A Complete Guide to Window Tint Percentages

Individuals that desire to tint the windows in their vehicles must know the various percentages of window tinting. You need to know Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentages to be selected to a large extent.Being a rather broad choice, it may be difficult to pick the correct tint level when one is first getting used to car customization. Which of them should I prefer, a darker color or a light one? Which VLT percentage is the most suitable one on my face? The appropriate information will also enable you to make your decision with confidence.

Various degrees of window tint can be selected to the car to get the desired appearance, ensure privacy and still attain necessary safety and performance requirements. The tint of the window is not only beautiful, but also serves the useful purpose of filtering out the dangerous UV rays, and also prevents overheating of your vehicle during the sunny days. This guide is going to detail what window tinting percentage is, and the important advantages of having it in a vehicle.

The most important concept in getting the idea of how the tinting of the window works is the percentage of the tint. The percentage is the Visible Light Transmission (VLT) showing the amount of visible light that passed through the tinted glass.

In an example, a 25 percent tint would only permit 25 percent of exterior light that is outside to pass through thereby making the window remarkably darker than treated glass.

The window tints are normally provided in 5%, 15%, 35%, 50% and 70% VLTs. To keep in mind: the smaller the percentage, the more intense is the tint. A 5 percent tint causes the window to be very dark with only 5 percent of light coming through on the other hand a 70 percent tint lets in a lot more light say 70 percent. This line supports various requirements and tastes, be it stylish look, lower glare or privacy.

When selecting a tinting percentage of windows in your car, you have to know what you are getting with each percentage. These ratings are commonly known as VLT which is Visible Light Transmission. The VLT value is used to identify the amount of visible light that will be transmitted through the glass (that influences glare, visibility, heat rejection, and privacy). We are going to discuss some popular tint levels, their characteristics, and the way each of them will influence your driving experience below.

• Light and Subtle: This is permitting a large amount of natural light to enter with a minor glare reduction.
• Advantages: almost invisible look, UV protection and clear visibility. 
• Best For: Front windshield and drivers that want the look of factory (where legal). 

One of the lightest choices is the 80% tint. It provides sun protection without altering an original appearance of the car. This high-transmission tint helps to block the harmful UV rays and other small glare as well as being almost transparent, this is ideal to those drivers who would only like a slight tint of shade in their windows without darkening their windows significantly.

• Slightly Darker: Lighter in color than 80 and has a greater UV block and better glare control. 
• Advantages: It aids in reducing the interior temperatures and prevents the fading of the cabin. 
• Best For: Best when used as a front-window experience in most states in the United States of America. 

A 70 tint will allow approximately 70 percent of light to pass through and prevent the rest 30 percent. It has adequately lowered heat and glare that can keep your cabin cooler and your air conditioner running less which can just marginally enhance fuel efficiency. This is a shade that is very visible and at the same time provides the car with a smoother, clean appearance. 

• Balanced Option: Finds the optimal compromise between clarity, comfort, and protection. 
• Advantages: Blocks the intensity of the sun and blocks UV rays that harm your eyes but do not affect your sight. 
• Best For: Drivers who are long time on the road and would not care about sacrificing comfort to visibility. 

A half tint can be used to get half the sunlight into the building, and the visibility is good without much glare. It prominently makes it more comfortable as it will cut down on eye strain and heat indoors. This level of tint is allowed in many states, however, it is always smart to check your jurisdiction.

• Popular Choice: Has sleek look and good heat and glare control.
• Advantages: It lowers the amount of glare produced, shields against UV rays and provides your vehicle with a smooth, contemporary appearance
• Best For: side and rear windows where a darker shade is desirable. 

Car owners like the 35% tint, as it is found to have the best balance between visibility and privacy. It reflects over half of the sunlight and thus keeps the cabin colder and reduces the use of AC. It is black enough to be fancy and at the same time light enough to drive at night. Confirm that it is allowed by your local laws on front windows.

• Dark Appearance: Provides the utmost level of privacy and a striking appearance. 
• Advantages: Cools significantly the interior, is more stylish, and less glare.
• Best For: Speaks to drivers who value their privacy and appearance, and is possible by local laws.

The tint that permits only a quarter of the visible light to pass is called 25 percent, and since sunlight mainly contains visible light, it blocks approximately three-quarters of it. It offers excellent privacy and heat rejection but has the ability to make it less visible during low-light situations like at night or on cloudy days.This darker shade always make sure that it meets your state regulation before it is installed.

• Level of factory tint: This shade is of the most ordinary SUVs and pickup trucks with their factory models.
• Advantages: There are high levels of privacy, reduced glare and cabin comfort.
• Best For: It is the rear windows and when privacy is a consideration.

A 20 percent color permits the entry of only a fifth of external light, and prevents some 80 percent. Besides improving the level of style, it provides a good shield against the sun and prying eyes. Since it is very dark, it will greatly lower visibility during cloudy days or night hence most laws do not allow 20 percent film to be used on the front side windows. The legal front window minimum of VLT is about 22% in most states in the U.S. Be sure to verify each state regulation prior to installation.

• Conspicuously Dark: Offers a high degree of privacy and high level of heat rejection.
• Advantages: Hides valuables that are in your car and it cools down the inside of your car.
• Best For: Cargo areas and rear passenger.

A 15 percent tint allows approximately 15 percent of the visible light to pass through the tint which excludes the other 85 percent of the light. It is so dark in color that it is virtually impossible to peep through it, but it also serves to reduce sun glare and headlight reflections. Tint laws vary by state; therefore, check the local limit to apply this level to guarantee compliance.

• Very Dark Tint: This shade is nearly opaque to the indoor, even on the sunny day.
• Advantages: The highest level of privacy, the best level of UV protection, and good glare management.
• Best For: Rear glass used on the vehicles that have to be totally confidential.

Having a tint of 10 percent, one-tenth of the sunlight passes into the cabin and the rest of the 90 percent is blocked. This offers all but complete privacy and good protection against the sun, yet the sight out of the inside is hampered--at least at night. The world outside the car is low-resolution and a bit blurry as seen through the window of the driver seat. Apply this color in areas where there is a high need of privacy and where it is not a legal problem.

• Ultra-Dark: This shade is what is referred to as limo tint, and it lets through very little light.
• Advantages: 100 percent privacy, unsurpassed glare suppression and excellent UV protection.
• Best For: Limousines, personal cars or back window areas where one does not have to look out of the window.
• Note: In most states of the United States, it is illegal on front windows.

A 5 percent tint prevents approximately 95 percent of the incoming light, and this is the most private that can be attained. Outwardly, the inside is hardly visible, a fact why it is the limo standard. This color not only causes a strong decrease in glare caused by the sun and headlights, but it also reduces the amount of heat in the interiors and protects against UV rays, which are harmful to people. It makes the car look smooth and high-end as well. Due to the differentness of laws, it is best to verify your local limitations before wearing this shade.

• Opaid Effect: Scatters out all visible light.
• Advantages: Complete privacy and complete UV and heat rejection.
• Best For: Display cars or off-road and special-purpose use (illlegal on the streets).

A tint of 0 in turn referred to as the blackout film will not permit light to enter through the glass. It provides total privacy and maximum UV protection that safeguard the passengers and interior materials against damages. Lack of visibility, however, makes it unfit to be used in normal traffic. Due to this, the majority of states do not allow 0% tint on any window with 4-wheel vehicles. A color that will give maximum privacy without jeopardizing safety or legality should always be selected.

To optimize the right window tint percentage, it is necessary to consider the best balance between visibility and UV protection. Nearly all states permit approximately 50 percent VLT of the driver and front passenger windows, with rear side and back windows frequently being darker- typically less than 35 percent VLT. The reason why this level is so popular is that it provides a good combination of privacy, protection, and clear visibility. Although darker ones are more private and heat rejection is better, always check with the law of your state on the window tints law before installing them.

It is easy to select the shade of tint in untreated windows of a car. But when your car already has dark tinted windows, then you will have to test the darkness of your windows first before adding more dark film.

The VLT of the new glass is obtained by multiplying the VLT of the factory glass by the VLT of the new film.

Example: Glass in factories passes through 60 percent of visible light and the tint film has VLT of 50.

60% × 50% = 30% total VLT

This implies that the completed window can only admit 30 percent of visible light through it - which or may not be within the rules of the state regarding tints.

The question to ask before installation is always to check the light intensity or darkness of your windows. To be on the safe side, go to an expert tint installer. There is a tint meter which can be used to check your present VLT and they can assist you to select a film that is more to your style and not exceeding legal boundaries.

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