Not only do window tint shades make your car look better but they also offer UV protection, reduce glare and cool your car during warm weather. Whether you can decide if you want a lighter or a darker tint depends on how subtle you want the tinted windows or how much privacy you need. But either will require you to choose the right window tint.
Here we explain all you need to know about window tint shades including visible light transmission (VTL), state laws and the best hues to apply to Sedans, SUVs etc.
Why Window Tint Shades Impact Your Driving Experience
Choosing your car’s window tint is much more than just an aesthetic touch—it affects your comfort, security and safety. Knowing how to select the ideal shade can greatly assist in reducing sunlight glare, thus improving one’s visibility while also decreasing eye strain. Night drivers tend to prefer light tints as they provide more vision for viewing in low-lite areas. On the other hand, dark tints perform better when it comes to blocking UV rays, thus protecting your skin from the effects of prolonged sun exposure. Additionally, window shade proper maintenance can avoid the fading and cracking of your car’s interior.
A darker shade creates a more secure feeling, blocking others’ eyes into your car while you are parked or driving, thus enhancing your privacy. Efficient rejection window films on the other side, have the ability to keep your car cooler even on the hottest days. This leads to less consumption of air conditioners which improves one’s fuel efficiency and driving comfort. Right tints do more than just improve the look of the car; it also make the drive safer, comfortable and blister-free for the driver and passengers.
What Does VLT Mean?
When selecting a shade for car windows, VLT (Visible Light Transmission) is also one of the factors to clear. The percentage is given to show the amount of light let through the window film, for instance, a 35% VLT means 35% of light gets through, whereas a 5% VLT, commonly known as limo tint, lets virtually no light through.
For people who want to maintain a higher level of visibility, a tint with 70% VLT does just that. Those looking to enhance privacy can go for 20% VLT or even lower. Furthermore, state laws also dictate the usage of light on the front-side windows, and on the windshields, so check these specifications prior to applying darker tints.
How to Choose the Perfect Window Tint
Shades Based on Your Needs
Your desire to invest in window tint does not require the purchase of just any, in fact, you will need to pick a certain window tint that fits your life. There is a perfect type of tint for you whether you want a factory tint look, better privacy, or enhanced glare reduction.
Considerations Based on Personal Preferences
Your ideal window tint shade depends on what you prioritize most:
Privacy & Security: If you don’t want people peering into your car, go for a darker tint (5%-20% VLT).
Aesthetic Appeal: 35% tint is a good compromise between a sleek but legal look.
Nighttime Driving Visibility: A lighter tint (50% VLT or higher) keeps your vision clear at night.
Location: Your location matters, too. In a hot climate, a good quality window film with UV protection and heat rejection can pay for itself.
Balancing Functionality with Visual Appeal
Having a darker shade on tint provides a car with a stylish, aggressive look but caution should be exercised with state restrictions or seeing limitations. Different shades of window tints bring out different advantages:
Darker shades (5% to 20% VLT) provide the highest protection against ultraviolet light. On the other hand, seeing at night might be a little harder with them on.
Medium shades (35% to 50 % VLT) keep the professional appearance by providing a balance between reduction of glare and minimum exposure to oversize tinting.
Lighter shades (50% to 70% VLT) are the gentlest of all. Like the other shades, it’s still effective in blocking harmful ultraviolet light and mitigating glare.
Window tinting is both functional and aesthetic. Care should be taken so that it does not become a law violation or a hurdle in visibility. If the driver is unsure, a VLT of about 35% is the best. It is classy, legal in many countries, provides a good amount of glare reduction, and is safe.
The Difference Between Dark and Light Window Tint Shades
The range of choice for tinting windows includes both extremes. Therefore, it affects style, view, range of driving at night, and protection from UV radiation.
Darker window tints (5%-20%): offer the utmost level of privacy and heat rejection, while maximizing UV protection. This window shade makes it impossible for outsiders to see the inside of the car, drastically reducing the chances of theft. However, the impediment of light entering adds to the difficulty faced while driving at night.
Lighter window tints (50%-70%): provide improved ease of visibility, do reduce UV exposure and glare in lesser measures than the darker ones. They certainly do restrict the amount of heat; however, not to the degree that the darker shades do. They aid in protecting the interior of the car from ruin and give greater comfort while being in the car.
Always take into account how often you drive during the day versus how often you drive during the night. A hint of caution: if you are a night driver, then first consider the option with lighter tints. If you live in a hot state, then the darker tints are ideal for you.
Best Window Tint Shades for Different Vehicle Types: Sedans, SUVs, and More
Window tint shades have different requirements for every type of vehicle. The custom window tinting selection is influenced by the vehicle’s structure and the owner’s preferences, regardless if it’s a sedan, SUV, or a truck.
Sedans: The 35 VLT shade is often chosen by the sedans because it provides a very professional look, while still blocking UV radiation and glare, and balancing style.
SUVs: Most SUVs have window tinted VLTs on the rear windows factory equipped. The front windows (Normally 20%-35% limit) can always be tinted with a tint that is the same or lighter than the factory-installed one.
Trucks & Vans: If your truck is also a work vehicle, I would recommend 50% VLT or higher. These can always be toned down if the aspiration is to keep the driver cooler.
Appropriate assessment of each vehicle type will allow you to choose the best window tint for maximum heat blocking, UV resistance, and clear view, while still being elegant.
Legal Restrictions on Window Tint Shades: What You Need to Know
You can’t put whatever tint shade you want on your windows. The limits for visible light transmission (VLT) for the front side windows, windshields, and rear windows vary from state to state.
Windshield Tint Laws: Most states allow a light window film such as 70% VLT on the windshield.
Front Side Windows: Typically, states allow only a certain selection of tint that has a VLT of 35% or higher for visibility and safety reasons.
Rear Windows & Back Windshield: Usually these allow darker tints such as 20% VLT or lower. SUVs and trucks are especially so.
Violating tint laws can result in hefty fines, removal orders, or failing inspections. Before you take the plunge into darker tints, always check your state regulations.
Common Myths About Window Tint Shades and the Truth Behind Them
Window tinting can be misunderstood the same way many things are, so let me address a few of them.
1. “Darker tint always means better heat rejection.”
Not really. With advanced window film technology such as ceramic tints, one can achieve superior heat rejection without needing a darker tint.
2. “Window tint makes night driving impossible.”
Only if you go too dark. A 35%-50% tint adds glare without severely limiting visibility at night.
3. “All window tinting is illegal.”
Not true. Most states have legal tint limits set for particular models, and most people do not get prosecuted over it.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right window tint shade is always a tradeoff between visibility, heat rejection, UV protection, and state laws. Regardless if you have a sedan, SUV, or a truck, the perfect window tint will improve your driving experience without breaking the law.
In case you don’t know which window film to use, 35% VLT is a very versatile option that suits most car owners. Always check your state laws before having your window tinting done to avoid fines and unnecessary inconveniences.
So, are you ready to upgrade the look of your car with the ideal window tint shade?
Upgrade Your Ride with FlexiPPF: Premium Window Tint Shades Explained
Elevate your ride with FlexiPPF’s Ceramic Car Window Films FH Series. These films are specifically made for drivers looking for comfort and safety while utilizing state of the art nano-ceramic technology to drastically reduce glare and block dangerous UV rays. The FH Series boosts comfort by conveniently keeping your vehicle cool in hotter climates as it blocks an excessive amount of heat.
FlexiPPF guarantees the perfect shade for your car, one that meets your privacy requirements and adheres to local laws. Their guarantees quality installation and flawless performance for your vehicle which will be completed by certified installers. FlexiPPF also offers expert support guaranteeing excellent long-term performance long term.
| MODEL | Total Thickness | TPU Thickness | Clear Coating | Elongation at break | Coating Elongation at break | Warranty |
| FX-PF07YU | 6.5MIL | 5MIL | 0.5MIL | >330% | ≥100% | 8 YEARS |
| FX-PF08YU | 7.5MIL | 6MIL | 0.5MIL | >330% | ≥100% | 8 YEARS |
| FX-PF09YU | 8.5MIL | 7MIL | 0.5MIL | >350% | ≥120% | 8 YEARS |
| FX-PF10YU | 9.5MIL | 8MIL | 0.5MIL | >350% | ≥120% | 8 YEARS |
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