But First, What Are the Types of Window Tinting for Cars?

Window tinting is used for many purposes, such as protecting a vehicle from excessive sunlight and regulating internal cabin temperatures. This makes tints a staple for scorching summer evenings as they help foster a cooler and more comfortable riding experience. However, with the variety of window tint blends available today, selecting the right one can be a struggle. So, let’s take a look at five of the most known options and how they influence the window tint for cars’ prices. 

Dyed Window Tint

Dyed window tint is one of the most budget-friendly options among the range of tint films. Built on plastic layers that are dyed, this tint blocks sunlight and adds the desired look most are going for. There are some downsides though, some dyed films do not come with much UV protection, making them better suited for those looking for just an aesthetic appeal. Put simply, if high-end protection from harmful rays is what you’re looking for, ensure that the film you are shopping around for offers UV protection. 

Since these films are based on a dye-infused layer applied next to the adhesive on a vehicle’s glass panes, they tend to fade quickly when exposed to the sun’s UV rays. This means that you may notice a gradual change in color over time — going from purple to brown and eventually transparent. 

Some manufactures offer dual layered dyed film option that adds a transparent UV protection layer that offers much longer color stability.

Although dyed window films are pocket-friendly, a lot of options lack advanced technology for quality performance, leading to frequent bubbling issues and reduced durability. Thus, they need to be replaced now and then.

Metalized / Metallic Window Tint

Metalized window films are a step above traditional dyed film. When you see windows that look like a mirror, this is the film that is applied. They offer many different colors and a cool mirrored look. The film layers have different metals in them to offer the reflectance feature. Metalized film can offer a bit of heat rejection since the metals deflect heat. 

These metals are not high grade and tend to block radio, satellite and cellular signals. These metals make it impossible to match factory privacy glass and can look odd when placed behind the privacy glass. Really only making it an option for Sedans or Coupes without any privacy glass from the factory.

Carbon Window Tint

Carbon window films are a premium tinting option, composed of tiny carbon particles that are good at keeping your car’s interior cooler by blocking infrared light. Unlike some other tint films, this type doesn’t rely on dyes, so it maintains its color for longer without any fading-related concerns. As a result, carbon window films are an excellent value for money if you don’t want to spend much but are looking for durable protection. 

These films are much better at blocking harmful UV rays when compared to dyed or metalized options. Apart from this, carbon films are an excellent option for insulating your vehicle’s interior, reducing heat buildup by up to 40 percent. However, carbon particles can sometimes result in a glare or hazy effect, which might impact visibility levels. 

As expected, these films come at a higher price point due to the promise of longevity and improved performance.

Ceramic Window Tint

When it comes to window films for automobiles, ceramic is undoubtedly a great option — packed with non-metallic and non-conductive properties. These films won’t get in the way of your electronic device signals, including phones’ GPS systems and radios, making them stand out from other tint options. 

Unlike traditional window films composed of metals or dyes, these tints boast microscopic ceramic particles that make them especially effective at blocking UV rays, blocking up to 99% of them. Plus, vehicles with these films report more than 50% reduction in the cabin’s internal temperature, keeping it more relaxed and comfortable on long road trips. 

Often, people confuse ceramic films with ceramic coatings, but the two are polar opposite concepts. While the latter protects your vehicle’s exterior against dirt, debris, oxidation, chemical staining, and more, ceramic films form a shield against your glass. 

This technology, however, carries a higher investment.

Multi-Layer Ceramic Window Tint 

A step above traditional Ceramic Window Films, This state of the art film offers superior Heat Rejection by adding multiple of the Ceramic Layers. 

This is no small feat. The more layers of Ceramic you have the higher the quality of the Ceramic Layer has to be. When adding layers the film can easily add a haziness that decreases visibility. The layers must have the perfect mix of Ceramic Propertied while having crystal clear optical clarity. These layers are super thin and perform amazingly well. The Thickness comes into play when discussing windows that roll down. A film that is too thick will have issues when they come into contact with window seals.

Window Film’s like Autobahn i3 and i3+ offer that amazing blend of multiple layer without sacrificing visibility.

Factors Influencing the Cost of Window Films

The amount you need to pay for window tint isn’t set in stone; the number varies depending on the specifics of your vehicle. Vehicle type, tint material, expertise, overheads, and more — all come together to influence the final premium of your films. Let’s look at a few of these factors so you can get a rough estimate of how much to pay. 

Installation Method

There are two ways to install windows that roll down.

• 2-Stage Installation – The film is installed the top section of the window. The window is then rolled up, the bottom edge is installed just above the seal or just under the window seal by 1/8th of an inch. This is the installation method of most budget installers.
• Bottom Loading Installation – The Film is installed with the window seal removed. The film’s bottom edge is extended past the seal by about an inch. This installation style is much cleaner and longer lasting. The bottom edge of the film is sealed completely below the seal. When the window is rolled down it does not snag the bottom edge of the window film, this eliminates most installation related failures.

Vehicle Type

Cars with fewer windows or less complex window designs usually cost less to tint since the number, size, and complexity of windows alter the price. For example, the Tesla Model 3 has a large back glass, which, in turn, adds to the installation time and material. Plus, flat windows reflect lower costs, as curved ones necessitate advanced skill. 

Here’s the amount you can expect to pay for different vehicles:

• Passenger Cars: 

-Dyed Film: $300-$400

-Carbon Film: $400-$450

-Ceramic Film: $450-$700

-Multi-Layer Ceramic Film $700-$1000

• Trucks: 

-Dyed Film: Two Fronts $100-$150, All Windows $300-$400

-Carbon Film: Two Fronts $150-$175, All Windows $400-$500

-Ceramic Film: Two Fronts $165-$200, All Windows $500-$700

-Multi-Layer Ceramic Film: Two Fronts $220-$250, All Windows $600-$900

• SUVs and Minivans: 

-Dyed Film Two Fronts $100-$150, All Windows $350-$500

Carbon Film Two Fronts $150-$175, All Windows $500-$600

-Ceramic Film Two Fronts $165-$200, All Windows $600-$900

-Multi-Layer Ceramic Film Two Fronts $220-$250, All Windows $700-$1100

Tint Removal Costs

If your car already has a tint that needs to be removed before the application, it will add to the overall window tint for cars price. Thus, technicians usually charge more for automobiles that require them to remove the film and adhesive.

Installer Expertise

The amount you pay also depends on how experienced your installer is. The higher the skill level, the higher the price. Why is this, you may be wondering. Well, an experienced company like Med City Detail knows its game regarding proper handling and installation of the tint, which can result in a high-quality overall experience. 

Plus, such firms invest in high-quality equipment and maintain controlled environments, which, in turn, minimize errors and contamination. As a result, they may charge higher premiums.

How Darkness is Calculated

When trying to determine how dark a window tint is going to be there is one number you want to be looking at. 

VLT, or Visible Light Transmission, is a measure of the amount of visible light that can pass through a window or window film. It is typically expressed as a percentage. For example, a window with a VLT of 35% allows 35% of visible light to pass through and blocks the remaining 65%.

In the context of window tinting, VLT is an essential consideration. Tinted windows are designed to reduce the amount of visible light entering a vehicle. The VLT percentage indicates how dark or light the tint appears and how much light it allows inside.

Real world examples. If you see SUVs with Factory Privacy Glass (not a window film) these windows are typically darkened between 20% and 30% VLT from the factory. So, if you wanted to match that glass you would be looking at 20% -30% VLT window films. If you see a vehicle that has very dark or considered “Limo Tint” this is a 5% VLT. There are even window films that let 85% of light through the glass but block and absorb UV and Infrared Rays. Great for Windshields or track vehicles. 

Down the Rabbit Hole

If you have made it this far you are obviously very interested in window films. Now I will teach you everything the professionals look at when deciding the quality of window films. 

Here is a Window Film Performance Data Sheet for STEK Automotive’s Lineup of Films. 

Now lets define these data points!

Automotive window tinting involves various terms that describe the performance and characteristics of the tint film. Here’s a breakdown of these terms:

1. VLT (Visible Light Transmittance): This refers to the percentage of visible light that passes through the film and the window. A higher VLT means more light passing through, while a lower VLT indicates a darker tint. Visible light is responsible for 44% of heat felt inside the vehicle. 
2. VLR (Visible Light Reflectance): This measures how much visible light is reflected by the tint film. Higher VLR can result in a more mirrored appearance and can reduce glare.
3. Solar Energy Transmittance: This is the measure of how much solar energy (encompassing visible, infrared, and ultraviolet light) passes through the tint film and the window. Lower solar energy transmittance means less heat entering the car.
4. Solar Energy Reflectance: This term describes the amount of solar energy that is reflected away by the tint film. Films with higher solar energy reflectance can be more effective in reducing heat buildup inside the car.
5. Solar Energy Absorbance: This indicates the amount of solar energy absorbed by the tint film itself. This absorbed energy can be re-radiated into the film or outward, affecting the glass surface temperature. 

• This is an important number to keep in mind when tinting sunroofs. If the heat absorption is too high the glass can get very hot leading to cracks or shattering. It is very rare but it is something to keep in mind. 

6. IR Rejection (950 and 1400): Infrared (IR) rejection refers to the film’s ability to block infrared rays, which are primarily responsible for heat. The numbers 950 and 1400 represent specific wavelengths (measured in nanometers) at which the film’s IR rejection is measured. Higher IR rejection at these wavelengths means better heat reduction. Infrared is responsible for 53% of the heat you feel through the glass. You want to block as much Infrared as possible. You can see that STEK NEX Window Film blocks up to 97% of this heat source!
7. UV Rejection: This measures how effectively the tint blocks ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can cause fading of car interiors and are harmful to skin. Higher UV rejection percentages are preferable for better protection. This type of heat can feel like your skin is stinging. It is responsible for 3% of overall heat in the vehicle. Ensure that you choose window films that not only block 99% of UV but that it covers the full spectrum. UVA, UVB and UVC. If your installer doesn’t know the differences it may be up to you to figure it out! 

8. Glare Reduction: This is the ability of the tint to reduce the brightness and glare from sunlight and headlights, enhancing driving comfort.

9. TSER (Total Solar Energy Rejected): TSER is the total percentage of solar energy (visible, infrared, and ultraviolet) rejected by the tint film. A higher TSER value indicates better overall protection from solar heat and radiation.
10. SEC (Solar Energy Control): This term encompasses the film’s overall ability to control solar energy through a combination of transmittance, reflectance, and absorbance.