If you’re manifesting cosy and stylish car interiors, you’re probably confused between opting for window film or tinted glass. Read our detailed guide to make the right choice between window film vs tinted glass. Below, we’re going to compare both of these options for their benefits, costs, protection levels, and more. So, read on!
What Is Window Film?
A vehicle window film is a thin layer of protective material that is applied to your vehicle’s glass. A good window film will provide protection against heat and UV, privacy, and style to a vehicle. This film doesn’t come installed from the factory; rather, users get it installed on their own for protection.
You can opt for a window tint film with the desired levels of VLT, often expressed in tint percentages. Common window film tints include 5%, 20%, 30%, 50%, 70% tint, and others.
These films not only protect the vehicle’s interiors from the harmful UV rays and heat but also make the vehicle look stylish. Window tinting services are mostly availed by those who drive in hot regions, especially during the daytime.
Window tint films are easily customizable in all aspects. You can get a window film in any shade and material of your choice. The common window film tint types include dyed, ceramic, metallic, and hybrid tints.
Dyed tinted films are the most common type of window tints, mostly used by those looking for an affordable way to reduce heat and glare in their cars while adding some style too. Although these films can block some UV rays, they aren’t fully effective against the UV effects.
Ceramic films, as their name implies, follow a manufacturing process where little ceramic particles are turned into a thin sheet. These ceramic films provide superior protection against UV rays and offer considerable heat reduction, too.
Metallic films are very thick window films that can offer extreme protection against heat and sun rays. However, their thickness often interferes with the electronic and radio signals, thus making them a non-viable option.
Lastly, we have hybrid films. As the name suggests, these films combine the properties of both dyed and metallic films and offer better aesthetics, protection, and versatility. Depending on their needs, users can opt for any type of film and turn the existing glass in their vehicles into brand new.
Pros and Cons of Window Tint Film
There are several benefits of installing window films, turning your vehicle’s existing windows into powerful protectors. These tints are fully customizable, letting you opt for shades, material, and style of your choice.
Investing in quality window films from top window tint brands ensures better heat reduction and UV reduction. These brands use reliable manufacturing processes that speak for themselves. Good quality tints can offer privacy for those inside the vehicle, keeping prying eyes away from you.
These tints are replaceable and easily removable without damage to the vehicle window if you carefully remove the window tint glue.
On the contrary, there are certain limitations to using window films, especially if you go for cheap and low-grade options. Poor quality, badly installed films can develop bubbles and peel off early, ruining your vehicle’s look.
Thick metallic films often disrupt the signals inside the vehicle, hindering interaction between those inside such a vehicle and the outside world. This could be a problem where armoured VIP vehicles are used.
If any of these vehicles has a metallic tint, that vehicle will be cut off from the other armed vehicles, because proper radio communication won’t be possible. In VIP caravans, one vehicle not being in sync with the others can cause disturbance and can be dangerous in terms of security, too.
What Is Tinted Glass?
Tinted glass, or factory tint, is made by adding some levels of pigmentation during the glass manufacturing process. This tinted glass is installed on the vehicle’s body from the beginning. The tint in the glass is permanently added to it by the vehicle’s brand, and it doesn’t fade over time.
Tinted glass decides the levels of Visible light transmission for the vehicle and mostly ranges between the legal limits of 15% to 26% VLT. Many modern cars come with mildly tinted rear windows to reduce glare and add style.
Tinted glass is often favoured for its originality and longevity. However, it can’t beat high-quality aftermarket tint films as it offers less UV protection and heat reduction.
Pros and Cons of Tinted Glass
Factory installation of tinted glass makes it an ideal option for those looking for long-term privacy and protection in their vehicles.
Unlike window films, tinted glass doesn’t require replacement unless there is damage from natural disasters. It is very low-maintenance and permanent, so you don’t have to worry about its costs.
A major limitation of tinted glass would be its inability to offer much heat reduction or UV protection compared to window films. It also offers no customizations, and you don’t have options to choose from.
Which One Offers Better UV and Heat Protection?
As stated above, there is no way window films can be beaten when it comes to UV protection and heat reduction. Investing in quality ceramic window tint films, you’re making your vehicle’s interior way cooler and protected than any factory-installed glass can ever do.
Good-quality ceramic particles in tint films can block up to 99% of UV rays, thus protecting your skin and eyes against the harmful UVs. These tints can also reduce heat by blocking infrared waves. This enhances automotive energy efficiency by reducing the need to use air conditioning inside.
While factory-tinted glass can cause hindrance to VLT, it only blocks the light to make your vehicle interiors darker and provide daytime privacy. This glass can’t do much against heat waves or UVs.
If you’re someone who spends a lot of time driving on hot and sunny roads, heat and UV protection in daily life isn’t just a luxury for you. It is, rather, a necessity that you must invest in.
Investing in good tint films won’t only protect your skin from harmful UV-related diseases. It will also ensure the longevity of your vehicle’s upholstery and interior materials – something all vehicle owners want.
Cost Comparison: Window Film vs Tinted Glass
As it’s obvious, there’s no added cost you need to pay for factory tinted glass since it comes with the vehicle itself.
On the other hand, window tinting costs can vary depending on the material and brand. You can expect to pay around $100–$200 for dyed tint films, with these being the most affordable ones.
Ceramic films can cost anywhere between $300–$600, and high-quality metallic security films are also $500+. Certainly, window films cost more than tinted glass. However, the value and protection these bring are worth the price.
Make sure you invest in films from top manufacturing brands so there is minimal maintenance and fewer replacements required.
Window Film vs Tinted Glass: Key Differences
Let’s sum up the major differences between window films and tinted glasses:
| Feature | Factory-Tinted Glass | Aftermarket Window Film |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Rejection | Low to Basic | Considerable to High |
| UV Protection | Low | Up to 99% |
| Customization | Can't be customized | Allow full customization |
| Installation | During vehicle manufacturing | DIY / Professional Installers |
| Repairability | The entire glass needs replacement | Easily removable and replaceable |
| Legal Flexibility | Fixed | Adjustable as per regional laws |
Maintenance and Durability
With proper care and handling, Window film easily lasts 5–10 years. Make sure you softly wipe it regularly using a soft, damp cloth. Occasional window tint cleaning with mild, ammonia-free cleaners is recommended.
Factory-tinted glass needs no extra maintenance. It won’t fade or peel off. However, a tinted glass needs instant replacement of the whole piece of car window glass in case there is a crack or breakage.
A good quality film is mostly durable, and it can be easily replaced once it starts peeling or fading.
When to Choose Window Film vs Tinted Glass
Factory-tinted glass is ideal for those who want a stylish look and add privacy to their vehicle on a basic level. It is also a solid choice if you want a low-maintenance visibility option and don’t drive on hot, sunny roads during the day.
Window film is the only choice for you if you need added daytime privacy, UV protection, and heat reduction. It’s an ideal option for those who want high performance and aren’t ready to compromise on style. Get window tint films if you drive on long, hot roads during the day.
In short, while deciding between the two, you need to look into factors like your region’s climate and your driving preferences. Also, check what window tint percentage is legal in your region and what your local laws say about tinting.
FAQs
Q1: Can I purchase car films in retail?
Certainly! Contact Carlike for high-quality car films, whether you’re a retailer or wholesaler.
Q2: Is car window film legal in all states?
Yes, with varying VLT limits, car window film is legal everywhere. This makes it ideal as it can meet your needs while abiding by the legal requirements and can deliver top performance.
Q3: Does factory-tinted glass block UV rays?
Yes, but it can only partially block these rays, unlike aftermarket window films with high UV protection.
Q4: Will window film bubble or peel over time?
If it’s a low-quality film, it can peel and bubble. Always invest in ceramic and high-end tint films from reputable manufacturers.
Conclusion
Quality window films offer protection, are customizable, and replaceable. Whereas, tinted glass offers style and privacy, but can’t be repaired. Choose whichever suits your preferences and needs. If you’re looking for quality window films, contact CarLikeFilm today and get a personalized quote.
Need The Perfect Car Window Films? Contact Us Now!
At CarLikeFilm, we offer premium window film solutions and consultation that offer ultimate UV and heat protection without compromising on style. Our films have been benefiting individuals and retailers alike, who can vouch for our unmatched standards.
Contact us and get a free quote for your individual or bulk window tinting needs! We can’t wait to help you achieve your vehicle dreams with us!
