#Difference between tint percentages how to
#Difference between tint percentages install

Although the exact amount varies, most automakers apply very little tint on car windows. This type of tint helps more with privacy than it does with shielding the interior of the car from ultraviolet (UV) rays. It is mostly applied to the rear window but more and more cars now have darker side windows. What is factory tint? As the name implies, it is original pigmentation on a car’s windows installed during the manufacturing process. That being said, others use a tint meter device to measure the precise amount of visible light transmission of a car’s windows. Experienced installers can usually approximate the amount of original tint just by looking at your windows.

#Difference between tint percentages install

Ideally, you should have a professional install glass tint. This way, you will install a sufficiently dark film and that is within the requirements of local regulations.

#Difference between tint percentages how to

How to measure car window tint percentageĪre you curious about the tint percentage on your car windows? If you are looking to add a window film on your ride, it helps to know the amount of original tint on the windows. In particular, the backside windows and rear window of most cars come with a slight tint and are aptly known as privacy glass or factory tinted windows.

These days, automakers install darker windows on the rearmost half of the car. On the other hand, darkness is the amount of tint. Overall, VLT is the amount of light that can penetrate the window tint. In the same vein, lighter film will have a higher VLT percentage. The tint on such a car would have a lower visual light transmission value. While they are closely related, they are not wholly the same.įundamentally, darker tinted windows let in less light into the car. Visible light transmission (VLT) and darkness are important terms in the tinting game. Is tint darkness the same as visible light transmission percentage? So, a tinted window that transmits 5% of visible light would be comparatively darker than one that lets in 80% of visible light. Essentially, the tint percentage represents the amount of visible light that can pass through the window. Interestingly, these varying window shades can be presented in percentages. You may have noticed that different cars have varying window shades-some appear darker while others don’t seem to have any shade at all. Understanding car window tint percentages Are you wondering what the deal with factory window tint is? Do you want to darken your car windows for an aesthetic boost and protection against UV rays? Whether you are an automotive buff like I am or you have recently acquired a taste for tinted windows, read on-I will help you understand everything you need to know about factory window percentages.