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Step-by-step most effective ways to remove window tint from your car

There’s an art form to the window tint removal process. In this article, we’ll walk you through exactly how to do it without damaging your vehicle and using the right techniques to peel the tint.

Top 5 Methods For Removing Window Tint From A Car

Whether you’re buying or selling a vehicle, need a different shade/percentage, or are experiencing some form of deterioration due to age or improper application, removing the existing tint is the best course of action. But before you start pulling, peeling, and cutting, you need to come up with a plan.

Removing window tint is something that you can do, but you’ll need to be strategic about how you do it. There’s a right and a wrong way to peel the tint. Let’s walk through some of the proper steps for effectively removing tint.

#1 Heat Removal Method

If you have a heat gun or hairdryer on hand, this is an easy, mess-free method worth trying. Here’s how it works:

• With the heat gun set on the highest setting, hold it approximately two inches away from the glass, on the outside of the window. Begin in one corner of the window and apply heat for roughly 30 seconds. At this point, you should notice the corner start to peel up.

• Once a corner starts peeling, use a finger or razor blade to pry the film off the glass. Next, use the heat gun to apply heat at the point where the peeling tint meets the glass and begin slowly peeling it back until the entire sheet is completely removed.

This method tends to work well for tint that’s still in good shape. Old, deteriorated tint may rip or tear, leaving behind small specks.

#2 Soap & Scrape Method

The soap and scrape method is one of the most commonly used techniques. And while it requires more supplies and manual effort than the heat method, it often leaves a cleaner and more polished result.

This method requires dish soap, glass cleaner, microfiber cloths, a razor blade, spray bottle, paper towels, garbage bags and water. You start by making a cut in the corner of the film. This creates a small tab that you can use to lift the film off the window. Using this tab, start peeling the tint back. (Note: The tint film won’t always peel off in a single piece. You may need to make multiple cuts and tear off in sections.)

Once the tint is removed, prepare a soapy water mixture inside of a spray bottle and apply it to the windows. Grab your razor blade and carefully scrape the remaining adhesive. (Make sure you use light passes. Don’t dig into the glass or you could create permanent scratches.) Finally, clean the window with glass cleaner and microfiber cloths.

#3 Soapy Newspaper Method

If other methods don’t work, you may give the soapy newspaper method a try. It’s similar to the soap and scrape technique, but doesn’t require nearly as much manual effort. You’ll need all of the same supplies plus newspapers.

With this method, you create a mixture of warm water and dish soap in a bucket and then apply it to the inside of the window. Immediately after applying the soapy water, you’ll want to lay the newspaper on top of your wet windows. Allow the soap and newspaper to sit for roughly an hour. If the newspapers appear to dry up, you can apply some additional soapy water on the outside. (You may need to do this every 15 or minutes.)

After 60 minutes have passed, use your razor blade to peel the newspaper up. If the method has worked, the top layer of the tint will pull up as well. You can then rub off the remaining layers of film with your blade and clean the glass.

#4 Steam Clean Method

If you have a steam cleaner like this PureSteam on hand, this is arguably the easiest and most effective method of removing window tint. You simply steam the inside and outside of the windows for a few minutes and the glue adhesive melts. As it melts, you can use a razor blade to get it going and then the tint peels right off. This leaves you with nothing more than a little bit of leftover adhesive to wipe off.

#5 Solar Peel Method

The solar peel method is the fifth option people commonly use to remove window tint. This can be an intricate and time-consuming method, but it’s also the most interesting. Here’s how it works:

• Spray the outside of the window with soapy water and then cover with a black plastic trash bag. Take your time and smooth the bag out until it’s completely flat and free of bubbles and wrinkles.
• After all windows are covered, use a tarp or other cover to protect interior surfaces near the windows.
• Spray an ammonia solution on the inside of the windows and cover it with another trash bag. (Wear a mask and don’t breathe in the fumes.) Let the windows bake in the hot sunlight for at least 20 to 25 minutes and then remove the black trash bags.
• Grab a corner of the film and slowly peel the tint away from the glass. A scraper or using a razor blade,  remove any of the leftover film and remaining adhesive.

If the other techniques don’t work, the solar peel method should do the trick. It’s best to use this method on a warm, sunny day. Start slow and work in small areas at a time.

8 Common Reasons for Removing Window Tint

As nice as window tinting can look – and as intricate as the application process is – why would anyone ever want to remove window tint?

Well, there are plenty of reasons. And if you’re reading this article, one of the following likely resonates with you:

1 You Are Buying a Vehicle

Some people simply don’t like the look of tinted windows – or the specific kind of tint might not fit their style. If you’re purchasing a pre-owned vehicle from an individual or dealer and don’t like the tint on the car, removing it is always an option.

2 You Are Selling a Vehicle

If you’re selling a vehicle, you want it to look as nice as possible. Old tint can look raggedy and may detract from the other features of the car. By removing the tint, you eliminate an eyesore and let the vehicle speak for itself.

3 Your Current Film Is Too Dark (Illegal)

Every state has its own window tint percentage laws that dictate how dark tinting can be on windows and windshields. There may also be other restrictions related to reflectivity and coloring. If you discover that your vehicle breaks laws, you’ll need to remove the tint.

4 Prefer a Different Tint Shade

Most people like tinted windows, but the percentage is a matter of personal preference. There’s a huge difference, for example, between 70 percent tint and 27 percent tint. In order to change to a new shade, you have to first remove the existing tint.

5 Poorly Applied Window Tint

As mentioned, window tinting is both a technical process and an art form. If your window tint was applied by an amateur – or done poorly by a professional tint shop – it’ll need to be removed so that you can start over.

6 Your Window Film Is Peeling

When tint doesn’t properly adhere to the glass, any number of issues can occur. Peeling occurs at the corners of the window and worsens over time. The only way to truly restore a clean and professional look is to remove the tint and start fresh.

7 Your Window Film Is Bubbling

Everyone has seen an old vehicle with bubbling tint. It looks horrible and, unfortunately, there’s no way to fix it. Bubbling can be a sign of poor installation, but is also a symptom of failing adhesive. Eventually, most window tint will show signs of bubbling.

8 Your Window Film Is Experiencing Discoloration

This is another sign of aging. Over time, tint has a tendency to turn a purplish hue. Not only does this alter the look of your windows, but it actually diminishes the tint’s ability to block out harmful UV rays. Once discoloration occurs, it’s impossible to revert back to the original color without replacing it.

Cleaning And Restoration Tips After Window Tint Removal

Regardless of which method you choose to remove your window tint, you’ll likely be left with less-than-perfect windows. You may have a combination of adhesive, residue, specs of tint, and even tiny, surface-level scratches. To achieve a new glass look, you’ll need to apply some additional elbow grease…don’t forget your spray bottle and soap and water, too! 

The best method is to purchase some new #0000 steel wool. (It’s really important that you go with #0000, as anything higher could lead to permanent scratches in your glass.) Then, in a bowl, mix together some dish detergent with warm water. Dip the steel wool into the soapy solution and lightly rub the windows. Small circular movements are ideal. Avoid using too much pressure and/or large sweeping movements.

Once all adhesive, residue, dirt, and debris has been removed, use glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth to achieve a dry, pristine finish.

Make Sure Your Tint Follows The Window Tint Laws In Your State

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Did you know that back in 2018, people in the US were almost 17 times more likely to die from heart disease than a car crash? After all, the odds of dying in a car crash back then were 1 in 106 while it was 1 in 6 for heart disease.

1 in 106 is still very high though. For instance, in 2019, fatal car crash incidents in the US killed an estimated 38,800 people.

At the very least, car crashes injure up to three million people in the country each year. Many of these injuries, unfortunately, are severe enough to be debilitating and long-term.

In this Car Crash 101 guide, we’ll talk about all these serious side-effects that a collision can lead to. So, be sure to keep your eyes glued to this page so that you’ll know what to do in case you get involved in one!

1. Whiplash Injuries

Some estimates put the rate of whiplash injury sufferers in the US at two million every year. Rear-end collisions aren’t the only cause, but they are some of the most common. For one, because these neck injuries can occur at speeds of as slow as five mph.

Whiplash injuries can happen in any situation that forces the head to move back and forth in a rapid motion. This sudden movement can tear or damage the soft tissues in the neck. As a result, the damaged tissues swell and can then exhibit symptoms such as soreness and pain.

Whiplash symptoms often occur within the first 24 hours after a car accident. However, they can appear days or even weeks later. What’s more, researchers say that, in some people, a full recovery can take up to three months!

Worse, up to 50% of whiplash patients are at risk of suffering from long-term complications. These include widespread pain, numbness, muscle weakness, headaches, fatigue, and even blurred vision.

2. Cervical Bone Fractures

About 800,000 Americans sustain car crash neck injuries, including whiplash, each year. These neck injuries include cervical bone fractures. They can occur when the neck gets exposed to trauma severe enough to damage the bones themselves.

That said, cervical fractures are breaks in one or more of the bones that make up the cervical spine. There are seven neck bones in this section of the spinal column. If any of these breaks, you’re most likely to suffer from swelling, tenderness, and severe pain.

3. Cervical Spinal Dislocation

Car accidents cause about half of all cervical spine injuries, including neck dislocation.

Cervical dislocation usually starts as an injury to the ligaments in the neck. From here, the injury causes two or more adjoining neck bones to separate from each other. As a result, the neck becomes unstable, leading to localized stiffness and pain in the neck.

Left untreated, however, cervical dislocation can render the entire spinal cord unstable. This is a life-threatening instability that warrants immediate medical attention.

4. Traumatic Head and Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries account for almost a third of all injury deaths in the US. These injuries occur after the head suffers a blow or a penetrating brain injury. A car crash, for instance, can send someone’s head banging against the dash or the windshield.

Even if there’s no penetration, a severe blow can shake the brain enough to disrupt its functions.

Some minor head or brain injuries, such as mild concussion, usually resolve on their own. However, the more serious ones can give rise to symptoms even decades after. In fact, as many as 5.3 million people in the US live with a disability that resulted from traumatic brain injuries.

5. Herniated Disc

Disc herniation occurs when the nucleus of a spinal disc “leaks” due to a rupture in the disc annulus. The nucleus is the fragile, jelly-like substance in the center of each spinal disc. The annulus, on the other hand, is the tough, rubbery band that covers the entire disc.

That said, it takes quite a lot of force for a disc to rupture, which is why aging is the most common cause of herniation. However, they can also happen due to severe force or trauma, such as in the case of car crashes.

What’s more, the symptoms of herniated discs may take time to appear. In a car crash study, for instance, one in five patients younger than 60 had no symptoms at first. Upon closer examination, their doctors found that they actually had a herniated disc!

6. Chest Injuries

Also known as thoracic trauma, chest injuries cause up to 35% of trauma deaths in the US every year. Vehicle collisions are the main cause of such injuries, causing up to 80% of blunt chest trauma cases.

Chest injuries in car collisions can occur when a person takes a serious blow to their chest. For instance, a crash can propel a driver not wearing a seatbelt toward the steering wheel. The force can then break one or more of the driver’s rib bones.

7. Chronic Pain

In one study, 26% of 161 patients reported moderate to severe pain six months after a car crash. In a separate study, over a third of patients who had chronic pain said their suffering is due to a car accident. In another study, 10% of car crash patients who had widespread pain still had symptoms one year after!

Car Crash 101 Takeaway: See a Doctor Right After a Traffic Accident

Based on all these scientific studies, vehicle collisions can result in long-term side-effects. These findings prove that crash injury symptoms can develop at a later time. Worse, they can stay hidden, even though they’re already wreaking havoc inside the body.

That said, the key takeaway in this Car Crash 101 guide is to never put off a doctor’s visit if you get into a crash. As soon as you can, pay a car accident specialist a visit to undergo extensive testing. This way, you can make sure that you don’t have any hidden injuries that may lead to long-term pain and suffering.

Ready for more of the latest car and driving news, laws, and guides? Feel free to check out our most recent blog posts then!

Tens of millions of non-fatal injuries occur via car accidents every year. Given that massive number, it seems inevitable that eventually, you’ll end up in a vehicle collision.

Since you’re reading this post, you may have already been affected by an accident and are wondering whether or not an accidental injury attorney is worth contacting.

In general, finding an injury lawyer after an accident is always a good idea. To know for sure if seeking representation is worth your time, consider the following questions.

1. Are You Injured?

We get that a fender-bender isn’t likely to lead you to run out and find a lawyer. If your accident was severe enough that you’re in pain, are experiencing reduced mobility, or are in any way inconvenienced by the event, legal assistance may be helpful.

Many times, we find that accident victims don’t feel the full physical effects of their accident until weeks after an event. By contacting an accidental injury attorney proactively, you cover yourself in case your condition worsens.

2. Is Your Ability to Work Likely to Be Affected?

The main reason why people need to receive settlements after an accident is because their injuries prevent them from working. When you think about the damage you incurred as a result of your accident, do you suspect your ability to make money is going to be affected?

If so, to the tune of how much? An injury lawyer can help you come up with that number and seek it in damages from an offending party.

3. Were Other Passengers Involved in Your Accident?

You may walk away from an accident feeling okay, but your passengers might not feel the same way. If those injured passengers can’t collect compensation from the other driver involved in your crash, they could come after you.

Covering yourself from potential damage seekers that you know is an often forgotten yet vital reason to consider contacting an attorney right after a car accident. You never know when and for what purpose you could use their guidance.

4. Was the Offending Motorist Uninsured?

Collecting damages from an opposing driver’s insurance company is easy enough and can be done without a lawyer (although a lawyer could help you receive more). When an offending driver is uninsured, though, things change.

You will need to sue a motorist if you plan on getting compensation and they don’t have coverage. You’ll almost certainly need an attorney’s help to do that effectively.

5. Do You Feel Confident Maximizing Your Settlement Alone?

At the end of the day, the most leading question that can help you decide whether or not to contact a lawyer is if you think you can maximize your accident settlement without legal assistance. Chances are, you can’t and will benefit from the help of a skilled law firm.

An Accidental Injury Attorney Can Provide Game-Changing, No Upfront Cost Services

By this point, you likely understand the value an accidental injury attorney can bring to your case.

What’s better than the value they provide is the fact that accident attorneys work entirely on commission. That means you won’t pay them a dime unless they get your a settlement.

With nothing to lose and everything to gain, we hope you seriously consider getting legal help after an accident and welcome you to read more of our blog content on the subject if you’d like additional guidance.

If you have come to this post to learn all there is to know about Ceramic window tint then you have come to the right place. If you have trouble driving due to the sun’s glare and eye strain and you feel like wearing oven mitts because your steering wheel is always extremely hot then installing window tinting, in particular ceramic window tint, may help resolve these issues.

Window tinting can provide many health, safety, and comfort benefits for all drivers. There are six common types of window tinting. One of them is ceramic window tinting.

Continue reading this article to learn about the advantages of ceramic windows vs. other types of tinting.

What Is Ceramic Window Tint?

Ceramic Window Tint is the highest quality and most expensive film on the market. It provides the best possible levels of Heat Resistance, UV Protection, and Sun Glare Protection. Ceramic Film does not contain any dyes, metal, or carbon making it non-conductive and non-metallic for high visibility.

What are the benefits of Ceramic Window Tint?

Ceramic window tint film has many benefits including UV Protection, Heat Resistance, and Sun glare protection. It also comes in a wide range of charcoal shades allowing you to create the precise look you desire while still maintaining a very high level of visibility while driving.

The best ceramic window tint films come with a highly durable coating made to last for a very long time if installed and maintained properly.

This style of window tint film offers a high-level glare control which means you may longer need to wear sunglasses while driving. It also provides UV protection and scratch resistance so you can be sure that your film and also your interior will not be destroyed by the sun. Also, as an added bonus, it’s metal-free, which means there’s no interference with electronic device signals.

What are the Different Types of Window Tint Film?

Although Ceramic Window Film provides the best results for the money and is worth the extra price you will pay, there are 6 main types of Window tint films:

• Ceramic Window Tint
• Dyed Window Tint
• Metallized Window Tint
• Metal/Dyed Hybrid Window Tint
• Carbon Window Tint
• Crystalline Window Tint

What is Dyed Window Tint?

Dyed Window Tint Films represent the least expensive option on the market but also tends to have a lower functionality compared to other types. Although Dyed Window Film blocks UV rays and absorbs heat using a colored dye, the results are nowhere near the results that Ceramic Window Tint provides.

Dyed window films are most often used for cosmetic purposes and are usually the go-to option for “$99 tint jobs”. The reason this tint can be applied to most vehicles for so cheap is because the film doesn’t cost much money and the quality of the install is usually not that great. We recommend that you avoid the infamous “$99 tint jobs” unless you are simply applying window tint for cosmetic purposes and don’t mind the potential for a low-quality tint.

When viewing your car from the outside, this window film appears flat and opaque which can provide a high level of privacy. One downside of this type of film is that it often fades or turns purple over time. The level of heat-reduction provided by this type of film isn’t very high.

Ceramic vs dyed window tint

If you are deciding between Ceramic window tint and dyed window tint you need to understand that you will basically be getting what you paid for. The only time we would recommend getting dyed window tint installed on your car is if you simply can’t afford ceramic tint and are mainly installing the tint for cosmetic purposes. Ceramic film beats dyed film on all levels except for the price. Although you get FAR more VALUE in a ceramic tint job, it can easily cost 3-5x more than a dyed window tint job. If your heart is set on installing dyed window tint you can get it installed at just about every tint shop or you can try to do it yourself with a DIY window tint kit and
pre-cut window film for your specific car model.

What is Metallized/Metallic Window Tint?

Metalized/Metallic Window Tint film contains tiny metal particles, invisible to the eye, that are used to effectively reflect the sun’s UV rays while providing the least amount of visual restriction possible. This ensures a high level of safety and privacy while still allowing for a very thin film.

The advantage of using this type of film compared to most others is that it provides advanced safety and privacy without having limitations of visibility from the inside of the tinted windows. This film is very useful in vehicles in which being able to efficiently see through the windows is important to your safety.

Metalized/Metallic film contains tiny sheets of metal particles that are embedded in the film which can actually help to strengthen the window. This type of film gives a mirror-like look to the windows when you are viewing them from the outside.

The Heat resistance properties of this film are very high due to the high reflectivity of the metallic particles in the film. The mirror appearance provides one of the highest levels of privacy for those inside the vehicle without affecting your vision. This film is the same type of film that is used on 2-way glass that you will likely see used for security rooms which allows the individuals inside the room to see outside of the room while making it near impossible to see what’s inside the room from the outside.

Although there are many benefits to Metallic Window film, there’s also a downside. The metal in the film has the potential to interfere with cell phones, GPS, radio receptions, and other electronics. Although this may not be noticed by many people, it can cause issues for some

Ceramic vs Metallic Window Tint

If you are deciding between Ceramic window tint and Metallic window tint it will usually come down to 3 factors. How much can you spend, do you want a metallic look and feel to your tint when viewing from the outside, and do you have a problem with the potential interference to your mobile devices. Metallic window tint can be attractive from the outside and comes in many colors, whereas ceramic usually only comes in charcoal shades. Ceramic window tint can be more expensive than metallic window tint but has many more benefits. If price isn’t an issue we would highly recommend that you choose ceramic tint over metallic/metalized tint.

What is Hybrid Window Tint?

Metal/Dyed Hybrid window tint film combines dyed and metalized layers which provide excellent protection from UV rays, glare and help reduce the amount of heat that passes through the film. The dyed layer helps to decrease the mirror life effect that the metal layers of the film provide.

This style of window tint ultimately provides a high-performing film that is only really beaten by its ceramic counterpart.

Ceramic vs Hybrid Window Tint

If you are deciding between Ceramic window tint and Hybrid window tint it will usually come down to just 2 factors: price and quality. Although some Hybrid films come close to matching the quality of Ceramic films, they are still not as good as Ceramic. Because there is metal in the Hybrid film there is always the potential of mobile device interference but not as much as Metallic film. If you are deciding between Ceramic and Hybrid film we would always recommend that you go with Ceramic because it does provide better UVA/UVB protection, heat resistance and glare protection. Ceramic films will usually always provide a better quality than Hybrid films.

What is Carbon Window Tint?

Carbon tint film uses a patented nano-carbon technology to provide a true black appearance that is resistant to fading. It blocks 50%-70% of infrared heat so that your vehicle remains cooler and also prevents transmission of 99% of UV-A and UV-B rays to ensure you and your car are safe from the sun.

The patented nano-carbon technology creates hundreds of microscopic layers of polymer. This film doesn’t contain any metal. Thus, there is no worry about interference with electronics.

The black color comes from the carbon used in creating the film. This black film doesn’t have a mirror look, but still provides increased privacy. This tint is great for heat and glare reduction.

Ceramic vs Carbon Window Tint

If you are deciding between Ceramic window tint and Carbon window tint it will usually come down to just 2 factors: price and quality. Carbon films should be used when you are looking for that true “black-out” experience. If you are deciding between Ceramic and Carbon film we highly recommend that you go with Ceramic if you aren’t worried about cost and the “black-out” effect because Ceramic will perform far better all around and it provides better UVA/UVB protection, heat resistance, and glare protection than Carbon films.

What is Crystalline Window Tint?

Some individuals wish to tint their windows for the benefits other than making them dark. The manufacturing process of the crystalline window tint involves a proprietary method.

It uses a multilayer optical film nanotechnology. The construction involves combining more than 200 layers of an extremely thin film.

This film reflects more heat than many of the darker films. A light tint level offers up to 60% solar energy rejection and 97% protection from infrared rays. This helps keep the interior of your vehicle cooler.

Crystalline tint blocks up to 99% of UV light. It also offers a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 1000 for those inside the vehicle.

This increases your visibility and increases driving safety. Blocking UV light helps to protect the interior from sun damage.

It also allows visible light in while keeping the heat out. Since there is no metal in the film, you won’t have difficulty using electronic devices.

Why Is Ceramic Window Tint a Better Choice?

Ceramic window tint provides several advantages over other types of films. It has twice the heat absorption of dyed or hybrid films. The color remains stable over time and does not fade or turn purple.

Many consider this film the most technologically advanced. They base this on the fact that it provides both UV and Infra-Red reduction.

This prevents UV damage to your car’s interior and to your eyes. The infra-red reduction decreases the inside temperature of your car. It also increases the strength of the window and prevents shattering.

This type of tint is somewhat new to the market. Yet it’s already shown high performance and reliability.

It blocks up to 70% of solar heat and as much as 97% infrared heat. The ceramic film also provides better glare reduction and a high level of clarity. When considering all these benefits, ceramic window film offers a superior choice for window tinting.

Why Glare Is Detrimental

Glare can impact your vision and make driving more difficult. It causes discomfort and decreases your ability to see clearly.

Glare creates a poor distribution of light intensity. This causes extreme contrasts in space or time.

There are three main categories of glare. These include discomfort glare, disability glare, and blinding glare. All types of glare can increase eye strain, visual fatigue, and accident risk.

UV Ray Risk to Eyes

UV rays contain two types that impact humans. These include UV-A and UV-B. Continued exposure to these UV rays can result in eye damage.

UV-A impacts your central vision. Over time, you can develop damage to the macula. The macula lies in the back of your eye on the retina.

UV-B can damage the front of your eye. This part of the eye contains the cornea and lens. When they absorb UV-B rays, the eye can become more damaged than from exposure to UV-A rays.

Examples of eye damage resulting from UV ray exposure include:

Macular Degeneration which is a leading cause of decreased vision and blindness in older Americans

Cataracts develop from prolonged exposure to UV-B rays. This manifests as a clouding of the lens in the eye. This makes it difficult to focus light and impairs vision.

Pterygium is a growth on the eye caused by UV ray exposure. The growth starts on the white part of the eye and may spread to the cornea. Over time, this growth can block your vision.

Skin Cancer is a well-known risk of exposure to UV rays. This cancer can develop on the eyelids from looking into the sunlight.

Corneal Sunburn, also called photokeratitis, can occur after short-term, high-level exposure to UV-B rays. This often occurs following long hours at the beach or on the snow without proper eye protection.

Extensive driving without eye protection may also cause corneal damage. This condition is often very painful and can result in temporary vision loss.

Window Tinting’s Impact on Driver Safety

Vision impairment while driving can result in decreased driver safety. If you are struggling to see due to glare or “blinding” light, you risk of having an accident increases. Window tinting can decrease glare, improves your vision, and make you a safer driver.

Does Window Tint Help Reduce Heat?

Window tinting has proven very effective in decreasing inside temperatures. The window tint creates a barrier between the sun’s heat and the car interior.

The multiple layers in the window tint create a thermal blockade. At the same time, they allow the transmission of some light.

Window tint ratings describe their light transmittance. The terms used include:

• VLT% (visible light transmitted) describes the amount of visible light transmitted through the window tint
• VLA% (visible light absorbed) tells you the amount of light absorbed by the tint
• VLR% (visible light reflected) grades the amount of light reflected by the surface

In a car without any window tint, 90% of visible light is transmitted giving it a VLT% of 90. The VLA% is 5 because only 5% is of the light is absorbed. The VLR% will also be 5 because most of the light goes into the vehicle resulting in almost no cooling.

What You Should Know Window Tinting Laws

All 50 states have laws concerning the level of tint darkness and reflection. Violating these laws can result in fines. It’s important to know about your specific state law.

Most states allow up to a VLT % of 50% darkness. Window VLT%s less than 50% are still effective. Even a window tint of 90% to 80% can reduce glare and protect you from UV rays.

Here are the rules from the first and last states that enacted window tint laws.

Iowa was the first state to pass window tint laws. They require that the front windshield allows more than 70% light transmission. The front side windows can have up to 70% darkness.

You may choose any chosen tint level for all other vehicle windows.

Washington was the 50th state to pass window tinting laws. These laws vary for passenger vehicles and multi-purpose vehicles.

Passenger cars may have a non-reflective tint on the upper 6 inches of the front windshield. The side and rear windows may have up to 24% tint darkness.

The Rationale for Window Tinting Laws

So, why do states need to enact window tinting laws? Window tinting helps to increase the driver’s vision and decreases heat and damage to the car’s interior. Yet, a very dark tint can create both a safety and security risk.

Some individuals wish to put a dark tint on their car to protect their privacy. Yet, this can pose a public safety risk. The driver’s view through the front window and in the rear-view mirror can be decreased with darker tinted windows.

Heavy window tint decrease the police officers’ and emergency workers’ view inside the car. Police officers can’t assess the activity of suspects in the vehicle. This can increase their personal safety risk.

Emergency workers have trouble locating any injured people inside the car. If there’s significant damaged, it’s important to know where victims are before extrication procedures begin. Totally blacked-out windows may also cause other drivers to feel intimidated.

The United States has a high rate of road deaths every year. Eliminating illegal levels of tinting is a priority. Legal tint levels help decrease interference with the driver’s vision.

Advocates of the window tinting law encourage the enforcement of fines and vehicle confiscation without fear or favor. They also call for businesses that illegally tint windows to receive penalties as well. They state that it isn’t enough to warn the customer that the tint exceeds the law and then apply it anyway.

Are You Considering Tinting Your Windows?

Would you like to have your vehicle’s windows tinted? There are several factors to consider. Is your goal to have dark, mirror-looking windows that provide privacy inside the car?

Are you mainly interested in eye protection and increased driving safety? Do you want to protect the interior of your vehicle from sun damage? Is decreasing the heat inside your vehicle a priority?

This article has discussed six different types of window tint films and their advantages and disadvantages. One of the newest types, ceramic window tinting, has received high ratings on all beneficial features.

As you consider these questions, you must learn about your state’s window tint laws. Failure to follow these instructions can lead to fines.

To find accurate and current information about U.S. car window tinting laws, visit Windowtintlaws.us. All 50 states have now passed window tinting laws, but they are all unique. It important that you understand your state’s laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines.

When viewing our site, remember that specific districts, counties, and cities may have further restrictions, exemptions, and regulations. To ensure compliance, check your local Department of Motor Vehicle website. You do not want to pay for window tinting only to find out that it is illegal and have to remove it.

Check out our site today to learn about your state’s tint laws.