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Choosing a window tint for your car adds a sense of elegance to any vehicle. It also helps to shade you and your passengers from unwanted sunshine, lowering the overall internal temperature of your car. This covering helps to protect your upholstery and leather from fading and cracking in the summer heat. Before you make the decision to add some shade to your automobile, you should know what types are available.

Before You Shop, Know the Regulations

When you are deciding to darken the glass on your vehicle, you first need to check your state’s regulations. In some areas, it is illegal to use a window tint that is too dark to see the interior of the vehicle. A good body shop will know these regulations and can tell you exactly how dark you can go before it becomes illegal. However, if you are unsure, you can always contact your local DMV for this information.

You have several tinting options from which to choose. Which one you pick will, of course, depend on the benefits you want.

Dyed Film

The first type of tinting is dyed window film. This type of window tint is made by putting a layer of dye next to the adhesive, and then applying it to the glass. Depending on the shading, this style can block five to 50 percent of light entering the vehicle. It reduces fading from the sun, blocks most unwanted glare from headlights, and is non-reflective. For your money, this is one of the best choices as, when applied correctly, it looks great and does not block radio signals.

Sadly, while it does work well at blocking out light, it is not so good at blocking out heat. Also, over time, UV light can damage the window’s surface, causing it to go from black to purple.

Ceramic Film

Ceramic film is still relatively new. Consisting of an adhesive layer and top coat with a thin ceramic layer in the middle, this option blocks out 50 to 70 percent of light. Ceramic film blocks both light glare and UV rays and doesn’t fade over time. It does allow radio signals to pass through. It is also good at blocking out heat. Unfortunately, it is one of the most expensive options.

Metalized Film

Metalized window tint has several layers that are metalized to block UV light and heat. This is one of the darkest solutions on the market, making it illegal in some states. When properly installed, this film blocks 60 to 90 percent of all light and heat. It is reflective, but it blocks glare efficiently. It doesn’t fade over time, and it is durable.

Unfortunately, this type of tint may block cell phone and radio signals from entering and leaving the car. It can also interfere with your tire pressure monitoring system. Furthermore, it is more expensive than some other options.

Hybrid Film

Hybrid is designed to be an in-between for those who like both dyed and metal options.

Mario Tint Shop has four layers: an adhesive layer, dyed layer, metalized layer, and top coat. It blocks five to 50 percent of light and reflects heat. It also reduces fading and blocks glare. It isn’t as reflective as fully metalized versions. However, it doesn’t block radio or cell phone signals either. It is less expensive than metalized, but it is more expensive than straight dyed.