Window tinting is a popular choice for vehicle owners seeking various benefits, ranging from skin protection to reduced glare and heat. In this blog, we will provide you with essential information about window films, their benefits, the installation process, and the legal aspects you should consider.
What Are Window Films?
Window films are thin sheets of polyester with advanced coatings that are applied to the interior surface of windows. They offer numerous advantages, including blocking up to 99 percent of the sun's harmful UV rays. These films are designed to provide skin protection, reduce glare, minimize solar heat, and enhance safety by holding shattered glass together upon impact or breakage.
Despite having high-tech metal and ceramic coatings, modern window films typically do not interfere with GPS, cellphone, or radio signals.
Car window films come in different materials and shades, with visible light transmission (VLT) serving as a standard performance measurement. Darker film shades have a lower VLT percentage.
Benefits of Window Tint:
1. Reduced Fading and Cracking: Window films help protect your vehicle's upholstery from fading and cracking caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight.
2. Enhanced UV Protection: By blocking harmful UV rays, window films provide additional protection against skin cancer and cataracts.
3. Heat Rejection: Window films can reject up to 55 percent of heat buildup, allowing for more efficient air conditioning and a cooler interior.
4. Reduced Eye Fatigue: The films help improve visibility by reducing harsh sunlight, resulting in less eye fatigue during long drives.
5. Professional Installation: Skilled installers can complete the process within a few hours, ensuring a high-quality application.
6. Safety in Accidents: Window films contribute to passenger safety in two ways. Firstly, they reduce the chance of glass fragments flying inwards during an impact. Secondly, they can help prevent passengers from being ejected from the vehicle during a collision, providing an added layer of protection against injuries caused by flying glass shards.
Installation Process:
Professional window film installation involves several steps to ensure a smooth and effective application:
1. Surface Preparation: The installer cleans the interior window surfaces using a solution and removes any dirt or debris.
2. Film Positioning: A water solution is applied to allow the film to be positioned correctly on the glass surface. The backing liner is then removed to expose the adhesive side of the film.
3. Squeegee and Bubble Removal: The installer uses a squeegee and specialized tools to smooth the film, remove water, and eliminate any bubbles for a flawless finish.
4. Drying Period: After installation, a drying period is necessary for the moisture used during the installation process to cure or dry out. The duration of this curing time depends on the film's thickness and specialized coatings, as well as environmental factors and vehicle storage conditions.
Legal Considerations:
In the United States, the use of window films on automobiles is regulated by state laws. These laws typically specify the allowed amount of visible light transmission (VLT) through the windows. The percentage of VLT determines the darkness of the film, with higher percentages indicating lighter films. It's crucial for consumers to be aware of their local laws regarding window film usage to avoid fines. Non-compliant films may require removal to meet legal requirements. In some states, individuals may require medical documentation to use darker-than-legal window films for specific medical conditions.
Window tinting offers numerous benefits, including UV protection, heat rejection, and enhanced safety. Understanding the properties of window films, the installation process, and the legal considerations is crucial before making a decision. By providing this information, we aim to empower customers with knowledge, ensuring they can make informed choices when it comes to window tinting for their vehicles.