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What’s the only thing hotter than being outside on a sweltering day?
Climbing into a vehicle on the same stifling hot day!
In fact, research shows that the temperature inside a car climbs 19 degrees above the outside temperature in 10 minutes! After an hour, the temperature inside the vehicle rises to about 45 degrees hotter than the temperature outside.
Let’s say it this way: hopefully, you aren’t on your way to an important appointment, meeting, or event because your face is bound to be flushed, and sweat spots will likely be soaking through your clothing.
Thankfully, quality window tint can keep the interior of your vehicle comfortable, even on the most oppressive days.
At Sun Stoppers, we want you climbing out of your vehicle feeling fresh. But we also know that window tint does a lot more than keeping you cool.
We’re talking about things like increasing your privacy, protecting your car’s interior, and defending your skin from the sun – and that’s just the beginning.
Ready to learn about how window tint can improve your life? Let’s get started!
What Is Window Tint?
We know what window film is in the most basic sense: it’s a thin laminate film that can be installed on glass surfaces in automobiles, boats, homes, and commercial buildings.
It is easily recognized by how it often darkens glass and creates an attractive finish on any type of window.
But what is window tint?
Exploring the science behind window tint is incredibly fascinating. Let’s take a look!
How Is Window Tint Made?
Although there are many types of window tinting film on the market, most window films start as small pellets of a material called polyethylene terephthalate or PET.
PET is used as the base material for window tints because it has marvelous optical clarity and strength.
Phase 1 – Creating the Window Film
To begin, PET pellets are first melted down into a semi-liquid state. Once in that form, the material is stretched into polyester sheets.
Other chemicals and materials that block ultraviolet (UV) light are typically added during this stretching process.
Phase 2 – Adding Materials to the Film
Next, dyes or metals are added to the polyester sheeting. Whether a dye or metal is added depends upon the intended type, quality, and function of the film.
The newest and highest-quality window films may add carbon or ceramic particles to the polyester sheeting rather than metal or dye.
Phase 3 – Final Touches
Once the film is fused with the metal, dye, carbon, or ceramic particles, a scratch-resistant layer is applied to the film on the side that faces the interior of the home, office, or vehicle.
This layer is meant to protect the window film from anything that may hit or scrape the window. It provides added protection so that the film can last for a long time and is not marred by a minor scratch.
Finally, an industrial-strength adhesive is applied to the window film for longevity and to ensure that it does not peel or bubble.
Summary
At the end of the window tint manufacturing process, several materials are combined so that certain types of light rays are allowed through the glass while others are reflected or absorbed.
4 Main Types Of Window Tint
As you probably noticed, different kinds of materials can be added to polyethylene terephthalate to create various types of window film.
For example, a dye can be added to make dyed window tint, or metal could be added to create metalized window tint.
Each type of window film has a particular set of advantages and disadvantages, so it’s well worth our time to look at each of them!
Dyed Window Tint
Dyed window tint is a good option if your primary goal is adding privacy to your vehicle or if you like the appearance of dark windows.
In fact, dyed window film provides the darkest effect of any window tint option.
Plus, dyed window film is usually the most cost-effective option on the market.
However, dyed window tint also has some significant drawbacks.
Perhaps the greatest disadvantage is that dyed tint absorbs solar heat rather than reflecting it. In other words, it doesn’t keep the cabin of your vehicle very cool.
Beyond that, dyed film fades over time from UV exposure, turning the tint from black to purple.
Metalized Window Tint
Metalized window tint is what you’d expect. Embedded in the material are metallic particles, which make it a thicker type of film.
Designed with several layers, metalized tint films reflect heat from the sun, keeping it outside your car to protect the interior.
The metal elements within the layers not only strengthen the window, making it more durable and shatter-resistant, but also give off a shiny appearance from the outside.
As you can see, metalized window tint performs better than dyed window tint in some critical areas: it reflects heat before it enters your vehicle, and it doesn’t fade.
Unfortunately, metalized film often interferes with technology such as your GPS, cell phone, and radio reception. Unless you’re willing to deal with the head-slapping frustration of glitchy electronics, this window film may not be for you.
Carbon Window Tint
Those that don’t appreciate the shiny, reflective qualities of metalized window tint may love carbon window tint!
Carbon window tint films give you a dark, matte finish with a sleek vibe. Hundreds of micro-layers of polymer and carbon block infrared light from reaching the interior of your car.
That means your exquisite leather seats or perfect upholstery receive some defense from the detrimental effects of UV light.
Beyond that, carbon window tints don’t fade over time which makes them more durable than dyed tints.
The primary drawback of carbon window tints is that the carbon particles within the film are large. As a result, light can bounce inside the film. At times, this can create a glare or haze, making your windshield challenging to see through.
Ceramic Window Tint
Ceramic film is the highest quality of window tint film compared to the other four.
Instead of dye, metal, or carbon, it contains ceramic particles that are nonconductive and nonmetallic. The ceramic elements reflect and reduce solar heat and UV rays from entering the car.
While it reflects and absorbs high levels of light, it also allows for maximum visibility. Ceramic tints resist glare and fading and are highly shatter-proof.
It might be fair to say that ceramic window film checks all the boxes!
At Sun Stoppers, we use XPEL PRIME XR & XR Plus ceramic window tint to keep you and your car safe.
XPEL manufactures some of the highest quality automotive window films on the market. That’s why Sun Stoppers is the largest XPEL window tint dealer in the world, and our quality tint is part of why our customers trust us.
But don’t take our word for it!
We’ve received over 1,900 reviews with an average of 4.8 stars across all our locations. Check it out yourself!
6 Benefits of Vehicle Window Tint
Now we know the science behind window tints and the best types of window tints available today.
But the million-dollar question remains:
Is window tint a worthwhile investment?
The answer is a resounding “yes!” Let’s take a look at why you can confidently invest in tinting your car windows.
1 – Tinted Windows Increase Vehicle Privacy
Our vehicles are like an extension of our living room. We spend significant amounts of time in them, and you should feel comfortable and relaxed in your car.
The main difference is that living rooms are private, and cars are not. Driving a car without window tint is like leaving the house lights on with the blinds open.
But we think you should be able to relax in your car like you can in your own house. Thankfully, XPEL window tint allows you to do that!
Window tinting shades are measured by VLT (visible light transmission), which is the percentage of light that passes through your windows.
So, the lower the percentage, the less light gets in, and the more privacy you have.
For example:
80% window tint allows 80% of light into the car cabin and is relatively light. 5% window tint allows only 5% of light in the vehicle and is very dark – so dark that it is sometimes called “limo tint.”
Here’s the bottom line:
Applying a tint to your windows with even a moderately low visible light transmission percentage will increase the privacy you have in your vehicle.
2 – Window Film Makes Your Vehicle Look Phenomenal
Have you ever noticed that the best looking vehicles on the road have tinted windows? That’s because tinted windows add a touch of sporty class to any vehicle.
And here’s the thing:
You aren’t limited to just one option.
You can turn your car or truck into a blacked-out beast with XPEL’s TRUE BLACK Window Film or go with a neutral, charcoal finish with XPEL Prime CS window tint.
If you prefer, you can even get a clear ceramic heat rejection film that only blocks infrared rays and doesn’t darken your vehicle windows.
Just remember that you need to make sure that your vehicle’s window tint complies with your state’s tinting laws before choosing a tint. (More on this later).
3 – Window Film Prevents Interior Sun Damage
Let’s face it – your vehicle is going to take a beating.
Parking your car in the garage, performing regular maintenance, and proper driving technique helps a lot. But what about the times your vehicle sits in the sun while you’re getting groceries, or you’re at an event, and you have to park outside?
You can cut the cake a million different ways and still get the same result – any vehicle that is actually driven regularly will have to handle some beating sun.
The results?
An ugly, faded vehicle interior.
No one wants to be met with an unpleasant sight each time they open the car door.
But with a quality window tint, you can protect the surfaces in the interior of your car.
In fact, XPEL Prime XR Plus window tint reduces solar heat gain, meaning the interior of your automobile remains virtually unscathed by sun rays.
4 – Protect Your Skin and Eyes With Window Tint
If UV rays from the sun can fade fine upholstery and crack the best leather, imagine what it can do to your skin and eyes.
We’re talking about things like:
- Early wrinkling, sagging skin, and age spots
- Skin cancer
- Cataracts
- Macular Degeneration
Our intent is not to scare you – we need the sun! However, prolonged exposure to the sun can be dangerous.
Unfortunately, time in your vehicle is often a period of exposure to the sun, especially since we don’t think to put sunscreen on in a car!
Thankfully, protection from the sun is where XPEL window tint stands head and shoulders above the competition.
It reduces UV exposure by up to 99.9%, is considered a medical-grade window tint, and is the only window tint with an SPF rating!
If that’s not enough, Dr. Amir Khoshnevis, doctor of optometry, says that XPEL is the best medical window tint in the industry.
The Skin Cancer Foundation even recommends XPEL PRIME XR & XR Plus Window Tint as an effective UV protectant.
Protecting your car and your body at the same time – now that’s a win-win.
5 – Window Tint Keeps Your Vehicle Cabin Cooler
Like we already mentioned, the ceramic particle technology used in the window tint at Sun Stoppers blocks the vast majority of the sun’s heat-causing infrared radiation.
That means the cabin of your vehicle will remain much cooler, even when your car is sitting in the sun without the AC running. You’ll be able to jump in your car and go without suffocating from the stifling air!
Plus, there’s another benefit to keeping the interior of your car cool.
A cool car improves your fuel efficiency.
Why is this?
Running the AC in your vehicle hurts your fuel economy. A Consumer Report study noted as temperatures climb and air conditioners were run, gas mileage took an apparent dip.
Why not stay comfortable and boost your gas mileage simultaneously?
6 – Window Tint Reduces Sun Glare For Safer Driving
It doesn’t matter how beautiful your vehicle is – it can all disappear in a moment of horror if you are involved in a vehicle accident.
No one thinks they will be the ones to be involved in an accident, but of course, this is not true.
Even the best drivers are susceptible to mistakes – especially if their vision is limited. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what bright sun glare does to us.
In fact, one recent study has shown that serious car accidents increase by 16% when it’s sunny, and glare is present.
Remember, we started by asking: is window tint a worthwhile investment?
Now, think about it: If window tint saves you even one minor accident, it has paid itself off at that moment alone!
Even if you don’t wreck your vehicle, you may suffer from migraines, dry eyes, and swelling inside your eyes when dealing with sun glare for too long.
Thankfully, applying a window tint can dramatically reduce the amount of glare you have to deal with.
In the past, blocking sun glare meant you had to get a dark shade of window tint – sometimes an illegal shade or a shade so dark that visibility was difficult.
However, the ceramic technology in XPEL PRIME XR & XR Plus allows us to provide the highest performance without sacrificing clarity and color.
But that’s not all!
XPEL’s nano-ceramic particle technology does not interfere with radio, cellular, and Bluetooth signals like traditional metalized films.
That means you can be safe and connected while you drive!
PRO TIP: Window tint can increase the miles you get with each charge if you drive a Tesla. Learn more about it in our blog: Protecting Your Tesla: Everything You Need To Know.
5 Things To Consider Before
Getting Your Windows Tinted
By now, you might be reaching for your phone to make an appointment with a “window tint dealer near me.”
Good for you on being a person of action!
But first, let’s cover a few things you should make sure to consider before tinting your vehicle windows.
1 – Night Visibility Through Vehicle Windows
It’s tempting to get a 5% “limo tint” on your vehicle. After all, why not go for 100% privacy?
The main reason is that extremely dark window tints can interfere with your vision, especially at night. We highly recommend choosing a window tint that protects you and offers privacy but doesn’t limit your vision.
If you have questions about how dark you should go with your window tint, don’t hesitate to contact us at Sun Stoppers. We’re always happy to help!
2 – Know The Legal Window Tint Limit For Your State
Almost every state has laws on how dark you can tint your windows. This is primarily because dark window tints obscure the driver’s field of vision and keeps law enforcement from seeing inside your vehicle.
Also, keep in mind that window tint laws don’t just vary by state but also by vehicle.
Some vehicles, such as limos, can have darker windows than standard cars. Even different windows on the same car have individual tinting laws.
For example, in Florida, the front side windows of a car can have 35% VLT, while the back side windows and rear windows only require 15% VLT.
If you aren’t sure about the legal tints in your state, visit www.tinting-laws.com. It is worth your time and effort to avoid being pulled over and fined!
3 – Consider The Tint Price
Before getting your car windows tinted, make sure it’s within your budget. At Sun Stoppers, this takes a matter of minutes – just visit our website and get a free window tint quote.
And remember:
You get what you pay for!
It’s understandable to want to find a window tint professional that offers competitive prices. However, choosing the cheapest service isn’t a good idea since you’ll likely end up with low-quality window tint and poor workmanship.
4 – Avoid Cheap Window Tint
Most automobiles sold at a dealership come with an option for window tint. However, this is primarily a cheap, cosmetic window tint that is overpriced.
Unfortunately, cheap window tints can peel, bubble, or crack. Beyond that, they don’t perform as well as higher-quality tints, and you may be frustrated with the results.
You can probably already guess what comes next.
If your window film gets damaged or doesn’t perform as you hoped, you’ll have to replace the entire thing. If you want your windows tinted again, you’ll have to pay a second time.
Cheap window tint is not worth it!
5 – Find A Qualified Window Tint Professional
There are many DIY window tinting kits available, and the appeal of doing the job for a reduced price is tempting.
But installing window tint is not a job for the inexperienced.
It’s like putting a screen protector on your phone:
Each speck of dust makes a bubble in the screen protector, and getting the protector lined up on the screen can be a serious pain. If you have to cut the screen protector to size, it’s hard to get it just right, especially if you are trying to avoid scratching your screen.
Now, imagine putting a screen protector on multiple phones that are several feet wide. And some are upside down.
That’s what installing window tint is like.
A professional like Sun Stoppers can do a beautiful job in a short time, whereas it might take you all day and several kits to do a poor job that doesn’t last.
If you’re making the investment and you really want to protect yourself and your car, do it the right way the first time.
Live A Better Life With Vehicle Window Tint
Here’s the good news: with window tint, you can be part of the cool crowd and the responsible crowd at the same time.
Your car will look sporty and classy, and you’ll be protecting you and your family’s skin, all while increasing your privacy and driving more safely.
If you are ready to install window tint on your vehicle, find a Sun Stoppers location near you!
We’ve perfected the process of tinting windows with over 150,000 window tint installations under our belt. Plus, we have the Guinness world record for the most tint installations in a day.
We only use the highest quality window film. And with over 80,000 vehicle patterns, we already have your vehicle covered.
Every installation gets the same attention to detail, so you can be confident it’s done right the first time.
We also offer other protective services for your vehicles like paint protection film and products to keep your car looking brand new, like ceramic coating.
We’ve also made sure to keep pace with the boom in electric vehicles! We offer Tesla window tinting, Tesla paint protection, and ceramic coating for Teslas.
And the best part?
Working with us is easy! All you have to do is:
- Get a FREE ESTIMATE
- Bring your vehicle to the nearest Sun Stoppers and enjoy fast, and professional application
- Drive with confidence!
Contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you!
