Regular vs Ceramic Window Tint: A Buyer’s Guide
Car window tinting offers many benefits to the driver and occupants. Tinted windows keep your car’s interior safe from sunlight exposure which leads to fading. Besides, if you ride in a tinted car, you will notice it feels cooler than the outside weather. Tints make it difficult for people to see what is inside hence giving you much-needed privacy and security. Above all, your car looks stylish as the tinted film highlights and makes its appearance noticeable.
Is a tinted film on your car windows a worthy investment? As you will shortly find out, the material is all-weather and can last for up to five years. If you are among motorists that think one tint type is as good as any other, you are in for a surprise. Ceramic and regular window tints are two common variants among motorists in California. There are benefits and downsides, and it would be best to understand them to make an informed choice.
Without further ado, belt up as we get on a drive to unravel the secrets beneath these two window tint categories.
Ceramic Tint
Ceramic tint comprises an infusion of titanium nitride, with millions of these particles forming a thin layer of film. It boasts a non-reflective hue that stops it from fading. Besides, it does not yield a reflective glow associated with other types of tints. Another aspect of the ceramic tint is its lifespan. It has no metallic components resulting in non-interference with GPS, radio, and mobile phone signals.
Here are four solid advantages of installing ceramic tints:
1. Protection From UV Rays
There are three emission types from the sun, and these are UVB, UVA, and IR. UVB or Ultraviolet-B radiation has harmful effects, including skin cancer, sunburn, thickening and darkening of the skin’s outer layer. Ultraviolet-A (UVA) forms 98.7% of the light that reaches the earth. It causes skin aging, melanoma, and fading of dyes and paints. Ceramic tint blocks 99.9% of these ultraviolet rays.
2. Heat Resistance
NASA fitted ceramic tiles at the bottom of its spaceship, which protected astronauts from intense heat when the orbiter re-entered earth. That speaks volumes about ceramic tints heat resistance capacity. With the film on your car windows, you can rest assured of a cool interior, especially when driving in hot weather.
3. Ceramic Tiles do Not Interfere with Electronic Signals
Metallic components in some types of window tints block radio, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile phone signals. Thanks to nano-ceramic technology, you can enjoy crystal clear signal transmission.
4. Enhanced Privacy by Day
Ceramic window tints yield a dark color on your car windows when viewed from outside. One cannot see what is inside, meaning that your valuables are safe.
5. Clear Visibility at Night
One of the main concerns of people thinking about tinting their windows is if the tint will interfere with their visibility while they’re driving at night. Some laws state that drivers can only install a transparent strip of film on the top four or five inches of their windshield that allows 70% of light in, they still may have concerns about tinting their front or back side windows.
Fortunately, ceramic window film offers superior visibility, even while driving at night. It also drastically reduces sun glare. This makes it easier to drive while the sun is setting.
6. Durability
The stylish look on your car lasts long as ceramic tints do not fade. Strength is another feature associated with durability. Ceramic tinted car windows do not break easily.
Pros:
- Blocks harmful rays of the sun.
- It does not add thermal stress to windows.
- Is non-metallic offering no interference to electronic signals.
- Enhances privacy.
- Durable
Cons:
- Pricey
Regular Window Tint
Regular window tint, also referred to as standard window tinting, comprises dyed polyester or laminate sheets with light to dark color variations. A scratch-resistant coating protects the film from wear and tear. It also features gradations from 10% to 90%, with a low percentage representing tints that block more light than high ones.
While the standard window tint blocks sun rays and prevents glare, it only does to a certain extent. UV rays will still penetrate through the tint, meaning it is less effective than ceramic type. In other words, the material is less functional but good for aesthetic appeal.
Yet, a standard tint can help you achieve that by using a darker film if seeking privacy. The only problem is that the material will be more reflective when viewed from the outside.
About cost, regular window tints are cheaper than ceramic tints, but their short lifespan erodes cost savings made. Once you tint your windows with this material, it wears out fast and forces you to replace it.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Serves the intended purpose: blocks light and absorbs some heat.
- It offers some degree of privacy.
Cons:
- It does not last long
- Allows more heat into the car
- It is prone to damage
- Interferes with electronic signals
Your Verdict
A glossy touch of paint, or a new set of rims are some of the smart ways of customizing your car. However, giving it a good window tint is most beneficial. Most cars you will see at dealership locations have factory-installed tints on the rear passenger windows. Apart from providing an aesthetic enhancement, these serve no further purpose and only act as privacy glass.
The truth is that with a high-quality window film, you will enjoy privacy, block UV rays, reduce your car’s interior temperature, and enjoy uninterrupted cell phone reception. We have shared valuable information to help you find the tint that best meets your needs.
Establish why you require the tint, which could block UV light during the hot summer months while lowering the car’s interior temperature. Ceramic tints offer the best protection against the sun’s rays.
UV rays damage the interior trim, upholstery, and dashboard, while prolonged exposure damages your skin and can cause skin cancer. You will also want a tint that does not fog up your windows, and this is where ceramic tints excel.
For longevity, aesthetics, and protection, a ceramic window tint is the best choice. Is it privacy you seek, overall appearance, or interior temperature regulation? What is your budget?
Talk to us Today
You are now wiser and can choose the window tint you want. Would you like professional assistance in determining the best window tint for your car. At California Tint, decades of tint installation experience put us in an excellent position to advise and upgrade your car windows. Talk to us today and we’ll be more than willing to assist.
