How to Choose the Right Window Tint for Your Car

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Jun 26, 2023

Imagine driving down the highway on a hot, sunny day with scorching sun rays glaring into your eyes, making you squint despite wearing sunglasses. Or, picture yourself pulling up to a meeting feeling like a roasted turkey because your car turned into an oven while parked. The good news is that you can easily avoid these uncomfortable situations by choosing the right window tint for your car. 


This guide will lead you to the perfect blend of style, heat protection, and privacy without having to break any laws. 

Benefits of Car Window Tinting

A black tesla model y is parked in a garage.

Car window tinting is much more than just an aesthetic improvement for your vehicle. It offers a wide range of benefits that can enhance your driving experience and minimize any harmful effects from the sun's rays. Here are some of the significant benefits of window tinting. 

It can make your car's interior considerably cooler in hot weather.

With proper tinting, you can keep the temperature down even when withstanding direct sunlight for prolonged periods. You would no longer have to suffer the discomfort and inconvenience caused by heat buildup in your car.

It can block up to 99% of harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by the sun.

UV radiation can be detrimental and has been linked to skin cancer, particularly in people who spend considerable time inside cars. By investing in quality window film, you're taking a crucial step towards safeguarding yourself and your passengers' health.

Car tints are like sunscreen for your vehicle; they provide ample protection against UV rays. The UV protection provided by window tints also extends to your upholstery: over time, prolonged exposure to sunlight will cause your leather seats' color to fade and become brittle.

You achieve a sense of privacy from prying eyes.

Unwanted attention from passersby or potential burglars can be incredibly frustrating, but with tinted windows, your vehicle becomes less of an easy target. Imagine having to transport sensitive documents or expensive electronics; you don't want to draw unnecessary attention to yourself and become a target for theft. Therefore, investing in dark tints will not only provide optimal protection from the sun but also act as a deterrent against theft attempts.

Furthermore, heavily-tinted windows reduce glare and lower eye strain caused by sun glare while driving, which could cause fatigue and reduce reaction times. By reducing the amount of sunlight penetrating your vehicle, you not only protect yourself from harmful UV rays but also stay alert behind the wheel.

However, illegal levels of tint can obscure the driver's vision while driving at night or in low light conditions, causing a safety hazard. Additionally, excessive darkness makes passengers inside the car more visible from outside, which could lead to other safety concerns. Therefore, be sure to find out what's legal in your state and regulate yourselves accordingly.

A window tint acts like sunglasses for your car; they block out excessive brightness and unwanted glares that can cause headaches or visual discomfort.

It enhances the appearance and styling of your car.

Window tinting can not only provide practical benefits such as privacy and protection from UV rays, but it can also enhance the appearance and styling of your car. Imagine cruising down a street in your sleek, stylish car as heads turn to admire your trendy window tint. This is a common occurrence among car enthusiasts who understand the importance of adding appeal to their cars.

In addition to making your vehicle look more attractive, window tints can also add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your ride. The right tint shade will complement the color of your car's exterior and transform its overall appearance. Furthermore, window tints are an excellent way to customize your car in a unique way that represents your personality and individuality while keeping it within legal state limits. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing tint shades; it’s all about personalization!

Understanding Tint Percentages

Two red tesla model xs are parked in a garage.

Tint percentages refer to the amount of visible light transmission (VLT) allowed through the tinted windows. This means that a 50% VLT tint would allow half the amount of light through to your car and block out only a small amount of heat and glare. On the other hand, a 5% VLT tint, referred to as limo tint, is an extremely dark shade that blocks out most of the light.

It’s essential to choose the right tint percentage for your needs while also looking at state limits. Most states restrict front windshield tinting to prevent obstruction of vision while driving, so it’s crucial to check with local authorities before choosing a darker shade. The aim when choosing a window tint should be to improve visual comfort and minimize heat and glare from the sun while also respecting state laws.

While some car owners prefer dark limo tints on their windows for maximum privacy, it can trap heat in your car and make it uncomfortable to sit in on hot days. For instance, if you live in a region with a hot climate, opting for a lighter percentage would be more suitable and functional.

Regardless of which shade you opt for, always ensure that you’re purchasing high-quality film from professional window tinting shops. High-quality films provide longevity, meaning they will last longer without bubbling, fading, or changing color.

Choosing the Right Tint Shade

The shading percentage of your window film plays a crucial role in determining the overall look and style of your vehicle. Based on preference, different levels of darkness are available to suit your needs.

For instance, if you are interested in blocking out ultraviolet rays and reducing heat while increasing privacy, then you might want to consider getting a 15% or 20% tint. This range is commonly preferred because it doesn't impact visibility so much while still offering an additional layer of privacy.

For those looking to add some style and a sleek aesthetic to their vehicle, then a 35% or even 50% tint may be more appropriate. These shades offer a noticeable darkening effect that can upgrade your car's exterior appearance. However, some people may worry about having tints that are too dark for safety reasons since they obstruct visibility, especially at night. If you're someone who drives long distances through poorly lit areas frequently, perhaps opting for lighter shades is better for enhancing visibility without compromising other advantages that come with the window tints.

When considering which tint shade will best suit your needs and preferences, do not forget to factor in your lifestyle, driving habits, and locale regarding sun exposure.

We Provide Top Notch Window Tinting Services in Tacoma, WA

A person is applying tinted glass to a car window.

At Superior Auto Shine, our window tinting services in Tacoma, WA, are top-notch and can provide the perfect solution to your problems. We use high-quality materials and have experienced professionals who can get the job done right.


Imagine driving in a cool, shaded car with a sleek and stylish look. With our window tinting services, you can have all that and more. Plus, the added protection from UV rays will keep your car's interior looking like new for years to come.


Don't wait any longer to upgrade your car's appearance and protection.
Contact us today at (253) 260-6868 to schedule your window tinting appointment in Tacoma, WA.

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