Car window tints are an essential upgrade
More drivers are realising the benefits of car window tint, which range from protection against harmful UV rays, glare, and heat, to adding a layer of security against theft.
Installing a car window tint is a smart investment that will upgrade your driving experience and bring many long-term benefits to your health, wellbeing, and even your wallet. With a wide range of options available, it’s essential to consider various factors and pick the right automotive window tint that best fits your lifestyle and needs.
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What to consider when choosing the right tint for your car:
Heat rejection properties
There’s nothing worse than stepping into a scorching hot car, feeling like you’re sitting in an oven, and arriving at your destination drenched in sweat. Installing a car tint with superior heat rejection properties will take care of that, keeping your vehicle’s temperature optimum for a comfortable drive. It will also lighten the load on the air-conditioning system, reducing fuel usage and maintenance costs - saving you money in the long run.
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Window tints are an energy and cost-efficient way to keep your vehicle cool on a hot day.
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Look out for the Total Solar Energy Rejection rate (TSER %) — the higher this value, the less solar heat is transmitted.
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Look out for the Infrared Rejection rate (IRR %) — the higher this value, the less heat you will feel.
3M™ Crystalline Series
The 3M™ Crystalline Series adopts patented multilayer optical film nanotechnology to reject more heat than many darker tints without changing the appearance of your vehicle.
UV and sun protection in the car
Did you know that ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight can pass through windows to hit your skin while you’re driving?
UV rays are responsible for sunburns, skin aging, wrinkles, and is one of the leading causes of skin cancer. It is critical to minimize our exposure to UV rays whether we’re outdoors at the beach, sitting by the window in an office, or riding in a car.
Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can also cause your vehicle’s interiors to fade, crack, and discolor over time. The UV damage can be especially severe during summer, or if you live near the equator where the sun is shining bright all year round. Install UV tinted car windows to prevent premature damage to your interiors and keep your car looking brand new for longer.
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- UV tinting for car windows is a critical form of protection against harmful sun rays.
- Look out for the ultraviolet rejection rate and pick one with a high coverage.
- Pick a reliable and trustworthy brand of car window tint to make sure it is made to last and will not lose its UV protection properties without you realising.
These 3M car window tints have been reviewed by a committee of dermatologists and have received the Skin Cancer Foundation’s seal of recommendation for protection against UV rays.
Technology of window tint
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Multilayer Optical Film
The 3M™ Crystalline Series is a gamechanger in car window tinting.
Using a patented multilayer optical tint nano-technology, this product combines over 200 layers in a tint that is thinner than a Post-it® Note.
One of the most impressive features of the Crystalline Series is its ability to reject more heat than many darker window tints. This means that car owners can enjoy superior protection against heat and UV rays without having to go with a dark tint that changes the look of their vehicles.
This is the tint for you if you are looking to invest in a top-notch product that is backed by advanced technology and superior protection without compromising on style.
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Ceramic
Ceramic is a superior choice for car window tints as it checks many boxes – it is highly effective in blocking heat and UV rays, scratch-proof, durable, and non-metalized so it allows vehicle owners to stay connected to devices without interference.
A top choice for ceramic window tint is the 3M™ Ceramic IR Series. This tint uses a nano-ceramic technology that is highly absorptive, allowing it to reject up to 63%* of total solar energy and up to 95% of infrared heat.
This car ceramic tint is for you if you are looking for a hardworking window tint that provides high heat rejection and will last for years.
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Metalized
Metalized window tints contain metal microparticles, which reflect sunlight away from the vehicle and gives windows a shiny sheen. It is not a popular option nowadays as it can interfere with radio and GPS signals.
* Data is comparable to current auto industry method using a clear 89% VLT glass, and testing is in accordance to ANSI/NFRC 200 Procedure.
Window tint level – light or dark?
Car window tints are usually available in a variety of tint levels, ranging from light and subtle to dark and opaque. You may prefer a certain look or level of your car's window tint but be sure to also consider other factors beyond aesthetics.
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The first thing to do when choosing your window tint is to check your local laws.
Some countries have strict regulations and concerns around the legal limits of tint on car windows and require a minimum amount of light to be able to pass through, while others have no restrictions at all. Do your research before installing your window tint to avoid getting into trouble.
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If allowed, a dark window tint can give you and your passengers more privacy by making it difficult for strangers to see inside the vehicle. This also acts a safety feature and deterrent against ‘smash-and-grab’ break-ins, as such crimes are usually targeted at vehicles with see-through windows.
Furthermore, a window tint, regardless of the levels of tint darkness, adds a physical layer of security by preventing windows from shattering upon impact – this will slow down a thief’s attempt to break in or prevent injury from glass shards in an event of an accident.
How to choose car window tint levels
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Choose a light window tint if…
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Choose a darker window tint if…
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Local laws
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Local laws prohibit dark window tint
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Local laws allow dark window tints
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Aesthetic preference
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You like the look of clear windows and want to keep close to the original
appearance of your car
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You like the look of dark tinted windows and want to transform the appearance
of your car
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Area brightness
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You often drive at night or in poorly lit areas
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You often drive in an area with harsh sunlight and glare
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Privacy
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You value clear visibility from the passenger windows
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You value privacy and want to reduce visibility from the outside
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Protection against break-ins
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Vehicle break-ins are not a pressing concern
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You want to protect your vehicle from break-ins
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Recommendations
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3M™ Crystalline Series
Light tint with superior heat rejection 3M™ Ceramic IR Series Cool blue shade |
3M™ FX-HP Series
Sleek charcoal finish |
Quality of Window Tint
A window tint that deteriorates after a few years of use may do more harm than good, especially if you don’t get them replaced immediately.
In order to fully realize the benefits of installing a window tint, the tint needs to be of high quality and durability.
Unfortunately, it can be challenging to determine the quality of a window tint before trying it out.
To help you make an informed decision and select the right quality window tint, here are some key questions to ask:
- Does the company manufacture its own car window tints?
- How much experience does the company have in developing and producing car window tints?
- Does the company have a strong track record in advancing new technologies and launching new innovative products?
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3M has been in the business of protecting drivers and passengers for over 50 years and takes great care in ensuring the highest quality of car window tints. 3M produces its own window tints and oversees every step, from sourcing the materials to quality control, and working closely with its network of installers to deliver the best service for vehicle owners. Its commitment to advancing the industry can be seen in products such as 3M™ Crystalline Series and its unique and groundbreaking properties.
Another useful tip to determine window tint quality is to look at the warranty period and terms. A comprehensive warranty is often an indicator of a high-quality window tint, as it means that the company is confident in the longevity of their products. 3M™ Automotive Window Films are backed by one of the most comprehensive warranties you can get. To learn more, visit our warranty page.
Think about how much time you spend on your daily commute, sitting in traffic, or going on long drives with friends and family – investing in a high-quality window tint is a must. It will protect your health, your vehicle, and give you peace of mind.
If you are still uncertain about which window tint to choose, you can visit an installer to discuss your needs, browse samples, and obtain a quote.
If you are ready to install your car window tint, we highly recommend selecting a 3M certified installer to ensure that you receive top-quality installation service.
Ready to install? Book an appointment for car tint installation today.
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