Window tinting is one of the best and cheapest ways to give your car an entirely new look and feel. It can make your ride cooler plus offer several incredible benefits to you and your care. Now the question is, how much does it cost to tint windows?
The cost to tint car windows will range from about $100 to $400. The cost will vary depending on how many windows you want to be tinted and the type of car. Other factors that could affect the cost to tint are as follows:
- Number of windows and type of tint
- Local laws
- Make and model of your car
- Age of your car
- Whether it is the first time for your car to get tinted
- Tint quality
- Performance warranty
It would be best to save up and get the higher-end tint job instead of settling for cheap ones. If you’re only willing to spend less than $100, it’s better that you spend it all on a fancy dinner. You will be a whole lot happier.
Read on to learn more about the cost of tinting the windows on your car and how to spot a good deal.
How Much Does It Cost to Tint Windows?
Cheapest Method to Upgrade the Car’s Appearance
As mentioned earlier, window tinting is one of the cheapest ways to upgrade the looks of your car. Note, though, that it is only in the relative sense. You will be getting what you paid for regarding automotive window tints, so don’t be a cheapskate.
Average Cost for Window Tints
How much does window tinting cost? On average, if you want a passable window tint job, expect to pay no less than $100. This can also increase depending on certain factors. If you go for a fancy one, you can expect to pay around $400 to $500.
The $100-$400 price range for window tints is just the average cost. Many factors can further increase it, so you should set a modest budget with room for adjustments.
Factors That Affect Window Tint Price
The cost of professional window tinting usually varies depending on the shop and other factors. Here are some of them:
1. Number of Windows and Type of Tint
Window tint cost will largely depend on the size and how many windows you plan to cover. The type of tint you intend to use also contributes to the final cost. The materials used for making them and the technology are huge factors that affect the price of window tints. For instance, it will be cheaper to tint a sedan’s windows than a minivan or an SUV.
2. Local Laws
Another factor in determining the cost of window tinting is the local laws. For instance, some states have strict laws against extremely dark window tints.
3. Make and Model of Your Car
The price you will be paying for the window tint also depends on your car’s actual make and model. The reason is that you can’t expect all cars to be manufactured the same. A minor percentage of the car industry is more challenging to tint than the others.
That said, your chosen tinting shop may ask you regarding your vehicle’s make and model upon your visit. Don’t get alarmed when they raise such a question, as their goal is not to make you pay more money. They would like to give you a clear estimate of the service costs when tinting the car.
If you have a car with curved rear windows, expect to pay more. Also, you will be paying more money if more areas require tinting. This means that beetles and SUVs are more expensive to tint than sedans.
4. Age of your Car
The cost of tinting will also differ based on the age of your vehicle. This does not necessarily mean that tinting shops prefer to tint only brand-new cars. It is just that older vehicles are harder to tint. The higher level of tinting difficulty may increase the total cost you will be paying for the project.
5. Car Has Old Tint
There is a high likelihood of paying higher if you own a car that already has a tint. The reason is that you will also be paying for tint removal service. If you want to save money for replacing the old tint, look for the same provider.
This means seeking the services of the same tinting provider where your car was first tinted. Their familiarity with your window tint can surely help drop down the cost even for a bit.
6. Tint Quality
In the world of automotive films, you have two options:
- Low-quality Films, and
- High-quality Films.
Either of the two can significantly impact the window tint’s average cost. If you have a tight budget, you may go for the cheaper and lower-quality one.
However, it is not advisable as it has minimal benefits. Go for a high-quality one if you want to make the most out of your investment. Prepare to spend a bit more to ensure that you will enjoy the quality and overall performance of the tint.
7. Performance Warranty
It is also advisable to inquire about the warranty policies of a particular tinting shop in your locality. The reason is that this also affects the cost. Almost every shop that offers custom window tinting for cars also provides clients with a warranty.
You can find some of these warranties lasting for one year. Others, on the other hand, offer lifetime warranties. Check the scope and length of the warranty. This helps find a window tinting service that fits your budget while providing a good warranty.
Types of Window Tints
If you have decided to tint the windows of your cars, then take note that you have a few options. Keep in mind that not all car window tints are the same. Some products are better in terms of quality than others; hence, their prices are higher.
To give you an idea, here are three types of window tinting film used today:
1. Ceramic
Ceramic window tinting film is the best quality that is available right now. As the name suggests, this window film does not contain metals or dyes. It uses ceramic particles to give this product a distinct color instead. Since it has no metals, it does not block the signals that smartphones, GPS, and radios need to work. However, it is expensive as it goes through a complicated manufacturing process.
2. Dyed
Most Affordable Window Tinting Film
If ceramic is the most expensive, dyed window tints are the most affordable window tinting film that you will find. This is the first type of window tinting film introduced in the market. It has not changed much since it was first released. A thin layer of dye goes between the film and the adhesive in the manufacturing process.
Can Block UV Rays
When they first came out, dyed window tints did not do much to block the sun’s UV rays. However, the modern versions do, though, it is still not quite as well compared to other tints.
Fades Quickly
Because they are not UV-resistant, the dye in this window film would fade rather quickly. After months of direct sun exposure, the black film would turn purple, brown, and sometimes even completely clear.
3. Carbon
Effectively Blocks IR and UV Light
Instead of dyes, carbon window tints use carbon particles to effectively block IR and UV light. This helps keep the interior of the car cool. It does not contain any metal, so it will not cause any interference. It is also highly resistant to fading.
Tend to Create a Lot of Glare and Haze
However, the problem with carbon window films is that they tend to create a lot of glare and haze. This can significantly affect the driver’s visibility. A carbon film is a bit more expensive than dyed but still cheaper than ceramic in terms of cost.
Again, how much does it cost to tint windows? A car window tinting can cost between $100 to $400. Factors such as the number of windows that need tinting, make and model of car, car’s age, tint quality, performance warranty, etc., affect said cost.
Benefits of Tinting Windows
Should you tint your car windows? Here are some benefits of tinting that should encourage you to pay for that service:
1. Prevents the Upholstery from Fading
You invested a lot of money buying your car, so naturally, you would want to preserve it forever. One way to do that is to keep the interior upholstery looking new.
Parking your car in the shade and using a windshield visor can protect the interior somewhat. You should install window tint to block the harmful rays from the sun consistently. Aside from preventing the upholstery from fading, they will also keep them from drying up and cracking.
2. Blocks UV Rays
A good-quality window tint can block up to 99% of the harmful UV rays from the sun. Ultraviolet light, commonly called UV rays, is one of the colors in the sunlight spectrum. It is also the most destructive.
Prolonged exposure to UV rays can result in sunburn, darkening of the skin, wrinkles, and in extreme cases, skin cancer. If you spend time driving in your car, invest in a good quality window tint. This is so you can keep the sun’s UV rays from damaging your skin.
3. Protects You from Shattered Glass
Aside from making your car look cool, window film can also help make it a whole lot safer. Although tempered glass breaks into relatively harmless bits when it shatters, having a window film adds another layer of protection.
It does so by keeping the hundreds of thousands of bits of tempered glass from flying out in the air. Moreover, thieves can’t do a smash-and-grab as they can’t break through the window.
4. Offers Privacy and Security
Installing window tints will provide you and your family protection from prying eyes whenever you go out on the road. Moreover, your valuables will have protection from the prying eyes of thieves. It can, therefore, provide enough privacy and security.
Can You Put Tint on Your Car by Yourself?
Going the DIY route is viable if your budget is tight, but you still want to install window tint. It seems like a straightforward task, right? Not really. Many other tasks go into window tinting than simply slapping it on the glass.
Why You Should Avoid the DIY Route for Car Tinting
As much as possible, seek the help of a professional installer, especially if you have no idea about DIY tinting. Try to avoid the DIY route because of the following reasons:
1. Lack of Knowledge Regarding Local Window Tint Regulations
Unless you are familiar with the local ordinances regarding window tints, it is not advisable to DIY the process. Some cities consider “excessively” dark window tints as a road safety hazard.
The problem here is that what’s acceptable window darkness is kind of up for debate. Professional installers know what kind of window tints are legal in your city or state. They would not be selling anything considered illegal as it will also affect their business.
2. Poor Quality
Odds are, if you are planning to DIY your car’s tint, you will be buying your materials online. If that’s the case, you are probably searching for the cheapest ones you can find. The problem here is that you will most likely get what you paid for.
Using the cheapest brand will be a bad idea. You might be getting a window tint that is not durable. It may also fade quickly and is incapable of keeping the interiors cool. To avoid that, choose the service of a professional.
3. Lack of a Clean Work Area
It is possible to apply window tint outdoors. However, note that the conditions also need to be right for you to get a good or even passable application. This ensures that no debris will land on the window before applying the window film. If even a bit of dust gets on the window, it will cause bubbles in the window tint.
Mentioned are only a few reasons why it is never a good idea to DIY car window tint installation. If you cannot afford to do it professionally, save enough money and have it done later.
Conclusion – Cost to Tint Car Windows
If you are thinking of getting your car windows tinted, prepare anywhere between $100 to $400 for a professional installation. The price may also be affected by these factors:
- Number of windows and type of tint
- Local laws
- Make and model of your car
- Age of your car
- Whether it is the first time for your car to get tinted
- Tint quality
- Performance warranty
You can find some services that charge a lot less than the average price to tint car windows. However, it is best to save enough for a proper window tint installation. Cheap automotive window tints are more trouble than they are worth. This means it would be better to spend a bit more to ensure a successful and trouble-free installation.
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