How to Choose the Right Car Window Tint Percentage

Reasons for Tinting

First, it's important to establish the reason why you need vehicle window tinting. There are several good reasons to choose to darken your windows. It's likely that you're looking to tint your windows because:

• You'd like your car to be cooler after sitting in the Florida sun
• You want more privacy
• You're worried about the sun damaging your interior
• You'd like to change the look of your car
• You want to deter break-ins
• You need to be more comfortable driving due to health reasons

Grand View Research reports that the most popular reason for tinting windows is to reduce sun exposure. While these are the most common reasons, however, this list is not all-inclusive. If you fit this description in any way, you are probably wondering what kind of tint would be best for you. 



There are many different types of window tinting and levels of tint that you can choose from depending on your needs. It's important to understand how vehicle window tinting works in order to decide.

Car Window Tint Percentage

While there are several different types of window tinting, the most popular factor to consider is the window tint percentage. Window tints can be made from different materials, be different colors, and fit different budgets, but the most popular identifier is the amount of light allowed to pass through.

Car window tint percentage is calculated according to "VLT," or visible light transmission. The percentage used to describe a tint is based on the amount of visible light allowed to enter your vehicle. For example, vehicle window tinting labeled 5% is a tint that allows only 5% of visible light to enter.

As you can imagine, this means your car will be very dark inside and no one will be able to see through your windows. On the other hand, you can have window tinting of 90%, where your interior is only lightly shaded.



Your options for tint percentage range from 5-90%. Most factory-tinted windows come as 15-35%. The most popular choice among drivers tends to be 20% or 35%.

Factors to Consider

Once you've decided how much tint you'd like on your car windows, there are also different materials, types, and colors to consider. Before you choose, however, there are some other things to remember.

The Law

Did you know that state law dictates whether you can apply the tint, what kind, and where? All states have their own laws regarding vehicle window tinting, so it's important for you to research before you decide. Our Florida customers should know that state law says:

• You cannot tint your windshield
• The front side windows must let in at least 28% of light
• Rear side windows must let in at least 15% of light
• You cannot have any colored tint
• You must have dual side mirrors if you tint your back window

The law also changes if you choose to have reflective tint. Reflective tint on side windows cannot be more than 25% reflective, and back windows cannot be more than 35% reflective.



If you have a medical condition, such as Lupus, an autoimmune disorder, or another disease that requires you to be careful of light exposure, you can seek a certification that makes an exception to window tint laws.

Appearance

While lighter shades, like 90% window tint, will not alter the appearance of your car significantly, 5% window tint definitely will. You will want to consider the make and model of your vehicle and how tint will change the appearance.

You can search online for pictures of your car with a tint to see how your newly-tinted car would look. You can also look through online galleries provided by window tinting services or ask in person.

The reflective tint will give the windows of your car a mirrored, silver look. Window tint at 5% will give your car the appearance of a limo or law enforcement. You will also want to remember that state laws can stop you from achieving a unified look if you decide to have darker back windows.



Another thing to remember is that the tint will change the look of your interior as well. A dramatic tint will make the interior dark, while a less drastic tint won't make much of a difference.

Special Types vs. Your Budget

Most drivers are looking for standard window tinting, and might even attempt to tint their windows on their own. Attempting to apply cheap tint without experience can be a risky endeavor, even if it salvages your wallet. Not too long after, you could be paying more money to replace peeling and bubbling tint.

You may not want to spend money on vehicle window tinting, but hiring a professional to offer you quality material and application is worth the investment. At Sunstopper Window Tinting, we are the exclusive "LLumar Select Pro Dealer" for Melbourne and Brevard counties. This means we can offer you an exclusive line of film brands of "Formula One High-Performance Auto Tint."

Our Formula One line of window tints promises long-lasting high-performance all while beautifying your vehicle. It is also unmatched in warranty and support. Overall, this window tint will satisfy all your needs and wants in vehicle window tinting.



To top it off, we also offer auto paint protection film, residential window tinting, and commercial window tinting to satisfy all your sun-blocking and protection needs. You can come to us for our professional advice on what tint type and percentage are right for you.

Ready to Tint?

If you've made it this far, it means you're ready to give vehicle window tinting a shot. Once you've chosen your car window tint percentage, you're well on your way to a more comfortable and pleasurable ride.

Get a free auto window tinting estimate, or you can visit or contact us at Sunstopper Window Tinting to get started!