Tint or Film: Understanding the Difference

Shaded windows on your car provide many benefits. They help keep the sun from blinding you when you are driving toward it. They increase privacy. Some can even protect you and your car’s interior from the damaging effects of UV rays. How do you know the difference between window tint and film and which one you should choose?

Window Tint

Window tint typically refers to the shading of the glass done by the manufacturer. It may involve film but more often, it is a colorization of the glass itself. As far as the darkening of the glass itself, this can only be done at the factory prior to installation. This glass makes it more difficult for people to see inside your car. While darker glass can be useful as far as privacy concerns go, however, it does not automatically mean that the glass will keep out heat and UV rays. If it does not, you may want to consider window film.

Window Film

Technicians who specialize in auto glass repair and service can add window tint film to your vehicle. It can not only increase privacy by limiting visibility from the outside, but it can also help reduce glare from the sun. Window tint film works like sunscreen for everything and everyone in your car. It can protect your upholstery from fading or cracking, and it can help prevent the dreaded driver’s tan that happens when one arm is exposed to UV rays more than the other.

Choosing Tint or Film

If you are happy with the tinted glass the manufacturer installed on your car, you are probably not going to seek extra window tint film. If, however, you want darker glass to keep out prying eyes, or you find that the sun’s glare is too much to handle on your morning commute, having film added to your windows can help