Decoding car window tint options
Car window tinting technology has seen considerable improvement in recent years. So if you’re considering upgrading your car window tint, you may well have heard of the ceramic window tint advantages that make it a great choice for your vehicle. In this Solar Style blog post, we take a look at some of the key points of comparison between ceramic tint and regular tint.
Cheap and simple dyed window films
The most common type of car window tint is a dyed film. Made of a thin laminate polyester sheet, this comes in darker or lighter gradients, typically in some shade of grey or dark brown. These tints keep the sun out by blocking the light in the same way as a pair of sunglasses block light from your eyes. They suffer from two main weaknesses:
- Easily damaged — The thin laminate is susceptible to scratches. A protective coating is usually applied — but over time this will fail and the tint will lose effectiveness as it gets worn away.
- Increased thermal stress — Window tint film blocks light rather than reflecting it. This means that the energy is absorbed by the film. This raises the temperature of the film and of your car’s glass windows. In extreme cases this extra thermal stress can cause damage.
However, where this type of automotive window tint excels is in cost — regular tints offer an extremely affordable way to tint your car windows. So it can be a great option if you’re looking for a budget-conscious option.
Ceramic window tint advantages
Ceramic window tints also come as a film. Instead of being a simple dyed laminate however, ceramic film is coated in nano-ceramic particles that reflect UV light. This cuts down on both glare and heat transmission, meaning that driving is easier and the windows are subject to less thermal stress. The only drawback to ceramic car window tint is that it oxidises relatively quickly. The film’s shade lightens; this occurs in dyed laminate film and carbon films too but at a slightly slower rate.
However, ceramic window tint is stronger and less susceptible to abrasive damage, nicks or tears — so it will last longer than comparable dyed window film.
Are the benefits of ceramic window tint worth the cost?
It is hard to overstate the benefits of ceramic window tint compared to other options. In laboratory tests ceramic tint outperforms regular tint on practically every measure, including glare reduction, heat absorption, UV ray rejection and structural stability. Ceramic window tint is more expensive — but if you want a top of the line product that will last, ceramic window tint has advantages that laminate does not. To find out more about ceramic window tint and whether it is the right choice for your vehicle, contact us today at Solar Style.