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Window Tint Laws In All 50 States

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Answers to common questions about window tinting. How to apply, how to remove, average pricing...all tint related questions answered.

What is an AS-1 Line On Your Cars Windshield

December 21, 2021 by windowtintlaws.us

WHAT IS AN AS-1 LINE? 

If you’re wondering if you can tint your windshield, you need to first grasp what the AS-1 line is and where it’s located on your car.

If you look very closely at your vehicle’s windshield, you will be able to see a hash sign or other markings on the top or bottom corner of your car’s windshield known as the AS1 Line.

These marks are often in tiny letters or numerals indicating the

AS-1 lines are parallel to the top of your car’s windshield, or a line five inches underneath and parallel to the top of your windshield. 

This refers to the area above the rear-view mirror, also known as the visor strip for most automobiles. 

The mark was designed to distinguish the most transparent kind of glass used on windshields, as well as indicate the maximum tint level that may be put on the windshield.

No tint film is permitted beneath the AS-1 line, often about five inches down from the top of your windshield, in any state.

WHERE IS THE AS-1 LINE LOCATED ON A WINDSHIELD? 

as 1 line car tinting
Approximate location of the AS-1 Line tinting location on a car windshield

Most often, the AS-1 tag can be found if you look at the bottom edge of your car’s windshield, where the glass meets the car.

If the designation is not at the bottom, some cars may have it written at the top corner.

If for some reason there is no indication on your car’s windshield of an AS-1 marker, you should contact the manufacturer and inquire directly with them.

Based on how low (from the top of the windshield) you wanted to apply the tinting film, there are specific parameters for each state that will determine how low you can go.

However, the commonality across all U.S. states is that you are permitted to apply a strip of tint film at the top of your windshield that spans several inches in depth and can run all the way across the windshield but not cover the entire windshield.

The AS-1 line is an important reference point for legal window tinting on a car’s windshield. Here are some key facts about the AS-1 line:

  • AS-1 stands for “Automotive Safety Standard 1 Line”
  • It is the dark dotted line made by car manufacturers at the top of the windshield.
  • The AS-1 line marks the minimum swept area for the windshield wipers to clear.
  • In most states, window tint is only allowed ABOVE the AS-1 line on the windshield. No tint is permitted below it.
  • The AS-1 line helps ensure driver visibility and safety in rainy conditions. Wiper blades must fully wipe the area below it.
  • On some cars, the AS-1 line may curve or slope downwards towards the driver’s side. Tint can only go above the line.
  • Newer windshields may not have an obvious AS-1 line etching. In that case, there is typically a sticker on the corner with the AS-1 mark.
  • For vehicles without any AS-1 indicators, it’s best to consult your state’s window tint laws for guidance.

So in summary, the AS-1 line is an important windshield reference mark that sets the legal boundary for tint in most states. Knowing where it is ensures tinting stays compliant with safety laws.

windshield displaying AS-1 Line

IS IT LEGAL TO TINT YOUR WINDSHIELD? 

Yes, you can tint your car windshield.

However, you should be mindful of the legal limits in each state. 

If you’re thinking about getting a professional window tinting company to handle the tinting of your windshield, go with a non-reflective tint. 

  • To be in compliance with state law, any windshield tint above the AS1 line must be non-reflective. 
  • Keep in mind, that many states forbid the use of light-blocking tinting on the car’s windshield. 
  • However, this does not exclude you from having UV-blocking, non-reflective window tinting applied.
  • It just has to be placed above the manufacturer’s recommended line.

You are allowed to add a visor strip in whatever color or dark color shade you like, as long as it isn’t obstructing your view of the road and does not extend below the line. 

If it does, you run the risk of receiving a fine or ticket.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO TINT PAST THE AS1 LINE? 

While the degree of tint darkness you can tint your windshield will vary from state to state, no tinting may be applied below the windshield’s AS1 line.

Nearly every U.S. state has laws governing how much visible light your windshield tint may allow, and others don’t permit any tint on the front windshield at all. To make certain that you are not violating any window tinting laws, you should review your state’s window tinting laws.

WHICH STATES PERMIT WINDSHIELD TINTING? 

Based on the U.S. Department of Motor Vehicles, Alabama, Georgia, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, and Washington permit tinting the top six inches of your windshield as long as it adheres to the respective state’s VLT, visible light transmission, tint laws, and requirements. 

as-1 line tint on car windshield

Alaska, Maryland, and West Virginia, on the other hand, permit tinting on the top five inches of the windshield as long as the film’s VLT and reflectance ratios are within their legal limits. 

Arizona, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, and Wisconsin all permit tinting up to the top of the car company’s designated AS-1 line. 

Minnesota and Pennsylvania do not allow windshield tinting. 

However, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Washington, DC, and Wyoming permit tinting within 5 inches of the windshield or whatever comes first from the top of the stated line. 

Connecticut, Delaware, and Florida allow non-reflective tinting above the line, whereas Arkansas, California, Colorado, Hawaii, and Maine permit tinted windshields within their specific constraints. 

OTHER REGULATIONS AND VISIBLE LIGHT TRANSMITTANCE: 

Tinting your side windows is typically allowed in all states as long as you adhere to your state’s legal limits.

Remember, the Visual Light Transmittance percentage is defined as the amount of visible light that passes through your windows and into your car. 

  • A ‘lighter’ film will allow for 70% of the light to pass through, filtering out about 30%. 
  • A ‘medium’ tint can allow for 50% light transmission, and “limo tint” or ‘dark’ film barely allows for 5% of light to pass through the tinting film. 
  • In summary, no tint film is permitted beneath the AS-1 line (the line five inches underneath and parallel to the top of your windshield) in any state.
What’s your windshield’s AS-1 line? 

Inspect the border of your windshield for a hash mark around 5-6 inches from the edge to find out.

Filed Under: Resources, Tint FAQs

Factory Window Tint: Everything You Need To Know

November 22, 2021 by windowtintlaws.us

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.

Filed Under: Resources, Tint FAQs

Find the Right Window Tint Percentage For Your Car (with Examples)

November 15, 2021 by windowtintlaws.us

Choosing the perfect window tint darkness for your vehicle

Window tint for automobiles comes in a variety of different tint levels. Automobile owners usually choose window tint levels based on a few different factors, such as state laws, visibility, and style. 

It’s important to select tint darkness levels for your car windows based on your state of residence which follows the VLT (Visible Light Transmission) rules that apply in the state of your vehicle’s registration.

find the right window tint percentage for your car (1)

Choosing legal window tint levels could be the difference between a fine and a ticket, or a smooth, easy driving experience. 

You’ll also need to review the tint darkness scale before installing tint on your vehicle to ensure that it provides enough visibility while reducing glare, and interior heat, and offers the style or look you’re going for.

For example, some drivers prefer reflective window tint.

This article reviews different levels of tint that you can select for your car windows, as well as provides a few considerations for how to choose window tint darkness and which factors to consider.

Provided below are a tint darkness scale, an explanation of the levels of window tint, and some examples of tint darkness percentages so you can make an educated decision when it comes to installing window tint film on your car windows. 

What are the different window tint levels?

  • Tint levels for car windows exist on a wide spectrum. The car tint darkness levels range from 10% tint darkness to 90% tint darkness.
  • This percentage is a value that expresses how much visible light passes through the window tint film, also known as Visible Light Transmission (VLT.)
  • Each driver will have a different preference for car tint levels depending on how much or little VLT they would like inside their vehicle. 

On one hand, light window tint will block some heat and glare, but only minimally reduces heat on the inside of the vehicle.

On the other hand, dark window tint blocks out more heat, and harmful UV ray intrusion, and reduces glare. Plus, it provides a greater level of privacy and offers a stylish look. 

Tips for Choosing the Best Tint Percentage

When installing tint on your car windows, or having window tint professionally installed on your car windows, you’ll have to select the degree of tint darkness you’re looking for. 

It’s imperative to research state laws for the darkness legal window tint percentage applicable in the state where your vehicle is registered, as well as the bordering states, or other states you plan to drive the car through. 

Keep these factors in mind before selecting the car tint darkness to install on your automobile. 

Legal Window Tint Percentage For Your State

Some states have strict window tint laws.

This may mean that only a certain spectrum of tint levels for car windows is permissible, usually 50% VLT or more. 

Other states have more flexible car tint darkness laws.

Take time to research the window tint laws in your state and make a sensible decision that accommodates the legal window tint levels in your state.

If you plan on crossing state lines with tinted windows, here are more resources on what you need to know. 

Visible light transmission (VLT %)

Tint films are categorized by how much visible light can pass through the tint film. 
  • Tint levels vary from 10%-90% which means anywhere between 10%-90% of light is filtered, based on the window tint levels you select.
  • The lower the number the less light can penetrate according to the tint darkness scale. 
  • If you will be driving at night, it may be hard to see through extreme tint darkness levels.

If you desire to have most of the light blocked out, or prefer a certain type of privacy for inside the cabin of your vehicle, a darker tint level may work best for your car.

Style

Some drivers prefer a sedate look when it comes to window tint darkness, and opt for a light to mid-range window tint level.

Other drivers opt for very dark levels of tint because it creates a sporty look for the vehicle. 

The added benefit of dark tint is that in addition to creating a stylish look for your car, it also blocks out harmful UV rays from the sun, and reduces glare while driving the car during the day.

Plus, you will have a more private experience inside your car, since other drivers will not be able to easily see inside.  

Tint Film Quality

Regardless of the tint darkness you select, one of the most important things is to choose a tint film that is top quality, and from a well-known brand.

  • If you are having the film installed by a professional tinting shop, make sure to ask them what tint film suppliers they use. 
  • You want to avoid any films that are known that have a short ‘shelf-life’ as these options will leave your vehicle tint looking poor and you may even need to replace it, costing you more in the long run. 
  • Making the smart choice to use professional-level window tint film means your car will look better for longer.

This investment will have your car saving energy, blocking out more sun, and providing an overall better quality window tint. 

Tint Darkness Scale Options

The tint darkness scale is a measure of how dark window tint film is.

Tint darkness depends on how much visible light can pass through the film. This measure is called Visible Light Transmission (VLT) and is expressed in a percentage. 

  1. The percentage defines exactly what portion of sunlight can enter through the film into the vehicle.
  2. The amount of light that can penetrate the tint film should provide drivers enough visibility to see clearly out the vehicle windows, day or night.

What are the different levels of window tint?

Tint levels for cars vary from 10% visibility (VLT) to 90% visibility (VLT.)

Consult with a professional tint installation company and review state window tint laws in your area before installing tints on your vehicle.

Some tint companies will provide a small sample of tint that you can apply as a patch on your windshield.

This will give you a better idea of how effective the tint-level darkness is, and if it blocks glare, heat, or UV light to a degree that serves you. 

It will also give you a chance to determine if the darkness level provides the style and look of the vehicle that you desire. 

Window Tint Percentage Examples

Window tint darkness examples include private vehicles like limousines and armored trucks at the darkest end of the tint level spectrum.

  • Clear car windows, as often found on buses and taxis, represent the light end of the spectrum— they are easy to see through. 
  • Most new cars are sold with no tint on the driver and passenger windows and very low percentages of tint levels on back passenger windows.

These light tint films ensure that the vehicle meets legal tint darkness scale limits in almost all U.S. states, but may not be as effective at blocking out glare, offering privacy, or style. Tinting the front windshield will also depend on the dealership and car make and model.

Window Tint Percentage Chart (With Pictures) 

Below are actual examples of different window tint percent films applied to car windows.

The pictures range from 70% VLT film all the way down to 5% window tint film (limo tint). 

*Note, the pictures are estimates intended for conceptual reference.

70 % Tint

This car has a window tint percentage of 70 tint. Which is helpful in keeping out UV rays and heat. The 70 window tint on the car allows 70% of the light to pass through.

car with 70 percent window tint
50% Tint

This car has a window tint percentage of 50 tint. Which is efficient in keeping out UV rays and heat.

The 50 window tint on the car allows 50% of the light to pass through.

car with 50 percent window tint
35 % Tint

This car has a window tint percentage of 35 tint. Which is very effective in keeping out UV rays and heat.

The 35 window tint on the car allows 35% of the light to pass through.

car with 35 percent window tint
25% Tint

This car has a window tint percentage of 25 tint. Which is very helpful in keeping out most UV rays and heat.

The 25 window tint on the car allows 25% of the light to pass through.

car with 25 percent window tint
5 % Tint

This car has a window tint percentage of 5 tint. This “limo tint” blocks almost all of the UV rays and heat from entering the vehicle.

The 5 window tint on the car allows just 5% of the light to pass through.

car with 5 percent window tint limo tint

 

How to Choose the Perfect Window Tint Percentage For Your Car

If you’re ready to have your car windows tinted but you’re not sure about the window tint darkness scales, or the permissible legal window tint darkness levels in your state, review the above charts (tint percentage pictures) and information. 

It’s better to take time to research window tint types, VLT %, and style considerations in advance of having window tint film installed on your vehicle than to find out after the fact that the tint is not effective, stylish, or worse, not legal in your state.

If you already have tint installed on your vehicle and are curious what tint percentage it is, you can use a window tint meter to scan and check the exact percent tint film that’s been applied. 

If you have questions about tint darkness levels, Window Tint Laws is here to provide support and accurate up-to-date information for drivers.

Filed Under: Featured Home, Resources, Tint FAQs

Best Car Window Tint For Heat Reduction

November 12, 2021 by windowtintlaws.us

Phew it’s hot out there!

If you sit near your sliding glass door or french window in the summer and feel like you’re about to melt, you might not even think to question, “Is tinting home windows worth it?” You then ask, “How come I didn’t hear about this till now!” Window tinting is an excellent DIY or Do It for Me project with a quick payoff.

When you start looking for options, you’ll notice several variables including: pricing, and vendors, each having a unique set of outcomes.

The window tint film is a polyester film typically manufactured of Polyethylene Terephthalate (“PET”). Most films are placed on the inside surface of a glass panel in a car, house, commercial building, or boat. To preserve the film, they feature a scratch-resistant coating on the outside.

Window films come in several styles. Some are transparent and have numerous layers of PET to protect against shattering glass; others are colored with metals, dyes, or pigments to limit visible light passed through the glass and prevent heat from the sun. There are also electric window tint films, and decorative window coatings that might seem like frosted glass or engraved designs. 

But these many options can also confuse and overwhelm you from making the right purchase.

That’s why we are bringing you this comprehensive guide on the best window tint for reducing heat in your car and home and how they work.  

BEST TYPES OF CAR WINDOW TINTS FOR HEAT REDUCTION: 

If you desire the features of tinted windows on your car but don’t have the funds for quality workmanship, DIY automobile window tints can produce similar results if installed correctly. It is critical that you obey your state’s automobile window tinting laws. Most regions allow just the top 4-6 inches of the front windshield to be tinted, while side and rear windows should have at least 40% to 70% visible light transmission (VLT). The finest car window tint can provide considerable heat reduction inside your vehicle while also providing an increase in style and attraction for your car or truck.

Here are the top 5 brands for you to choose from: 

  • Nanoceramic car window films 
  • Lexen 2ply carbon window film 
  • Otoliman uncut window films 
  • Gila heat control window film 
  • MKbrother 2 ply window film 

HOW MUCH HEAT REDUCTION IS EXPECTED ONCE ADDING WINDOW FILM? 

Almost 83 percent of the sun’s energy is passed through transparent single pane glass in houses and buildings; up to 86 percent of this sunlight generates heat, resulting in substantially higher temperatures indoors. You can block up to 86 percent of the sun’s energy and more than 99 percent of dangerous UV rays in your house using heat-blocking window film. Window film may help you save money on home cooling bills, reduce your exposure to UV radiation, and keep your carpets, upholstery, and furniture from deteriorating. 

HOW THE SUN (UV RAYS) INCREASE THE TEMPERATURE IN YOUR CAR OR HOME? 

Many individuals wrongly believe that their home is inherently sheltered from the heat merely because it is well-built. However, this is not always the case! Most homes are vulnerable to excessive heat, and even a few additional degrees may cause havoc that you won’t notice until it’s too late. Over time, continual exposure to the sun’s intense UV rays will cause fading, discoloration, and deterioration to materials such as wood, leather, and fabrics. Furthermore, UV rays are equally as potent on cloudy and rainy days, so the sun doesn’t even have to shine to inflict harm. This all leads to damaging the house’s interior and causing skin diseases, and damaging havoc systems.  

Heat and UV radiation from the sun damage more than just your skin. The sun may also do damage to automobiles. When a car is parked in the sun for a lengthy period, the external surface temperature can reach 195 degrees Fahrenheit. Furthermore, indoor air temperatures can exceed 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat destroys dashboards, seating, and exterior coatings over time, and it can also harm the vehicle’s systems. UV light is exceptionally hazardous since it is a form of radiation. It chemically changes the surface of paint, causing it to lose gloss and alter the color. The paint will eventually chip and peel, leaving your automobile looking ugly and diminishing in value. 

HOW WILL ADDING WINDOW TINT FILM HELP REDUCE HEAT? 

When the temperature inside your house becomes too high, it not only creates a health danger but may also end up causing the interior of your car to deteriorate more rapidly. When you look at a house, you will see that windows cover a large portion of the overall surface area. Windows enable heat and light to penetrate your car and other elements in the house. Sunlight coming in through the windows may cause the temperature inside the car to climb by 19° or more in as little as 15 minutes. With continued sunlight exposure, the temperature rises, reaching as much as 50° higher than the outdoor temperature after roughly two hours. 

Heatstroke and dehydration can also occur if you enter a residence that is excessively hot on the inside. Even if you don’t notice any symptoms at first, these issues might arise as your body temperature rises to around 104°. Consider the potential consequences of being regularly exposed to extreme temperatures in your home. 

For example, if the plastic elements in your home’s interior are subjected to high temperatures for an extended length of time, they can emit benzene gas. This gas has a harmful influence on human health. Not only can benzene cause cancer, but it may also cause immunodeficiency and anemia. A straightforward solution for all these problems is to install proper window tints in your property to block out heat and UV rays. 

THE SCIENCE OF HOW WINDOW TINT FILMS WORK: 

The sun is an essential component of our everyday life, providing light and heat throughout the day. The sun’s heat can give vital comfort at times, but when sunshine floods through the windows of a car, house, or workplace, temperatures can soar over a comfortable level. Using an automobile, residential, or commercial solar control film throughout the day may significantly limit the amount of heat that flows through a window. These films help to save energy by shielding up to 80% of the sun’s heat, as well as UV rays that discolor furniture and carpeting. But how can window film keep heat out? Here is how: 

When sunlight strikes the earth, it contains three forms of light on the electromagnetic spectrum: 

  • Visible Light: Throughout the day, this is the light that brightens our environment. This is the only wave of the electromagnetic spectrum that can be seen with the naked eye. 
  • Ultraviolet Light: An invisible light that triggers skin damage and adds to fabric color fading. 
  • Infrared Light: A kind of heat energy that accounts for more than half of all heat. 

When the tinted film is placed on the windows of a home, it helps to screen out the sun. The film used in the tinting procedure is mainly comprised of polyester. On the uppermost layer of particular films, tiny bits of metal and thin dye layers are also employed. Different layers of the film work together to limit solar heat build-up while yet allowing appropriate light through. 

Infrared heat is reflected by window film designed to prevent heat absorption. The solar control coatings also filter UV rays, which helps preserve residents’ skin and decrease fading of upholstery, furnishings, and carpeting. While solar control films block UV rays and reflect infrared rays, visible light continues to pass through them. 

BEST TYPES OF WINDOW TINTS FOR REDUCING HEAT IN YOUR HOME: 

Among the most efficient and cost-effective ways to minimize heat in your house or business is to use a durable window film. Window films not only save you time & expense, but they also help the environment. Having stated that, most individuals have analytical paralysis when choosing window films for heat reduction. With so much information available, making the proper selection may be quite challenging. Fortunately, obtaining high-quality heat reduction window film does not have to be complicated. We’ve found eight great options/brands that cater to both residential and business premises. 

  1. Llumar window films 
  2. OF home window films 
  3. Kaspen window films 
  4. Active film 
  5. Kiss date reflective self-adhesive film 
  6. Umi one way window film 
  7. Fentis reflective window film 
  8. Rabbitgoo window film 

CONCLUSION: 

Heat is well blocked by tinted windows. They aid in preventing the sun’s rays from rising the warmth inside your home. This not only improves the comfort of your house, but it also protects your health. It appears weird that manufacturers are still producing homes without tinted windows, despite scientific evidence that they are pretty good at shielding heat. Even if your present home did not come with tinted windows, you could always get them tinted to benefit from the heat-blocking benefits. 

Filed Under: Resources, Tint FAQs

How To Clean Tinted Car Windows Like The Pros

November 12, 2021 by windowtintlaws.us

Tinted windows require specific upkeep to ensure that the benefits last for a long time. The plastic film that attaches to your auto glass to give your windows, windshield, and rear windows a tinted look which is what distinguishes tinted windows from standard (transparent) car windows.

Because window tint film is more susceptible to the harsh chemicals found in home glass cleaners and disinfecting sprays, it’s essential that you utilize the correct cleaning procedures while caring for your tinted automobile windows. 

We’ll walk you through every step should know about cleaning and maintaining tinted car windows in this article, and spoiler alert: it’s a lot easier than you think! 

UNDERSTANDING THE TINTED WINDOWS CLEANING PROCESS: 

Before we begin cleaning window tints, we must first grasp what they are and how they function. Window film reduces the percent of the sun’s UV radiation from entering your car, house, or office. This reduces glare while also protecting the skin and eyes from injury. Window tinting protects furniture, fabric, paintings, and tapestries from withering and discoloration by blocking UV radiation. 

Most people are unaware that tint is a small piece of dark film applied to your window’s interior. Most people will reach for a bottle of Windex and a paper towel to wipe their tinted windows.

Attempting to wash a tinted window like this is the worst thing you can do.

Most over-the-counter glass cleaners, such as Windex, are ammonia-based. Ammonia has a pH of 11.6 and can be pretty damaging to the color.

On all tints, ammonia can cause withering, peeling, splitting, and spotting. Because window tint film is such a thin layer, it can easily be scratched or ripped. Hence paper towels should not be used as they may actually damage your window film.

The most straightforward approach to cleaning your tinted windows is to use a microfiber cloth to apply an ammonia-free soap to the inside of the glass.

When the entire window has been coated, dry it immediately unless harsh filth necessitates a second pass. However, avoid the tint’s borders, where the cleanser might seep below and create bubbles. 

STEP-BY-STEP CAR TINTED WINDOW CLEANING PROCESS: 

Step#1: Park your vehicle in a shaded place: 

Cleaning windows in bright sunlight causes the cleaners to dry too rapidly, making them difficult to clean effectively. Find a shaded area or a garage to stop your car and clean it. Parking under sappy trees, such as pines, should be avoided since tree sap can harm your automobile’s finish. 

Step#2: Always clean your windows last: 

Save the windows for last when washing your car. In this manner, you won’t end up scrubbing or blasting dirt onto freshly cleaned windows. Furthermore, if you’re using other ammonia-based cleaners, avoid getting any on your tinting. To make washing the windows easier at the end, spray the tint-safe cleaner ahead of time if they are filthy. 

Step#3: Wipe away dirt with a tint-friendly cleanser. 

On the interiors and exteriors of windows, an ammonia-free cleaner can be used. Follow the steps on the bottle to see whether you need to mix your cleanser in a container first. Scrub interiors and exteriors separately, e.g., horizontally vs. vertically, to prevent missing anything. Clean around the tint film margins with a moist cloth, then wipe with a dry cloth to avoid cleaner from seeping beneath the tint film. For cleaning, use a single microfiber cloth. Then, with the other cloth, dry the windows. 

Step#4: Use a bucket of water to rinse your cloth 

To avoid spreading dirt across your windows, rinse your microfibre cloth in water after every two wipes. Take care not to get the tinting’s borders too wet with cleaners or water. If moisture penetrates the tint film, it may peel away from the glass. For homes with hard tap water, use distilled water rather than tap water in the bucket. White stains on your glass might be caused by hard water. 

Step#5: Check for missed patches. 

Examine your windows from both the inside and outside of your car for any missed places. To detect any patches, adjust your viewing angles and take a few steps back. If any areas are missed, spritz the tint-friendly cleanser onto your microfibre cloth, wipe the stain, and then buff dry with the drying towel. If you see bubbles in your window tinting, slowly move the bubbles to the nearest edge with a plastic card folded in a microfiber cloth or a squeegee. Prick a tiny hole in the bubble with a fine-point needle to evacuate the air trapped behind the tinted coating. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: 

How to clean inside of tinted car windows? 

When washing tinted automobile windows from the inside, make sure you use just water and no cleaning chemical. Using a cleaning solution may cause the tint to distort or peel off the glass. Soak a washcloth or a soft towel and use vertical strokes to clean your tinted windows.

When cleaning on the top corners of your automobile windows, be sure to wipe in the direction of the tinting film’s edge. Wiping in the other way may cause the tinting film to flake off. If you notice tiny air bubbles forming on different parts of the tinting film, use a credit card folded in a paper towel to force them out. 

How to clean ceramic tinted windows? 

Ceramic window tints have a high ceramic particle concentration, which reflects UV rays and considerably minimizes solar heat penetration.

These non-metallic particles do not conflict with electrical signal strength, yet the color allows for optimal visibility. This film is said to be one of the greatest alternatives on the market since it can absorb double the amount of heat as the other options. As a result, it is frequently the costliest. But when it’s about cleaning them, it can be effortless. Just use some plain water to clean it or a cleaning solution dissolved in water to wipe it off.

The main thing to keep in mind is to always to use an ammonia-free cleaning solution, or you might risk destroying your tinted windows. 

Can you clean tinted windows with vinegar? 

Cleaning your tinted windows with vinegar and water is a standard and safe method. Also suitable are vinegar or citrus-based cleaners that do not include ammonia. The most important thing is to use ammonia-free products. 

How to clean newly tinted car windows? 

Wait a week after installing the new window film before washing the inside of the window where the film was placed. After a week, clean the windows utilizing an ammonia-free window cleaning solution and a delicate cloth or rubber squeegee. We highly suggest foam cleaners as they do not leave any streaks and are usually devoid of ammonia. Never scratch/scrape the film with a razor or use anything abrasive to clean your tinted windows, as this can harm the film. 

How often should you clean tinted car windows? 

There is no precise timeline to follow. It is just suggested to clean them every three to four weeks using simple water or an ammonia-free cleaning solution to keep them clean and fresh looking.  

How to remove stickers from tinted car windows? 

Soak the stickers in soapy water using a sponge. This approach works best with paper stickers, but it may also be used with plastic-based decals. Then, peel a corner of the sticker using a glass scraper/plastic spatula/expired credit card. To avoid using the scraper as much as possible, consider peeling the sticker off by hand.

After that, apply a window degreaser to dissolve any sticker remnants and let it sit for five to ten minutes. Wipe away the sticker residue with a clean cloth or sponge/towels. 

What’s the best way to clean tinted car windows? 

The best way to clean your automobile windows is to use an efficient yet mild glass cleaner that will break up the grime, mud, dust, and other debris that has clung to your tinted windows.

Do not use an ammonia-based cleaning since this will destroy both the tinting film and the glass itself. If you don’t want to buy a bunch of commercial glass cleaners, a pH-neutral soap or dishwashing solution will also get the job done. 

CONCLUSION: 

If you thought having your windows tinted meant you wouldn’t have to clean them as often, think again. Whether your windows are tinted or as clear as a hall of mirrors, you will have to keep an eye on them regularly.

The only distinction is in the items used for each style of window.

Tinted automobile windows necessitate the use of particular cleaning agents that will keep them spotless without promoting peeling or breaking. You must also apply the proper procedures, as described in this article, to clean your tinted car windows efficiently and successfully.

Filed Under: Resources, Tint FAQs

How to Take a Defensive Driving Class Online

November 11, 2021 by windowtintlaws.us

Do you feel like you’re paying entirely too much for car insurance every year?

The average American spends about $1,300 on auto insurance on an annual basis. But it’s not uncommon for some people to pay a whole lot more than that in some cases.

If your auto insurance costs have gotten out of control, there are some things that you can do to bring them back down to earth. One of the easiest ways to lower these costs is by taking a defensive driving class online.

An online defensive driving class will provide you with the driving skills that you’ll need to avoid getting into accidents. Your auto insurance company will appreciate you going out of your way to obtain these skills and will reward you with lower rates in many instances.

Here is how to take a defensive driving class online from start to finish.

Begin by Learning About What Defensive Driving Actually Is

Before you start trying to sign up for a defensive driving class online, it’s going to be important for you to have a good understanding of what defensive driving actually is. You might want to Google “what is defensive driving?” to get a better idea.

Essentially, defensive driving is driving in a way that allows you to spot potentially dangerous situations before you’re stuck in the middle of them. You can use defensive driving skills to steer clear of the things that might cause you to get into accidents.

By doing things like slowing down long before you get to intersections and minimizing the number of distractions that you face while in your car, you can practice good defensive driving techniques and reduce your chances of being involved in a car crash.

Check Out Some of the Defensive Driving Classes That Are Available Online

Once you feel like you have a good grasp of what defensive driving is, you can start to look around for different online defensive driving classes. You should be able to find at least a few options in your specific state simply by Googling “defensive driving classes near me.”

You are going to find that some of the different defensive driving classes that pop up when you do this kind of Google search will be in-person classes. But you should also see quite a few online defensive driving courses pop up, too.

You should create a list of them so that you know what your options will be. If you live in Texas, you should also make a note as to which online defensive driving classes are TDLR approved and which aren’t.

See What’s Involved With the Different Online Defensive Driving Classes

Every online defensive driving class is going to be a little bit different. Some will only involve you taking a single class for a few hours, while others will require you to come to a few classes before you’re finished.

You should read up on each individual online defensive driving class that is available to you to see what it’s all about. You want to make sure that you’re going to be able to fulfill the requirements of a defensive driving class prior to signing up for it.

Read Reviews for the Various Online Defensive Driving Classes

In addition to doing your own homework on each of the various online defensive driving classes that you’re considering, you should also see what other people have had to say about them. It would be well worth your time to read through reviews for these classes so that you can get a better sense of what they bring to the table.

If you find an online defensive driving class that has nothing but negative reviews from people, it’ll be one that you’ll want to stay away from. You should only enroll in a defensive driving class online that has received glowing reviews from the people who have taken it.

Find Out What It’ll Cost You to Take Different Defensive Driving Classes Online

The good news for those who want to take a defensive driving class online is that it’s not going to set them back very much financially. Even a really good defensive driving class should only run you right around $25 or so.

But each online defensive driving class is going to come with a slightly different price tag attached to it. You should compare the costs associated with different defensive driving classes to see which ones are the most affordable.

You should also lookout for any hidden fees that defensive driving instructors might try to charge you. Those fees could result in a defensive driving class that looks cheap actually costing you way more money than you anticipated.

Sign Up for the Online Defensive Driving Class That You Like the Most

Once you reach this point in your search for an online defensive driving class, there should only be a few options remaining on your list. You should take one more good, long look at each of them and pick out the one that appeals to you the most.

You should then sign up for this online defensive driving class and arrange to take it as soon as you can. It’ll have you saving money on your auto insurance in no time at all.

It’s Simple Enough to Take a Defensive Driving Class Online

Back in the day, it was pretty difficult for people to take defensive driving classes. They had to find a defensive driving class, show for it in person, and then take (and pass!) a test at the end of it all.

Today, it’s so much easier to take a defensive driving class online. If you act fast, you might be able to sign up for one today and be all finished with it by the end of the week. You should take advantage of this and pick up some great defensive driving skills along the way.

Obtain some solid defensive driving tips and tricks by reading through the rest of the articles that we’ve posted on our blog.

Filed Under: Resources, Tint FAQs

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The information regarding window tinting laws contained on this website should by no means be used as legal advice. The information here should be used as a starting point for your own research and you should always confirm the data you find here with your local and state departments. It is ultimately your final say as to what the best course of action is for your circumstances. We are not lawyers. If you are interested in legal advice regarding window tint laws and traffic citations for your localized area we would be happy to refer you to some law firms. It is crucial that you not only understand the state laws but also your local municipal laws before you tint your car windows. You also must understand that just because a statute may clearly state one thing or another, that doesn't mean that all members of law enforcement will know the current ruling. This goes for lawyers and even judges too at times. The best prevention for a traffic citation is thorough research and although we do our best to keep these pages up to date, we are only human and sometimes miss the updates.

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