So you finally decide to tint your car or replace worn-out or damaged tinting. You search online for ‘tinted windows near me’ and you see endless custom tint options. It can get confusing choosing the best window films, but we are here to help you out!

As you already know, tinting your car windshield comes with loads of advantages;

• It protects against UV rays
• It keeps the interior of your car cool
• Tinting improves visibility when driving on a hot day
• Car tinting protects your car interior from fading.

The options are endless for how you can improve your car with automotive window tinting.

But when it boils down to getting a bang for your buck, what is the best tint option for your windshield?

There are several brands in the auto industry today selling their version of window films. They promise huge benefits and lower prices that it can get mind-boggling to choose from. You probably have heard of the big brands 3M and LLumar and many other unheard-of brands with window tint products to offer. 

Window tinting or window film?

Whenever you search tinted windows near me, what usually comes up is window films. So it is not uncommon for customers to believe window tinting and window film are the same things. In reality, the two terms are not synonymous. 

Window tinting is the darkening of windows using tinted materials. This tinted material is made from polyester and comes as pre-cut or uncut rolls. The uncut rolls allow for customization for the car you are working on. or in lengthy rolls that are customizable. Window films are clearer and are mainly used for UV protection. So if you are talking about clear window tints, you are probably talking about window films. 

However, do not worry too much about semantics. Chances are when you mention window film or window tints to a premium auto care dealer, they will know exactly what you are talking about. 

Is 3M Tint Better Than LLumar?

If it’s your first time choosing tinted windows near me, it can get overwhelming to decide what brand is best for you. And if you have done a bit of local digging, you probably have heard several tinting shops recommending 3M and Llumar window tinting brands. 

Which one is better?

Llumar is one of the global window tint brands. They make auto films that boast impressive color stability, high quality, and scratch resistance. Llumar makes some of the most affordable window tints on the market, so they are a great choice for anyone starting their tinting journey. 

3M window tinting offers the same benefits as LLumar, but it has a more premium feel. It blocks 99% of harmful UV rays and offers protection and security in your vehicle. Reduces fuel consumption, and is easy to clean. 3M Window films tend to be pricier compared to LLumar or other brands but the quality they provide guarantee value for money.  

What to consider when choosing the best tint for windshield 

1. Visibility 

The type of car tinting you choose should not interfere with your view of the road ahead. Window films have varied tint strengths depending on how dark you want your car windows to be. The window film you choose for your windshield should be darker compared to the ones you choose for the rare windows. 

• Glare reduction 

Glare from oncoming cars or the sun can interfere with your concentration on the road. Fortunately, most automotive window tinting options available today have excellent glare-reduction qualities. Some window tints are designed to specifically reduce glare while maintaining the original clarity of your windshield. 

• Heat prevention

Nothing is uncomfortable as driving on a hot day with scalding heat hitting you from your windshield- especially if you are a trucker or drive long distances to work. When choosing the best window tint for the windshield, choose the one with 100% heat reduction. Such window films also help maintain optimal temperatures inside your car- reducing the need to keep running your AC while driving. 

• Privacy 

If you are concerned about strange eyes glancing at you while waiting for the traffic lights to go green, then get a darkened window tint. Car tinting provides privacy by reducing visibility into your car from the outside, whilst maintaining a clear view of the road while driving. 

As you search for tinted windows near me, go for the options that provide maximum security for the personnel inside the car. 

• Window tint type

There are four main types of window tints for windshields- ceramic, metalized, dyed, and clear. Whichever you choose depends on how much you are willing to pay. You also want to think about the longevity of the window tint while making these decisions. Reading through the various window tinting options will help you make an informed decision before choosing the best tinted windows near me. 

• Signal interference

Some window films, especially the metalized and hybrid window tins have metal in them which can interfere with radio signals. This would be a bummer if you work in the car service or delivery industry and your phone signal keeps getting jammed while trying to call customers or make deliveries. Go for other options like dyed or ceramic that doesn’t have signal interference. 

• Shatter protection

If an object comes flying through your windshield, the last thing you want is pieces of glass flying everywhere and causing injuries. Durable window tint options like ceramic window films are known for their tough profile. If the windshield gets shattered, the window film will hold the glass frame in place, preventing bits of glass from flying and harming the car’s occupants. 

• Window tinting laws

Does the law in your state allow for auto window tinting? Make sure you are not violating the local window tinting lawsin your state while getting your windshield tinted. Most states forbid motorists to use a high tint strength for their windshield. Some states ban window tinting completely, and you may have to settle for clear window film instead. 

How much does tinted windows near me cost?

How much you pay for window tinting depends on the type of window film used, its tint strength, and the brand. Popular window tinting brands will cost more than the least popular ones, but they all provide high quality if you know what you want. A 5% window tint strength will be less costly than a 20% tint strength- although we advise you to stick to a maximum of 5% for your car windshield. 

Talk to an auto detailing expert before choosing windshield tint. A detailing expert will advise better on pricing, and they can also create a custom window tinting package for you. 

Is window tint easily removable?

Yes, window tint is easily removable, but ensure you do it right. It is best to get the tinting film removed in a premium auto care shop, especially when your old tint needs replacing. For DIY enthusiasts, plenty of online videos can guide you on window tinting removal. 

Tinted windows near me in Newport News

Just I’n detail is your go to premium auto care body shop if you are looking for tinted windows near me Newport News, Virginia. We have been serving the Hampton roads for over a decade so we are definitely your go to detailing shop for all things window tint. We specialise in 3M and Kavaca PPF as premium window tint options on the market today.