Tinted Car Windows & Windscreens - for Comfort, Privacy & Style
Most modern cars come with a lightly tinted windows provided by the manufacturer as standard. However, many people want something a touch more classy and so get a darker window tint. There can be a number of reasons for getting tinted windows. These include
- Cutting out harmful rays
- Helping to keep cool
- Privacy and safety - people can't see your possessions
- looks good - it's all a part of pimping your car
You should ensure that any changes you make to your window tints comply with UK window tint law.
Usually to get a darker tint, a thin tinted film is cut to size and applied to the windows. There are three major options available
Complete DIY Tinting
To tint your own car windows, you buy a roll of windowtinting film, cut it to size yourself and apply the tint to the windows. You will need to be very accurate with your cutting.
This is the cheapest way of getting tinted windows, but is the most time consuming and can give variable results. As well as the film which will cost from about £15 including postage, you should buy a window tinting applicator kit comprising Spray Bottle, Razor blade and Squeegee.
Pre-Cut Tinting
With a pre-cut window tinting kit, you buy the film already cut to the correct size for your vehicle. Costs from about £50 for a small car. You have to apply it yourself. Usually full fitting instructions will be included. Try to apply the film on a clear, dry, windless day, out of the sun and in as dust-free an environment as possible. Clean the inside of the windows to be tinted EXTREMELY thorougly to get all dirt, dust and grease off the window.
Professional Car Window Tinting
Experts with a lot of experience cut the film and apply it for you. Usually they will suitable clean premises and will need your car for a day. Costs for professional tinting are from £220. Mobile tinting services may be cheaper but are unlikely to achieve as good a result.
Old fashioned window tint sprays are best avoided as they give very variable results.
Some windscreen tints can be illegal. There are strict laws in place concerning car tinted windows- See our Tinted Window Law page for more information. If you are buying a car that has post-manufacturer screen tints, make sure that they are legal.
Manchester United player Carlos Tevez found out the hard way about UK window tinting law. His Bentley had an illegal level of tinting to the front windows and he was stopped by the police. They also discovered that he didn't have a UK driving licence! How much tint is allowed?
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