Since they’re tints on a fundamental level, heat-blocking window tints certainly make your car appear as if it’s out of a video game. In places where the sun shines bright and hot, though, it’s more about the practicality of them than the aesthetics. We all want the best of both worlds; one wants both the benefits of window tints plus the looks upgrade as well. So, the trick to getting that is knowing how to choose the right type of heat-blocking window tint. In this blog post, we’ll talk about that.
Why Heat-Blocking Tint Matters
Anyone that has ever opened their car door on a 90-degree day knows the blast of hot air that hits is straight from the pits of hell. Sure, modern technology can allow you to turn on the air conditioner before you enter the car—thank you for that, engineers—but not every car has that feature yet. However, every car can have a good window tint, which essentially does the same thing but passively. You see, films have been shown to drop the temperature inside the cabin by 30 to 60%. This makes the cabin actually accessible on a hot Sunday afternoon, results in less strain on the A/C (which ends up promoting better fuel economy), and even protects the seats and dashboard from fading and cracking.
To add on top of that, car window tinting done properly with the right type of film can block out over 99% of harmful UV rays. That protects your skin and your interior. It’s like sunscreen for your car, in a way. Ceramic tints are the top-tier picks of the window tinting world that even reduce glare, which makes a huge difference in terms of visibility and riding comfort during times when the sunlight directly hits your eyes or at night when those massive white LEDs on a pickup truck come shining down the highway.
Types of Window Tint That Actually Work
Tints come in a variety of shapes and forms, just like every other product in the world out there. Some fade fast; others might mess up your phone signal (yeah, that happens). So, here are the options:
- Dyed Film: Cheap and decent for heat absorption, but fades over time.
- Metalized Film: Reflects heat well, durable, but can interfere with GPS, radio, and mobile signals.
- Carbon Film: Offers solid heat rejection, won’t fade, and doesn’t block signals.
- Ceramic Film: Top-shelf stuff. Excellent heat and UV rejection, clear visibility, no signal issues. Expensive but worth it.
If you’re in it for long-term performance, ceramic or carbon are your best bets. Dyed film? Only if you’re trying to save cash short-term and just want some basic heat absorption.
Don’t Forget the Law
Window tinting is legal across the United States, but there certainly are specific window tint rules across the states. For example, West Virginia tint laws demand:
- Front side windows must allow over 35% light through.
- Windshield tint can only be applied to the top five inches.
- Back side and rear windows can be darker.
Basically, if you’re getting tint done in West Virginia, make sure your installer knows the law. If your windows are darker than legal, it isn’t going to land you in jail as it isn’t a criminal offense, but it is an infraction and can get you a fine—and you might be asked to remove the tints on the spot.
Professional vs. DIY: It’s Not Just a Price Thing
Sure, DIYs are extremely tempting and arguably fun. However, applying film sounds a lot easier than it really is. Bubbles, creases, edge lifting—all are harder to deal with than you might think. A job that a professional does certainly tends to cost a bit more, but it saves major headaches down the line. Furthermore, reputable companies often offer massive warranties on the film, but those are void if you do not install the film as per the manufacturer’s guidelines—which are, frankly, impossible to follow to the T without the right tools and expertise.
Taking Care of Your Tint
Once the tint has been installed, you must maintain it. It isn’t too much effort, so don’t stress this part too much. For cleaning windows, just use ammonia-free cleaners and soft cloths. And if you notice any peeling or bubbling, take instant action. That’s it.
Bottom Line
The best heat-blocking tint is the one that fits your needs, your budget, and your legal limits. Ceramic and carbon films lead the pack and are absolutely worth the initial investment. And always make sure your tint job follows local laws, no matter how subtle the section.
