible light transmission. Reading and making comparisons may seem daunting, but the team at Jet Black Tint and Glass is here to help clear up some confusion and make the choice simple. Here are a few things you need to know about window tint percentages.
The percentage you see on window tint refers to the visible light transmission (VTL) or how much light is able to penetrate the film into your car. For example, if you install window tint that has a 50% VLT, the film will allow 50% of visible light to penetrate your windows while blocking the other 50%. Here in California, the legal tint allowance 70% VTL, meaning you are only allowed to block 30% of the coastal rays from getting into your vehicle.
When shopping for tint, keep in mind that the higher the VTL percentage, the lighter the tint will be.
Every state and region has its own laws regarding window tint percentages. This is the state’s legal way of limiting vehicle owners from putting incredibly dark tints on all windows and creating vision problems and driving hazards. While some states are laxer, California is one of the more conservative window tint states. Read more about California window tint laws in our previous post on the topic — California Tint Laws 101.
Let’s take a quick look at what’s allowed in the Golden State:
Front side windows – 70% VLT
Back side windows – Any
Rear window – Any
Windshield – only the top 4 inches can be tinted to 70% VTL
To learn more about window tint laws in general, check out our other online resources:
Window Tint Law Exemptions – Do You Qualify?
Or, just call our helpful and knowledgeable staff at any of our 14 Jet Black Tint and Glass locations.
Just because you haven’t had aftermarket window tint to your auto glass yet doesn’t mean the windows are tint-free. Most cars come with factory-installed window tint as a glare-reducing safety feature. But, since the manufacturer’s tint is usually clear, you may not even know it’s on there — and, yes, this makes a big difference when calculating how much you can add! The state law covers all tint used, not just your aftermarket aesthetic tint film.
If your owner’s manual doesn’t say and there is no sticker indicating tint film presence on the glass, you can bring your car to any Jet Black Tint and Glass location and we can tell you if there is tint present and what VTL it is.
Now that you have some background information and a little better understanding of window tint and the factors that may influence your VTL choices, let’s discuss the options.
Window tint film is available in VTL percentages from 5% to 90%, and everything in between. When vehicles come with a factory tint of between 85% and 80% VTL. Common aftermarket tint percentages are 20, 25, 30, 35, 50, and 70. 90% VTL seems almost pointless while 5% is incredibly difficult to see through at all and would only be used when a window does not need to be looked through, like the rear windows of a limo. 20% is considered “blacked out” and is a popular choice for luxury sport car enthusiasts and private car service professionals alike. 35% tint is among the most popular and will give you more privacy and deep rich window color, but it’s still easy to see through. Drivers like this tint because of its stylish and sleek aesthetic.
As we already touched upon, the first two guiding factors in your decision of which tint is best for you are (1.) what already exists on your car, and (2.) what the state laws are where you live. Let’s take a look at some of the other things to consider.
Remember that tinting your car changes its entire look the way makeup changes a face. Your interior will feel different with tinted windows, and your exterior will boast a different aesthetic. Before you darken your windows, you’ll want to consider your paint color and the aesthetic you’re attempting to achieve.
Your “why” is a big factor in what percentage film will be best suited for your needs. Are you looking for more privacy, more protection from solar rays, or do you just think cars look better with tinted windows? Your overall goal and motivation will influence how dark you’ll want to go.
The car tint percentage you choose depends on what you want the film to do. If UV rays are your main concern, but you don’t want darker windows, you can get a translucent film with little to no darkness that still blocks almost 100% of the sun’s UV rays. The film will still protect you from the sun’s rays without changing the look of your car or your window visibility. A darker tint will enhance your privacy considerably.
No matter the tint percentage you choose, always opt for a high-quality film over a reduced VTL. When you choose poor-quality tint, you may begin with a 20% VTL that quickly fades to a 70% because it relied on dye instead of carbon or ceramic nanoparticles. Dyed tint will have to be replaced more often and loses its efficiency quicker. Investing in professional-grade film and having it installed by expert window tinters will help you save in the long run. Additionally, the high-quality film adds value to your vehicle and keeps your car looking slick, which is usually the point of investing in tint, to begin with!
If you’re ready to get your car windows tinted, call the Bay Area tint experts at Jet Black Tint and Glass. We’ll help you select the best tint for your needs and install it in an hour. We’ve got full-car discounts and financing options available so you can achieve your goals today!