It’s very common for modern vehicles to leave the factory with darkened side windows. Most newer models, especially SUVs and Mini-Vans have a factory installed tint with around 20% visible light transmission (VLT) on most windows except the windshield and driver and front passenger windows.
As you contemplate your next vehicle purchase, you might be wondering, “Do Cars Come With Tinted Windows?” The answer can vary depending on the make and model. Tinted windows are often offered as an optional upgrade, allowing drivers to personalize their vehicles to suit their preferences.
Opting for tinted windows not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your car but also provides practical benefits. Tinted windows can reduce UV rays, protect your interior from sun damage, and enhance driving privacy. Before hitting the road, explore whether your dream car comes with the added feature of tinted windows.
Is Factory Tint Good Enough?
Regretfully, most individuals mistakenly believe that this manufacturer is capable of offering them the advantages of professional tinting. Even though the factory tint might seem cool, it won’t keep your car feeling cool or shield you and your loved ones from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Here are the main explanations for why factory window tinting is insufficient.
Complete UV protection
Thankfully, awareness of the risks associated with skin cancer is growing. We apply sunscreen liberally, visit the dermatologist for periodic skin examinations, and continuously examine ourselves for any anomalies on our skin.
Unbeknownst to us, millions of Americans spend a significant amount of their time in the sun—in their cars—when they are hardly conscious of it! Surprisingly, 56% of skin cancer cases on the left side of the body in the United States are related to driving.
We may de-stress when driving by investing in a high-quality window tint; we already have enough stress and health issues in our lives. Thankfully, window tinting is advised by the Skin Cancer Foundation as a component of an all-encompassing skin care regimen. However, can you get a tint ticket out of state? The factory window.
Heat rejection
While the darkened glass may offer some respite from the heat, factory tinting is mostly used for aesthetic and privacy purposes; yet, it is inferior to an excellent aftermarket tint job. Superior window tint can offer greater heat rejection and protection than factory tint, which is typically just dyed glass.
The experts at Coastal Glass Tinting can help you cut the heat in your automobile by up to 60% with the correct window film. This has a significant effect during the sweltering summer months in Southeast North Carolina.
With our premium auto window tinting solutions, Coastal Glass can assist you in selecting the ideal car tint to meet all of your requirements. Having worked as a Llumar Select Pro dealer for more than 30 years,
Achieve Cosmetic Consistency
If required, we guarantee that the shade and level of reflection of our aftermarket paint correspond with that of the factory paint. Diversity offers an extensive range of window film in both reflective and non-reflective shades, each available in a multitude of shade levels.
The majority of the time, a non-reflective window film will precisely match the factory tint on the rear glass.
More Protection is Better?
When it comes to vehicle window tinting, opting for more protection isn’t always better. Excessive darkness in factory tint can hinder visibility, leading to safety concerns. The optimal level of tint adheres to legal regulations, striking a balance between style and functionality.
Factory tint percentages vary, but the average falls within 15-26% for rear windows and 70-90% for front windows. Striking the right balance ensures UV protection without compromising safety. It’s crucial to adhere to local regulations, promoting both style and responsible driving.
Added Protection
Enhancing protection for your vehicle? Consider factory tint. Factory tint provides an added layer of defense against harmful UV rays, reducing interior fading and heat buildup. On average, factory tint blocks around 99% of UV rays, ensuring a cooler and more comfortable ride.
When it comes to safety and style, factory tint stands out. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s a practical investment. Factory tint typically offers a visible light transmission (VLT) between 15% and 26%, striking the right balance between privacy and visibility on the road. Opting for factory tint means choosing a professionally applied solution that aligns with both function and fashion.
Why Do Suvs/Trucks Get Special Treatment For Window Tint?
SUVs and trucks often receive special treatment for window tint due to their factory tint, which varies from sedans or smaller vehicles. Factory-installed tint in SUVs and trucks typically provides enhanced UV protection and privacy.
This tinting is designed to meet specific safety and comfort standards, with a common range of 15% to 20% visible light transmission, ensuring optimal visibility while reducing glare. The special consideration for window tint in SUVs and trucks stems from their larger size and unique design requirements.
Factory-installed tint not only enhances aesthetics but also contributes to improved temperature control within the vehicle. Manufacturers adhere to industry regulations, and factory tint levels are often carefully calibrated to strike a balance between style, functionality, and legal compliance, providing drivers of SUVs and trucks with an optimal window tinting solution.
| Aspect | SUVs/Trucks Window Tint |
| Reason for Special Treatment | Factory-installed tint in SUVs and trucks varies from smaller vehicles, offering enhanced UV protection and privacy. |
| Factory Tint Levels | Typically, SUVs and trucks have a factory tint with a visible light transmission ranging from 15% to 20%, ensuring optimal visibility and glare reduction. |
| Design Considerations | Special treatment is attributed to the larger size and unique design of SUVs and trucks, necessitating carefully calibrated tint levels to meet safety and comfort standards. |
| Aesthetics and Functionality | The factory-installed tint not only enhances the vehicle’s aesthetics but also contributes to improved temperature control within the cabin. |
| Regulatory Compliance | Manufacturers adhere to industry regulations, ensuring that factory tint levels strike a balance between style, functionality, and legal compliance. |
| Optimal Window Tint Solution | SUV and truck drivers benefit from an optimal window tinting solution that combines style, functionality, and adherence to regulatory standards. |
How to Know if Your Car Windows Are Factory Tinted?
To determine if your car windows have factory tint, check the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the dashboard or driver’s side door frame. Factory-tinted windows typically include a code in the VIN that denotes the level of tint applied during manufacturing.
Look for codes such as “AS1” or “AS2,” indicating clear glass, or specific numerical values representing the tint percentage. Consult your car’s manual or contact the manufacturer to interpret these codes accurately.
Check for Manufacturer’s Stamps
Factory tinted windows often bear a manufacturer’s stamp, typically located in one corner of the glass. Look for words like “factory tint” or the logo of the car manufacturer. This stamp confirms that the tint is applied during the manufacturing process.
Inspect the VLT Percentage
Vehicle windows have a Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentage, indicating how much light passes through. Factory tint usually falls within the 70-80% VLT range. Measure the VLT using a tint meter to precisely determine if your car windows are factory tinted. Remember, a higher VLT means lighter tint.
Verify with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Cross-checking the VIN with the manufacturer can reveal factory specifications, including whether the car originally came with tinted windows. Contact the dealership or manufacturer’s customer service with your VIN for accurate information.
Keep in mind that aftermarket tint may not be reflected in the official documentation, so relying on the VIN ensures precision in identifying factory tint.
What Is Factory Tint Percentage?
Factory tint percentage refers to the level of tint applied to vehicle windows at the manufacturing stage. It is the initial shading provided by the factory, influencing the amount of sunlight that penetrates the glass. This percentage is a measure of visible light transmission (VLT), indicating the proportion of light allowed to pass through the window.
Typically, factory tint percentages range from 70% to 20%. The higher the percentage, the lighter the tint, allowing more natural light into the vehicle. On the other hand, lower percentages result in darker tints, reducing visible light and enhancing privacy.
Factory tint percentages comply with regulations, varying by country and region, to ensure road safety and visibility standards are met. Understanding factory tint percentage is crucial for car buyers seeking specific light and privacy levels in their vehicles.
Can I Get My Windows Tinted?
When considering tinting your windows, it’s essential to know that factory tint is applied during the manufacturing process. This initial tint provides some level of UV protection and glare reduction but is generally lighter than aftermarket options.
The factory tint on most vehicles usually ranges from 15% to 20%, and it’s primarily intended for privacy rather than significant heat rejection. If you’re looking for increased heat reduction and additional privacy, aftermarket tinting is a popular choice.
Professional installers can apply films with various shades, typically ranging from 5% to 70%, to meet your specific preferences. Keep in mind that local regulations may dictate the permissible darkness levels for tinting, so it’s crucial to adhere to these guidelines when customizing your vehicle’s windows.
How Many Types of Tints Are There?
Factory tint on car windows generally falls into two categories: “OEM tint” (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and “aftermarket tint.” OEM tint comes pre-installed by the manufacturer during production, offering a standard level of tinting.
It commonly ranges from 15% to 26% Visible Light Transmission (VLT), limiting the amount of sunlight entering the vehicle. On the other hand, aftermarket tint provides more flexibility in terms of darkness levels.
These tints often range from 5% to 70% VLT, allowing car owners to customize their level of privacy and UV protection. It’s essential to check local regulations, as different regions may have restrictions on the darkness of tint allowed on vehicle windows.
Factory Tint and Dyed Tinting
Factory tint, a common feature in most cars, provides initial shading to windows during manufacturing. Dyed tinting, on the other hand, involves adding a tinted film to the glass surface.
Factory tint typically offers 15-20% light transmission, while dyed tinting can be customized for varying darkness levels, usually allowing 5-70% light transmission. The dye absorbs solar energy, reducing glare and heat inside the vehicle.
Carbon Tinting and Crystalline Tint
Carbon tinting is known for enhanced UV protection and heat rejection due to its carbon particles. Crystalline tint, a premium option, uses multiple layers of film to provide exceptional clarity and high heat rejection.
Carbon tinting often achieves 40-70% light transmission, while crystalline tint allows 40-90%, maintaining visibility with superior performance. Both options offer a sleek appearance and contribute to interior comfort and protection.
Hybrid Tint
Hybrid tint combines the benefits of different tinting technologies, such as carbon and ceramic, for improved performance. It aims to offer enhanced heat rejection, UV protection, and optical clarity.
The hybrid approach allows for customization based on preferences, providing a balance between various tinting characteristics. This type of tint is gaining popularity for its versatile features, catering to both aesthetic and functional requirements.
Can I Have My Tint Removed?
Wondering if you can have your factory tint removed? Absolutely, factory tint removal is possible. Factory tint typically consists of a thin film applied to the windows during manufacturing. This tint can be removed using professional services without damaging the glass.
To provide exact information, the cost of factory tint removal varies but is generally in the range of $100 to $200. Keep in mind that prices may vary based on the vehicle type and location. Professional technicians use specialized tools to ensure a clean and efficient removal process, leaving your windows free of factory tint.
Do Car Manufacturers Tint Windows?
Yes, car manufacturers do tint windows, and this is commonly known as factory tint. Factory tinting involves adding a thin layer of dye or pigment to the glass during the manufacturing process. It serves primarily to reduce glare, improve privacy, and block a certain percentage of UV rays.
Factory tinting varies among car models and manufacturers, but it typically provides a light to medium level of tint. This standard level of tinting is often legal and complies with regulations in many regions.
Car buyers looking for increased window tinting may need to explore aftermarket options, as factory tinting is generally designed to meet legal standards while offering some basic benefits.
Why Do Car Manufacturers Don’t Provide Factory-Fitted Tinted Windows?
Car manufacturers generally avoid providing factory-fitted tinted windows due to various reasons. First and foremost, it allows customers the flexibility to choose their preferred level of tinting or opt for no tint at all. This customization aligns with diverse consumer preferences regarding privacy, aesthetics, and legal regulations.
Factory-fitted tinting can increase production costs, impacting the overall pricing of vehicles. Car manufacturers often prefer to offer tinting as an aftermarket option, enabling them to streamline production processes and maintain competitive pricing.
By doing so, they cater to a wider range of customers while efficiently managing manufacturing expenses. In essence, the absence of factory-fitted tinted windows serves both consumer choice and cost-effective production strategies in the automotive industry.
FAQs
What tint do most cars come with?
Most cars come with factory-installed clear glass, allowing buyers to choose their preferred tint level as an aftermarket option.
Are cars naturally tinted?
Cars do not come naturally tinted; the tinting is typically applied during manufacturing or as an aftermarket option.
What are the disadvantages of tinting car windows?
Disadvantages of tinting car windows include reduced visibility at night, potential legal restrictions, and increased production costs.
What does 70% tint mean?
A 70% tint means that the window allows 70% of light to pass through, offering a relatively light level of tinting.
Why are SUV windows tinted but not cars?
SUV windows are often tinted to provide enhanced privacy, reduce glare, and complement the vehicle’s design, whereas car windows may offer tinting as an optional feature for customization.
Conclusion
In summary, the presence or absence of tinted windows on cars depends on various factors, with most vehicles being manufactured with clear glass. Car buyers are often given the choice to personalize their vehicles by opting for tinted windows as an additional feature. This customization caters to individual preferences regarding privacy, aesthetics, and compliance with legal regulations.
So, whether a car comes with tinted windows or not is a decision left to the buyer, allowing for flexibility in meeting diverse consumer needs in the automotive market. In essence, the question of tinted windows underscores the automotive industry’s commitment to providing choices to consumers.
Whether for practical reasons or personal style, the option to have tinted windows reflects a broader trend in tailoring vehicles to individual tastes and requirements. Thus, the decision to tint or not to tint becomes part of the broader spectrum of choices that car buyers can make to make their driving experience uniquely their own.
