Having window tints is becoming a regularly used customisation option for may vehicle owners. There are varying levels of percentages which will affect the look of the tint as well as its effects.
In this blog, we will be answering the question ‘What percent tint looks best?’ 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.
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.
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 law on window tinting (UK)
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 this in further detail.
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.
What percent tint looks best?
This is purely a subjective choice, some people prefer the darkest tinting possible, others like a more subtle tinting. There are options for having all the benefits of window tinting but with a more vibrant colour through chameleon tints.
If you want as much privacy as possible, have high sensitivity to sunlight or suffer easily from UV rays, then a darker percentage will be ideal for you.
However, please remember the legal stipulations we described earlier. Having the wrong level of tint on a certain window will get you into trouble. Make sure that whichever tints you get, and wherever you get them, that they fall into the legal threshold that has been highlighted.
When it comes to deciding which option is best, it is always a good idea to see examples of window tints in person if this is possible.
What is visible light transmission?
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. Resulting in less glare from the sun, reduce ultraviolet rays, and less heat getting into your car.
Car Specialist Customs, alongside being a qualified team of car customizers 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 onto certain parts of your vehicle. Which may result in you being stopped by the police.
The Pros and cons of window tinting
For those still in two minds about getting a window tinted here are some condensed points to help you decide whether they are worth the investment for you.
Pros of window tinting
- 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.
Cons of window tinting
- Having the wrong percentage of tinting on specific windows can result in fines, penalties and removal of the tinting.
- Applying manually, or by inexperienced hands can result in air bubbles and misplacement of the tint.
Can you get different window tint colours?
Yes. Car Specialist Customs chameleon tint is different from your standard tints, this particular style of tinting is known for vibrant and changing colours to those looking at it from the outside.
There is no legal specification regarding the colour of a window tint, only the percentages to which windows can be tinted to. Our chameleon tints fall well within the legal range, therefore chameleon tints are legal.
It is always good practice to do your due diligence and research as laws are constantly being updated. However, you are more than welcome to get in contact with us, as we will know if such a law has come into effect, and can guide you accordingly if you’re considering any tinting.
Order window tinting today
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 ‘What percent tint looks best?’ 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