It is the climate pattern in your area that defines, whether your car requires tinting and what light transmittance factor shall be used. Whatever the case, the tint film shall ensure maximum protection against sunlight. This is also true for cold regions where the sun does not appear very often. Modern manufacturers offer a vast number of options of window films: they are all divided into six different types. If you know each one's benefits, it will be easy enough to make the right choice. So, what is the best film to buy for this or that car?
Varieties of tint films
Colored
The ideal choice for those whose budget is limited: the material is relatively inexpensive. Manufacturers apply several layers of dye to the film to block out sunlight and absorb heat. The coating is opaque which is a good choice for increased privacy. However, unlike other film options, it cannot provide reliable protection for the car. Moreover, the thermal protection level of this material is low. In addition, the colored tint burns out over time: you will have to change it quite often.
Metallized
This tint reflects heat and blocks light due to the tiny metal particles added thereto. With its excellent scratch resistance, it makes the glass more durable and increases its resistance to breakage.
The signature advantages of dark metallized window coverings include:
- heat blocking;
- light protection;
- UV exposure prevention.
The metallized film will be able to serve for a long time and will not lose its excellent technical characteristics in the process of operation.
Ceramic
Due to ceramic particles contained therein that are known for their non-conductive properties, it can provide a high-quality tint. This type of coating is a novelty that has already proven to be effective. Similar to the metalized tint, the ceramic film blocks up to 50% of the solar heat and does not impair visibility. However, unlike the metallized film, it neither adversely affects the operation of electronic equipment nor blocks signals. Ceramic coating has many benefits:
- it is not subject to fading and glare;
- it increases the strength of glass;
- detains up to 99% of UV rays, and protects the cabin from their adverse effects.
How to choose a film depending on the percentage of light transmittance
- 5% - passersby see nothing in the interior;
- 10% - passersby can only see the vague outlines of the driver and passengers;
- 15% - passersby will be able to see the silhouettes of people in the car;
- 20% - passersby can see the faces of the passengers and the driver;
- 35% - passersby can see objects and people;
- 50% - passersby do not have to make an effort to see what is inside the car;
- 70% - passersby can see the interior of the car.
The light transmittance for the car windshield shall be at least 75%, for the front side windows - 70%. The percentage of light transmittance of other car windows is not regulated.
