Knowing what your car needs most is the first step in choosing automotive film. First, think about glass protection, sunlight control, comfort, and privacy. Consider driving factors and local laws, and then think about the environment and driving habits. Lastly, consider visibility.
Being able to compare darkness levels is helpful, but just understanding 35 tint on car will not help determine how well a film will perform in the real world. There are many factors that can affect a film’s performance, such as the technology used, the quality of the glass, the film’s installation, and the film’s technology.
Understanding the Main Types of Automotive Film
Different films perform different functions throughout the vehicle. Using various types of films based on function and material adds more protection for the vehicle.
Automotive Window Tint
Window tint is generally for side and rear windows. This film helps reduce dashboard glare, protects passengers from UV rays, and adds some level of privacy. Multiple VLT levels (Visible Light Transmittance) offer different levels of privacy.
Paint Protection Film
PPF is for all painted surfaces. The most common places to apply PPF are bumpers, hoods, fenders, and mirrors. This film helps ensure that the vehicle’s paint doesn’t get damaged from stones, insects, and other road hazards.
How Tint Percentage Changes the Driving Experience
Tint percentage sheds light on something known as Visible Light Transmission (VLT). High tint percentages allow more visible light to pass through the glass. Lower percentages make the glass appear darker in contrast. Just because something is dark does not mean it supplies better overall performance.
Below are some examples with different VLT percentages.
- 70%: High visibility while maintaining a light appearance
- 50%: Some tint, balanced brightness, and decent privacy
- 35%: Dark tint while still being practical for daytime use
- 20%: Increased privacy with a darker appearance
- 5%: Commonly referred to as limo tint
What Should Drivers Consider between 35% vs. 20% Tint?
Many factors can depend on a driver’s decision between 35% and 20% tints. 35% tints generally provide a nice balance of privacy and visibility. A 20% tint provides a much darker and more private cabin. Drivers should also consider visibility at night. Dark glass depletes light in the cabin. This affects visibility the most when driving on unlit roads. Dark glass also typically limits the tint levels available for use.
| Tint Level | Appearance | Privacy | Visibility |
| 35% | Moderately dark | Moderate | Generally easier |
| 20% | Dark | Higher | Reduced in darker conditions |
| 5% | Very dark | Very high | Significantly reduced |
Someone considering 20 percent tint should compare visibility before appearance. A very dark film may not suit every driving situation.
Where Windshield Film Fits Into Vehicle Protection
Windshield film has different roles when compared to other window tints. Windshields have a role in impact protection, so high visibility has to be maintained. Films can also offer impact protection as well as glass protection and sun control.
TERMINAX offers Windshield-X™ Protection Film for windshield applications. The film uses clear PET construction for added impact protection. TERMINAX also describes the product as maintaining optical clarity. Windshield applications still require careful attention to local regulations.
Why Film Quality Matters as Much as Tint Percentage
Looking at two different films of the same darkness can prove to be a big performance discrepancy. Not only do the materials, coatings, and construction of a film matter, but so does the optical clarity. Most quality films are made to protect against bubbling and distortion.
For protection, visibility, and performance, TERMINAX has you covered with its many automotive film categories. For automotive windshield film, TERMINAX has Ultra-Crystal X. Automotive PPF is Ultra-NAX. Automotive window film is the Ultra SA Series.
Choosing the Right Film for Your Vehicle
The primary purpose of choosing a film should be your driving needs. Factors like comfort, privacy, protection, visibility, and aesthetics all come into play. Paint is protected with PPF, and glass is protected with windshield film.
These are a few things to consider:
- Driving: This relates to daytime versus nighttime visibility.
- Climate: Exposure to sunlight and heat.
- Privacy: Dark legal tint.
- Laws: Know the local VLT.
- Quality: Compare all of these: materials, transparency, warranty.
- Installation: Additionally, consider the experience of the person you hire to do it.
Check Local Tint Laws Before Installation
There are varying laws that govern the tinting of vehicles across the globe. They may even differ within specific regions of a country. There may be variance in law for the different windows of a vehicle. Front windows are often more restricted than back windows. Windshields may also have separate laws that govern them.
Just looking at the film percentage is not always enough. All factory glass has a visible light transmission. Aftermarket film will change the final transmission. Always check the actual law before you tint.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, when shopping for automotive film, most people think about darkness and how much they don’t want to be seen. Then they think about the level of privacy the tint offers. Looks aside, protection, sunlight control, comfort, and visibility should all come into play when considering the best film for the job.
