Tinted car windows are a stylish feature that can seem pointless to some and a necessity to others. Perhaps you are planning on getting a new vehicle soon which has it as an optional extra, or maybe you want to upgrade your car a little? To help you decide whether tinted windows are for you, here are our top advantages and disadvantages.
Advantage 1 – Light Protection
One of the key benefits of tinted windows is that they offer some shade from bright lights, such as sunlight and headlights, which are known dangers for drivers. It prevents the intensity of glare from impairing your vision by reducing the brightness of any light coming through, meaning you are less likely to miss potential hazards.
Advantage 2 – Heat
Keeping sunlight at bay has a further benefit beyond protecting your eyes. On warm, sunny days when your car would usually become very hot very quickly if not ventilated, it will stay cool. This makes it safer for pets and children without the risk of leaving windows down. Plus, this reduces the need for your air conditioning system to be running all the time, making your car more fuel-efficient.
Advantage 3 – UV Ray Protection
The invisible effects of the sun need to be considered too. The window film used for tinted windows blocks ultraviolet light from penetrating into the car, which is damaging to the skin even from behind a window. Prolonged exposure can lead to burns and is a known cause of premature skin aging and skin cancer, so tinted windows mean you can stay safer when out in your car on hot days. UV rays can also make the interior of the car age faster, causing cracking to your upholstery.
Advantage 4 – Safety and Security
Having darkened windows means that you and your passengers have increased privacy while traveling and you may find this particularly helpful if you are transporting valuable goods. This level of security is increased because the film adds support to the window, making it harder for criminals to break. The film also makes it shatterproof, so in the case of an accident, there is a reduced likelihood of injury from shards of glass.
Disadvantage 1 – Visibility
If the windows are very dark, this can lead to visibility issues at night or in dusky conditions. This can result in passengers not being able to see out of the window at best, and hazards being missed and unsafe driving at worst if the windscreen itself is tinted.
Disadvantage 2 – Potential Legal Issues
Always check with your state’s regulations surrounding tinted windows before going all in as there are different rules which affect whether they are allowed and multiple requirements that need to be met. These include what level of darkness is considered safe to use and which windows can be tinted which can complicate the process and put you at risk of prosecution. It’s always best to go through an auto glass organization as they will be aware of the rules and how to correctly install tinted film.