Last Updated on January 2, 2024 by Alex Koch
What percent is factory window tint? How dark is factory window tint? How does it compare to after-market window tint film?
In 1966, 3M produced window tinting as we know it. However, rather than reflecting light, it retained heat in automobiles, causing the film to bubble up and become purple.
But today’s modern and advanced window tinting film can lower interior heat by up to 60%, absorb up to 99 percent of UV rays, and screen 90 percent of the sun’s infrared radiation (IR).
There are two primary types of tinted windows; factory window tint and aftermarket window tint.
WHAT EXACTLY IS FACTORY WINDOW TINT?
Factory window tint refers to the vehicles that are delivered with tint already applied to the windows at the time of their manufacturing.
Factory tint is a tint that is implanted into the window’s glass.
It is wholly soaked across the window and cannot be scratched or peeled.
Dyes and colored pigments are put directly into the ingredients during glass manufacturing using tinted glass, also known as window glazing.
The number and kind of additives used then influence the color of the glass as well as the degree of VLT.
The VLT of factory window tinting is typically between 74 to 85 percent. This means, that between 74% and 85% of light can transmit through the tint film.
Because this tint cannot be removed, factory tint tends to be relatively light, as many U.S. States have specific legal limits on tint darkness requirements. Although factory tint cannot be made lighter, it may be made darker by adding aftermarket tint.
The added benefits of aftermarket tint, like UV protection, are generally not felt by factory tint. It is merely a decorative choice. Those who want to reflect light away from their cars will need to purchase after-market tint.
The primary benefit of factory tint with a low VLT is to create seclusion for travelers and your personal belongings.
Unlike aftermarket window tint films, factory tint does not offer the same level of UV protection or heat control.
Window film will shield against UVA and UVB rays with a 99 percent UV protection factor. Because UVB rays cannot penetrate any type of glass, including non-tinted glass, factory tint solely protects against UVB rays. In other terms, if you want to reduce heat in your car, reduce cancer-causing UV radiation, and protect yourself from shattered glass in an incident, you should add aftermarket window films.
HOW ARE CAR WINDOWS TINTED AT THE FACTORY?
Contrary to what the term implies, a factory tint is just a coating of black pigment on the automobile window. It does not come with the advantages that aftermarket tint films provide.
Automobile manufacturers have developed a technique known as deep dipping, this method uses an electronic procedure that covers the glass with a special dye to give it that dark ‘tinted’ color.
Dark rear window lenses improve privacy and minimize glare, but they don’t do much else.
Factory tint does not protect the automobile from temperature increases or UV exposure.
Typically, factory tint is put on passenger and rear windows but not on the windshield or front vehicle windows.
WHAT PERCENT IS FACTORY WINDOW TINT?
Factory tint darkness generally ranges from 74% to 85% VLT, depending on what state the automobile is being delivered too.
The tint percentage indicates how much visible light may flow through the tinted glass.
So, if your window tint is 5%, it will only permit 5% of light to get through and will be an extremely dark tint.
If it is 80 percent, it will be much lighter and enable 80 percent of visible light to flow through. In other words, the lower the percentage, the darker the window.
The factory tint is applied to the glass prior, by applying a dye to the windows before it leaves the car factory.
CAN FACTORY TINT BE REMOVED?
Because the dyes and pigments are combined inside of the glass, it is impossible to remove factory tint from a car window.
When the windows are constructed, the dark colors are mixed into the raw material of the windows and then embedded in between the glass. The only method to get rid of factory tinting is to replace the entire window, which can be expensive.
On the other hand, aftermarket tinting film may be removed from the glass by utilizing peeling tools and solvents to break down the adhesive layer.
FACTORY TINT VS AFTERMARKET WINDOW TINT (What’s the difference?)
Factory tinted windows are tinted prior to leaving the assembly line by applying a specific tinting treatment to the glass.
Aftermarket tint is placed on the windows as a seamless film, after the car has been sold to the consumer.
In most situations, factory tinted windows apply a shade of roughly 20% visible light transmission at the manufacturer’s factory.
When compared to factory tint, aftermarket tint offers several added benefits to both the driver and the vehicle.
When properly applied, aftermarket films will appear to be a part of the window.
Aftermarket tint, when appropriately applied will enhance the general longevity and look of a car’s interior. You may want to locate a window tinting professional to apply the aftermarket tints as they will know how to adjust for the inherent color of the glass.
Aftermarket tint must be applied correctly to avoid bubbles or peeling.
Aftermarket tint may be simply replaced with a different tint film by removing the old tint and installing a new film. There are also invisible coatings that serve to prevent UV radiation and warmth while barely tinting the windows.
If you really want to get fancy, you can also look into electric window tint. This electric tint is a form of ‘adjustable’ tint, allowing the driver to select a lighter or darker tint whenever they please.
Ultimately, factory tint and aftermarket tint are two entirely different types of window film that serve different purposes.
Aftermarket tinting is an inexpensive option for car owners to improve the appearance of their vehicles while enhancing their comfort.
WHAT FACTORY WINDOW TINT DOES MY CAR BRAND HAVE?
- GMC: GMC factory tint allow a light transmittance of 80%
- TESLA: Tesla vehicles do not come with a factory window tint applied.
- FORD: Ford applies a light transmittance of between 70% to 80% to their factory window tint
- TOYOTA: Toyota allows about 70 of visible light transmittance through the factory glazed windows.
If you don’t know what tint percent your windows have, you can use a tint meter to find out.
Just roll down your window halfway and use the tint meter to measure the film. This is also the approach used by law enforcement to determine the tint grade on automobile windows.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Automakers usually only install factory-tinted glass in the car’s rear windows to comply with a wide range of state tinting laws.
While this tint does screen some visible light, it does not offer the same amount of UV protection as an aftermarket tint film.