Choosing the best car window tint film is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. The best auto window tint product for one person might not be right for someone else.
Whether you are looking for tint film for your own vehicle, or if you run an automotive window tint shop, Spandex is the leading supplier of exceptional automotive restyling products, including paint protection film, vehicle wrap media, vehicle wrap tools and automotive window tint film.
Here are your expert team’s tips and tricks for choosing the best car window tint film for your needs.
Start By Identifying Your Goals
People install automotive window tinting for a variety of reasons.
You might want to add an improved level of privacy to your car. This helps prevent people from seeing inside the vehicle while you are driving and when your car is parked. Potential criminals, without the ability to see any items of value inside, might skip over your car and, instead, choose to target a different vehicle.
In other cases, people might choose to apply window film to reduce the heat inside the vehicle. The right tint film can reduce the transmission of thermal energy – up to as much as 70 percent. Tint film can also reduce the transmission of harmful and damaging UV radiation. Some film can reduce UV transmission by almost 100%
Whatever your reasons for wanting to tint your car windows, start by identifying your goals. That makes the rest of the decisions much easier.
How to Choose Window Tint Light Transmittance
Tint films are rated using a percentage – typically ranging from as little as 5% all the way up to 90%. This percentage refers specifically to the amount of visible light transmittance (VLT) that the film allows. The lower the rating, the darker the tint film. So, 5% block 95% VLT, whereas 90% film only blocks 10% VLT.
Most cities, counties and states dictate a maximum level of darkness. If you apply film that is darker than allowed in that location, you could get pulled over and ticketed. For that reason, it is important to identify what the restrictions are in your area.
Generally, 20% VLT film is usually enough to provide privacy. Although 5% film – the darkest tint available – provide the maximum level of privacy, blacked out windows are not typically legal in most places, other than for limos and other specialty vehicles.
How to Choose Window Tint Light Reflectance
Visible light reflectance (VLR) refers to the amount of visible light that the film reflects. The purpose of this measurement is to determine how much glare the film prevents. The higher the VLR rating, the more light the film reflects and, as a result, the lower the glare you will experience.
How to Choose Tint Film Solar Rejection Levels
Total Solar Energy Rejected (TSER) refers to the film’s ability to reject solar UVA and UVB rays, infrared (IR) light. UV rays are responsible for causing degradation to your car’s interior. It can fade seats, cause your dash to dry out and crack, etc., lowering the value of your vehicle and making it appear old, tired and worn. Infrared light generates heat.
You can choose a film that rejects most or all of UV rays and IR light but still doesn’t have too dark of a tint level. Thanks to today’s high-tech window film products, you don’t have to sacrifice light to get high levels of UV and IR protection.
How to Choose the Type of Car Window Film You Need
Today’s advanced technology provides multiple options for the type of film you prefer. Ranging from basic film to super high-tech nanotechnology films, there is truly something for everyone.
NR Nano Ceramic IR Series
The NR Nano Ceramic IR Series films are the gold standard in the window tint film industry. This product uses advanced nanotechnology to deliver exceptional results and appearance. This film has a high level of IR rejection and reduces glare by as much as 93%. It has high optical clarity and a rich graphite color that doesn’t fade or change its shade. You can choose from seven different levels of tint, from 6% VLT down to 48% VLT.
NR Pro Series Non-Reflective
The NR Pro Series film uses nanotechnology to fuse nano particle into the film itself. The result is a stable, long-lasting color along with incomparable durability and performance. This product reduces glare by as much as 94%. The film has a scratch-resistant coating which preserves its like-new appearance for as long as possible. This product blocks up to 99% of UV light and is metal free, for unimpeded signal transmission. Choose from seven levels of VLT, from 6% to 52%.
Shield IR Infrared
The Shield IR products are outstanding for visible light and heat control without tint. This virtually clear film uses nanotechnology to reject both UV light rays and infrared heat. TSER rating is 44% while the UV blocking percentage is 9%. Because this film does not contain any metal, it will not interfere with signal transmission in the vehicle. At 77% VLT, the only hint of tint color is a very subtle, pale blue tone.
Spandex is proud to be the supplier of each of these exceptional products from Avery Dennison. You can browse all of our products online or contact us for help choosing the best car window tint film for you.
