Getting the windows of your car tinted can help to add distinction and elegance to your vehicle. Besides the fact that it provides an added layer of privacy, tinted windows can help to block the sun from shining on your face.

Tinted windows can also block as much as 99% of UV rays, which helps to prolong the life of your upholstery. It’s also worth noting that tinted windows experience less fading, cracking and warping. But with so many options to choose from, how do you choose the right window tints?

1) Familiarize Yourself With State Laws
Before you make a decision it’s highly recommended that you check the state’s laws regarding tinted windows, as well as the surrounding states of which you may travel. For example, while one state may allow 4% tints, the state next door may have laws that may put you at risk of getting pulled over. As such, check the state laws to see what the tint limits are for each window.

In most cases, your local tint installation professional will tell you about the laws in each state. But be warned, some shops may be eager to install film that is against the law, for the simple purposes of earning more money.

2) Top Tier Tints Vs Average Tints
There are several types of car tints on the market but they fall under one of two categories: average tints and top tier tints. The choice between the two depends on how often you use the vehicle and your budget. Top-tier tints last for a long time, are more visually appealing to the eyes, and generally do a better job.

However, average tints such as a dyed film offer decent quality and are the most cost-effective type of tints you can get. On the other hand, carbon film tint is regarded as being somewhere in the middle between being a top tier tint and average but tends to last longer and perform better than their cheaper counterparts. Ceramic film on the other hand usually comes with a lifetime warranty, providing the best performance available, but is significantly more expensive.

3) UV Protection
Protection from the rays of the sun is not the same as protection from UV rays. Certain types of tint provide superior protection from UV rays which can cause upholstery to fade. It’s also worth noting that continuous exposure to UV rays are a known cause of cancer. Certain types of film such as ceramic films, use modern technology and expensive source material to provide a perfect layer of protection against UV rays.

4) Cost Of Labor
Another factor you will need to consider, in addition to the price of the tints themselves is the cost of the labor to install them. You may assume that all tints are applied the same but they aren’t. It’s worth noting that choosing a more cost-effective type of tint will not necessarily lead to lower labor expenses. Simply said, some tints take more time than others to apply and that leads to increased labor expenses.