Car Window Tinting Colorado Springs is a popular upgrade for drivers who want to make their ride look sporty, rugged, or sophisticated. It comes in a variety of darkness levels and is a legal option for all states, although regulations vary on the amount of light that can pass through your windows.
Window tint can reduce the amount of heat that radiates into a vehicle’s cabin. In turn, this can make the car more comfortable during hot weather or if you park in sunny areas. It also helps protect interior components from sun damage, such as the upholstery and dashboard. Sunlight can fade upholstery over time, and if it is leather, it may dry out the natural oils that help keep it soft and flexible. By blocking UV rays, window tint can slow down this process and prevent the upholstery from becoming worn or ripped.
Tinted windows can reduce glare, which makes it easier to see the road ahead of you. Additionally, they can lower the load on your air conditioner, extending its lifespan and improving fuel economy. Tinting your windows can also deter thieves from targeting your vehicle, as they will find it harder to see what you have inside.
The price of window tint can vary widely depending on the darkness level and type of film you choose. In addition, the cost can increase if you opt for full window coverage, which includes the back and rear windshield (if allowed in your state). The size of your vehicle and compliance with local and state regulations will also impact the final cost.
The most basic tints are dyed and have a polyester layer on the outside that is designed to resist scratching. They offer minimal protection and block UV rays, but they do not do much to limit infrared radiation or heat. The next level is carbon window tint, which offers more UV protection and reduces glare by using a darker shade and matte finish.
Increased Visibility
Having tinted windows means you can see out your car with greater clarity, especially at sunrise or sunset when the sun’s reflection is more prominent. Tinting also reduces glare on a sunny day, making driving much safer for the driver and any passengers. This safety feature could also be beneficial in the event that your car is ever stolen, as it will be harder for a potential thief to spot the vehicle since it will have a unique appearance from standard windows.
If you are considering getting your windows tinted, you will want to make sure it’s legal in your state before committing to any work. Visiting your local Department of Motor Vehicles website should provide you with all the information you need, including window tint limits and restrictions.
When you visit a professional window tinting shop, the tinting professionals will first remove any dirt and debris from the surface of your windows before beginning to apply the film. They will then spray the window with soapy water to prep it, and then wipe it down using a sponge and squeegee. This ensures the adhesive will adhere properly and prevents any air bubbles from forming beneath the film.
The next step is to cut the tint to size and position it on the window. Once the installer is happy with the placement, they will spray the window again and use a squeegee to eliminate any excess solution or dirt from the glass. They will then let the tint dry for up to three days before you are able to roll down your windows.
When it comes to finding the right tint for your vehicle, there are many options available, and you will need to decide which shade of window tint is best for your needs. The main factor that determines the shade of tint is its VLT (visible light transmission) rating, which measures how much visible light passes through the film. The lower the VLT number, the darker the window tint.
Increased Privacy
A high-quality tint will block UV rays, which not only damage your skin but can also cause your vehicle’s interior to fade. It will also protect your car’s dashboard, seats, and other interior components from sun damage. Window tints will make it more difficult for others to see inside your vehicle, which is an added benefit if you do not want people to know what you have in the car or are transporting valuable items.
When choosing a window tint, you should consider its color, performance, and legality. The level of darkness (measured by VLT) allowed fluctuates by state, but there are a variety of options to choose from to meet your needs.
As you move up the window tint depth chart, you will find different film options with varying levels of protection and color. The entry-point is dyed tint, which is infused with an outside polyester layer to reduce scratching and improve the film’s ability to block UV rays. However, it does not effectively block infrared radiation and will lose its effectiveness over time.
The next step up is metalized window tint, which is infused with microscopic particles of metal. This adds a metallic look to the tint and provides additional strength to help keep your windows intact in case of a collision or vandalism. Additionally, metalized films are able to reflect more infrared radiation and reduce the amount of visible light that can pass through. However, these films are known to interfere with cell phone and Wi-Fi signals.
A hybrid tint is a middle-ground option that offers improved heat rejection, reduced fading, and less visible light transmission than dyed tints. It is also a good choice for drivers who frequently travel in varying climates as it will darken and lighten according to the weather.
Shatter Protection
Many thieves only break into cars because they can see valuables inside, and tinting your windows makes it much harder for anyone to spot your belongings. Tinting also helps your car resist shattering, reducing the risk of severe lacerations if the glass does break.
Window tints are available in a wide range of darkness levels, from very light to dark. The level of darkness your state laws allow varies, as does the amount of visible light that can pass through the tint. Your installer will discuss the various options and help you select the right one for your needs and preferences.
All premium window films block UV rays, which can damage your upholstery and cause skin cancer. They also reduce glare, which can help you stay focused on the road. The higher-grade films will also block infrared transmissions, which can cause the interior to heat up significantly.
The basic film is usually made from polyester, chosen for its tensile strength and durability. A special adhesive layer ensures strong and lasting adhesion to your windshield. The film is then reinforced with either ceramic nanoparticles or metalized layers. The ceramic particles offer a high level of UV protection and infrared rejection without impacting radio, GPS, or cellular signals. The metalized layers provide an added degree of security by enhancing the glass’s resistance to mechanical shock.
Once you’ve selected the right film, your installer will clean and prep the windows in a wind- and dust-free space. They’ll then spray soapy water on the window alongside the film, which activates the adhesive and allows it to slide over the surface of the glass until it’s positioned correctly. Next, the technician will use a squeegee to push out any excess solution and firmly press the tint onto the window.
Reduced UV Rays
Sunlight streaming through untreated windows creates a hot sauna inside your vehicle, but tinting reduces that heat and lightens the load on your air conditioning. This keeps your vehicle’s interior comfortable and saves you money on fuel consumption. It also extends the life of the dashboard and upholstery and prevents your skin from getting burned by harsh UV rays.
Car window tint can also reduce glare while driving. This helps you see more of the road and reduces accidents due to glare. Tinted windows also help prevent the shattering of your windshield in an accident, which could hurt you or other people in your vehicle and make it more difficult to clean up the shards of glass.
Privacy is another benefit of having your windows tinted. Having your windows tinted makes it more difficult for prying eyes to see into your car, which can be a good deterrent for thieves.
The traditional entry-level tint is a dyed film that is essentially elevated privacy glass. It has an adhesive layer on the bottom, a dye in the middle and a polyester coating on the top. While it can be legally applied to your vehicle’s front windshield, rear windows and the windows on either side of the driver, it only blocks visible light transmittance (VLT) of 25 percent.
The next level of protection is metalized window tint. This type of film is infused with microscopic particles of metal, which improves its ability to block UV rays and reflects infrared transmissions. This type of film is also more durable and resists scratches, fading and bubbling better than the dyed option. It also has a stronger bond with the window, which can prevent it from cracking in an accident or if someone throws a rock at your car’s windshield.