Window tinting is a highly popular service that has been around for decades. It involves the process of adding a thin film to the windows of cars, homes, and buildings in order to reduce light transmission and increase privacy. Despite its widespread use, there are still many myths surrounding window tinting that need to be debunked. In this article, we will explore some of these myths and highlight the true benefits of professional window tinting.
1. Window tint is primarily for the look of your vehicle.
While window tint provides privacy and adds sleekness to your vehicle, benefits go far beyond that. Tinting your windows also:
Blocks up to 98% of heat and UV rays to help protect your interior and upholstery from discoloration and cracking.
Keeps yourself, electronics and pets cool and comfortable
Is physician approved to block skin damaging UV rays
Increases battery life of your electric vehicle by decreasing the use of your air conditioner.
2. Window tint is illegal.
Every state has their own respective window tint laws. As long as your window tint is legal in the state you live in, you can not be ticketed in another state. Maryland’s tint laws are unique for different vehicles. We offer 70%, 50%, 35%, 20%, and 5%.
Full windshield tint is illegal; the 6” strip (eyebrow or sunstrip) at the top of your windshield IS legal.
Sedan - All windows (including rear) must be no darker than 35%.
SUV/Truck - Front two windows must be no darker than 35%. Back windows and rear window can be any shade/light blocking level.
3. Only the darkest tint blocks the sun.
When window tinting first hit the scene, this was true. New ceramic and nano-particle technology allows for 88-98% of heat and UV blocking, no matter what level of light passes through the film. This means windows with 20% and 70% have the same heat and uv protection.
Lighter films are great for the car enthusiast that doesn’t want to altar the look of their vehicle, but is still looking for glare and brightness reduction as well as heat blocking.
4. Window tint can lower the resale value of your car.
A high-quality film that is properly installed adds to the appearance of your vehicle, but more importantly, it can help you maintain the value of your vehicle by protecting the interior. If your vehicle is frequently in the sunlight, it’s important to protect cloth and vinyl from discoloration and leather from becoming brittle and cracking. Otherwise, this exposure to the sun will actually lower your vehicle’s resale value.
5. All window tint cracks, fades, or peels.
Although this is true only for lower-quality films, it is not the same for high-quality window films. High-quality window tint film will not fade or turn purple, peel, crack, or bubble. In fact, most well-made films come with some type of manufacturer warranty that often covers the film for it’s lifetime. In some cases, these warranties are also transferrable and can be used at manufacturer- approved service stations across the country.
We'd love to help you make the best choice for your vehicle's window tint. If you have any questions, or when you are ready to make the move on your next purchase with APC, give us a shout!