Last Updated on January 2, 2024 by Alex Koch
45% WINDOW TINT: PROS, CONS, AND, WHERE TO BUY
Everything you should know about 45 window tint, Before & After photos, how the tint looks at night, and top brands to buy from.
WHAT DOES 45% TINT LOOK LIKE?
45 percent tint is slightly darker than the middle of the VLT spectrum in terms of window film and blocking out more than half of the UV rays while also aiding with privacy when trying to view inside the vehicle to a degree.
The 45 tint will offer some protection but you will still be able to see into the vehicle without much challenge.
Remember, with window-tinting, the lower the tint percentage, the darker the film.
If you want to be sure you’re staying compliant with state tinting laws, 45% window tint is a good choice and is legal in about 85% of states that allow tinted windows. Check your state’s tint laws here.
45% window tint will block some UV rays and is legal in almost all U.S. states.
45 WINDOW TINT BEFORE AND AFTER PICTURE
Below is a before and after picture of a car that started with no window tint film and then added a 45% window tint so you can visualize the difference before and after the tint film was added.
You can purchase 45 percent tint in various colors to match your vehicle.
Below is an example photo of a car with 45% window tint applied to it.
Interested to learn more about other tint percentages?
HOW DARK IS 45% TINT COMPARED TO OTHER TINT PERCENTAGES?
45 percent tint is not the most common tint film applied to vehicles. Most private owners do not select 45 tint because while it will help block some of the sun, it does not make the tint that much darker. Most consumers that are paying hundreds of dollars, want a tint that is noticeably darker.
It is legal to install 45% window film on the driver’s side and front passenger windows in most states.
45 Tint achieves a fair amount of blocking out the light, but overall, the car will still be able to be seen inside. It will offer protection from UV rays.
45 tint is not very popular for cars coming from a dealership, most likely this is due to it not being legal in every state, so an auto manufacturer may not want to apply a window film that is not absolutely legal across the country.
You can see in the picture below the VLT of several tinting options including 50% window tint as well as 5%, 35%, and 50%
CAN YOU SEE THROUGH 45 TINT AT NIGHT?
You can see through 45 percent window tint at night when you are inside the vehicle. If you are outside of the vehicle you can also see into a car with 45 tints installed if you are interested enough, even if you are over a few feet away.
Tinting professionals will tell you that 45 percent window tint is a poor choice to pay for, considering the car will still be visible for people on the outside, and may offer you to select a darker film.
Twenty percent is approximately the darkest you can tint your windows and still see clearly on a gloomy night. 45 tint should not impact your visibility while driving.
If you have poor vision, driving at night with forty-five percent window tint will be ok, even if with less than perfect vision.
A dark night combined with dark window film can result in a severe lack of visibility. Always operate a vehicle with caution.
HOW MUCH DOES FORTY-FIVE PERCENT WINDOW TINT COST?
Installing 45% window tint on your vehicle may range from $125 to $650 for standard, non-reflective tint film.
If you want ‘the good stuff‘ your range will be closer to $200 to $625 for a more premium tint film, such as what you get with ceramic, carbon, or other specialized films.
Expect to spend extra on a vehicle with a larger number of windows.
If you need to remove your tint for whatever reason, you will have to pay for this service as well. This can cost anywhere from $25 to $200 or more. As you can see, a variety of factors will determine the price you’ll pay for 45% tint.
You can check pricing for forty-five window tint rolls here.
45% WINDOW TINT VS 20
We are talking about different films. There is a 25% difference in visible light transmittance.
You can see through 45 window film easily enough, even if you are several feet away from the car, however, 20 tint can be rather difficult to seen through at times, even if it is light out.
It will be tricky to see inside the window with 20 tint, while 45 tint will not be as difficult.
45 tint is easier to see into than 20 tint.
There are several differences here, including a legal one. More U.S. states allow 45% film than 20 tint. However, 20 percent tinting is preferable to 45 percent tint for drivers looking for an added touch of privacy and just an overall darker-looking tint.
THE BEST 45 TINT TO BUY:
OUR TOP CHOICE FOR 45% WINDOW TINT IS THE: PROTINT 45% WINDOW FILM Heat Reduction
FINAL THOUGHTS:
A 45 percent window film is going to block out a fair amount of UV light but not much all of it. It will have minimal impact in terms of providing additional privacy into the car, most people will be able to see inside.
45% window tint is legal in most states that allow tinted film.
Remember, the optimal percentage for your windows is determined by your reasons for tinting them in the first place.