At Car Specialist Customs, we are proud to offer a wide variety of options when it comes to making your car a unique expression of who you are. We are excited to share with you the option of window tinting.
In this blog, we will be answering the question ‘How dark are window tints?’ This is vital for anyone considering this customization option, knowing your options can help you make an informed choice on what to get for your vehicle.
The UK automotive aftermarket industry is thriving, ranking fourth in Europe and ninth in the world in terms of size, and turning over an annual £21.1 billion.
The sector supports 345,600 jobs and contributes £12.2 billion each year to the economy. And it is growing: the sector’s value is set to rise to £28 billion by 2022.
The benefits of window tinting
Window tinting is the process of applying a specialised film on the surface of a window, this process results in a variety of benefits including:
- Extra privacy and security against thieves
- Adds a refined aesthetic to your car
- Can help reduce glare from other road users
- Blocks Ultraviolet rays from the sun, which are damaging to your skin cells. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that window tints in your car can protect you from harmful UV rays, which can cause tanning, premature ageing and can lead to skin cancer.
- Natural direct sunlight is less difficult to drive in
- In the event of a crash, the adhesive may prevent the glass from shattering over anybody.
You can buy window tinting film online or through a service that specialises in car customisation, we recommend the latter as there is less room for mistake when dealing with an expert.
Effects of cheap window tinting
If you buy a low-quality window tint, then it may be more prone to bubbling, cracking, fading or peeling. Our window tints are guaranteed to be top quality, with options from 70% to 5%, with installation directly from us.
For peace of mind, with no reduction on quality and application, Car Specialist Customs is the superior option for any and all of your window tinting needs. Always done to the legal requirement so you don’t have to worry. Simply get in touch with us to organise your window tinting.
How Dark are Window Tints? Visible Light Transmission (VLT)
The window tint spectrum comes in percentages, which refers to visible light transmission (VLT). VLT is the amount of light that can pass through your window. So, if you choose a 15% tint, this means that 15% of visible light can get through.
As a result, the remaining 85% of light won’t get through.
Car Specialist Customs, alongside being a qualified team of car customisers also have a range of tinting options for you to consider, with our options ranging from 70% to 5%. This is done in accordance with the legal parameters set out by the UK government.
It must also be noted that whilst it isn’t illegal to sell a darker film for window tinting purposes, it is illegal to put on certain parts of your vehicle. Which may result in you being stopped by the police.
That being said, let us tell you the legal requirements for your window tinting.
Is window tinting legal?
Yes, window tinting is 100% legal, however, you may be surprised to learn that it actually varies depending on where you choose to apply the tint. Regardless, there are set laws highlighted by the UK government in regard to tinting. There are different legal requirements for the front, back & side windows of your vehicle. We will explain in further detail below.
How dark can I tint my front windows?
Legally, vehicles first used on 1 April 1985 or later must have a front windscreen that lets in at least 75% of light through. The front side windows must let at least 70% of the light through.
For vehicles first used before 1 April 1985, the front windscreen and front side windows must let at least 70% of light through.
You could face a penalty if your car windscreen or windows are incorrectly tinted. It is illegal to fit or sell glass that breaks the rules on tinted windows. It is also illegal to sell a vehicle already fitted with glass that breaks the rules.
How dark can I tint my back windows?
There are no legal requirements for the tint of a back window or back passenger windows.
Car Specialist Customs will always advise you with legal recommendations for window tinting, take a browse through our options to see how you can add the next level of elegance to your car. Still unsure? Check out some alternatives below.
Unique tinting options
We offer standard window tinting in grey or dark grey, and alongside that, we also provide alternative options. See below.
Car light tints:
Car light tint is the process of applying the same filming process over your front and rear headlights. Aside from the aesthetic upgrade, it reduces the heat emitted from your lights whilst still allowing over 90% of light to be emitted. Check out our options here.
Chameleon tints:
Chameleon tints are a vibrant and unique option in customising your car, the dynamic properties of the films give a ‘Chameleon’ like effect to the windscreen resulting in an area of colours that changes as the day does.
The selling point of this particular tint is that it retains the original benefits that come with a standard window tint. With options in aqua blue, Cadbury purple and sunset orange, take a look for yourself on our site.
Our tinting process is as follows:
- We analyse the space you would like to be tinted
- We make the necessary adjustments to our tinting films so application is smooth and hassle-free
- We apply the tinting & make sure there are no mistakes.
- We will then guide you in regard to the maintenance of the tinting.
Want to get in touch and make your vehicle sleek and unique? Get your quote for a tint today.
The best window tinting service
Our team members at Car Specialist Customs are extremely passionate and proud of the multiple services and products we provide for the people of Greater Manchester and beyond.
As a fully insured and approved installer, catering to the needs of vehicle owners of Greater Manchester and beyond, we are proud to let you know that we offer services for the following:
Personalisation:
Protection/Security:
Featuring the brands, Pandora, ScorpionTrak, Meta Trak & SmarTrack, we’ve included affordable, and premium products to suit the needs of our customers. With finance options available, and the option of installation, head to our website to get your quote!
We always will go above expectations to make your car feel special to you. With even more services and options becoming available in the future, Car Specialist Customs is the home of making any car unique, secure and special.
See what we can do for you today, we hope our starlight service has helped you decide to take a step forward in personalising your vehicle with our unique service.
We hope to have answered the question ‘How dark are window tints?’ whilst also providing supplementary information that can help you make an informed choice when it comes to investing in customisation options for your vehicle.
Want to get in touch? You can find us right here:
WORKSHOP:
Unit 30
Caldershaw Centre
Ings Ln
Rochdale
OL12 7LQ
OPENING TIMES:
Monday – Wednesday – 10 AM – 7 PM
Thursday – Closed
Friday – Sunday – 11 AM – 7 PM
TELEPHONE:
07523 971347 (Mon – Fri: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm)
EMAIL:
info@carspecialistcustoms.co.uk