|
Tinted Windows
Tinted (darkened) car windows have been popular
for many years. A light tinting can reduce
UV rays (which can harm a car's interior)
and keep a car cooler in the summer. Darker
tinting can add privacy and up a car's "sex
appeal" while reducing break-ins and
theft of contents by making it harder to
see items left inside the car. If the tinted
is accomplished by applying a plastic film
to the interior, there is the added benefit
of increased scratch and breakage resistance.
If you are in the market for
tinting your
windows, here are some tips:
- tinted glass - offered by the manufacturer,
these are glass windows that already embody
the tinting. Tinted glass generally has only
a light tint, but may include heavier tinting
in the "visor" region at the top
of windshields. These windows generally conform
to the strictest state guidelines on tinting.
- tinted film - this plastic film has a sticky
side that is used to attach the film to the
inside of the window. Tinted film is considerably
less expensive than tinted glass, but it
can be tricky to apply and may start to crack
or bubble in only a few years.
- spray on coatings - sprays allow for even
coatings that can outlast film; however,
applying the coating generally requires removing
the glass from the car before spraying.
Be sure to check your state's regulations
on tinting. As some types and degrees of
tinting can obscure vision (both the driver's
and that of law enforcement), many states
have laws governing which windows can be
tinted and to what degree. |
|
|
