Tinting the windows on a car is a great way to reduce the heat that is transmitted from the sun's rays and thereby reduce the amount of heat in the car. In turn, you might be able to use the air conditioning a little less. Window tinting can also make a car look more attractive and provide at least a little more privacy for its occupants. Whether you are having a shop do the tinting or you are trying to tackle it yourself, there are few tips that might help makes the process easier.
When you are deciding on which tint to use for your car, do not make the mistake of choosing a tint that is too dark. States have guidelines for how dark you can tint your windows, particularly the front door glass and the windshield. The last thing you want is to end up with a car that is illegal for street use. Tint that is too dark can also be dangerous, particularly at night, since outward visibility can be greatly compromised. Check your local laws.
Applying tint to a car by yourself can be a very difficult process, particularly if you want the results to be as good as a shop. If you are doing it yourself, apply the tint somewhere shaded, dust-free area like a garage. The ideal temperature for the tint to adhere properly to the glass is from 40 to 98 degrees Fahrenheit. Measure your windows as precisely as you can to find out how much tint you will need and then order some extra just in case. When you are cutting the tint, use some type of brace to rest the cutting tool against so that you get a straight cut that doesn't look sloppy.
Depending on how you are going about it, tinting your car windows can range drastically in price. If you are having a shop do it, it might range from as little as $100 for a less established shop up to as much as $400 or more if it is a high-end shop. Factors that influence the cost also include the size of the car (obviously a small car is going to cost less than a larger car), the type of tinting film that is being used and whether there is any type of warranty that comes with the tinting. If you are doing it yourself, you can get a high quality kit for $60 to $80, and even less if you go with a cheaper tint, although this is an area where you probably do not want to skimp on quality.
