Why Tinted Windows are the Perfect Upgrade for Your Used Car
Why Tinted Windows are the Perfect Upgrade for Your Used Car
The average age of cars on the road in the US has risen to 12.6 years old. With the excessive rise in the cost of new cars, along with the fact that the average car is lasting longer than it did a decade ago, used cars have grown to hold a larger and larger percentage of the cars on the road.
Keeping a used car looking nice and long lasting comes with many maintenance tasks. Things like changing the oil, checking the brakes, getting a new battery, or changing out the tires are all things that typically come to mind. One of the secret upgrades that people use to keep their older cars looking nice is tinted windows.
For many car owners, especially those in hot climates like Austin, window tinting can provide numerous advantages, and get people to start asking if you got a new car! At Dixie Tint Pros, we’ve helped hundreds of clients improve their vehicles through the addition of high-quality window tints. Here, we’ll explore why you should consider this upgrade for your used car.
Key Reasons to Tint Your Used Car’s Windows
Tinted windows offer a wide range of benefits for used car owners. From UV protection to enhancing the vehicle’s appearance, there are plenty of reasons to consider window tinting.
1. Preserving Your Interior from UV Damage
Used cars often show signs of wear and tear, particularly when it comes to their interiors. Sunlight can cause significant damage over time, fading your upholstery, cracking leather seats, and deteriorating plastic surfaces. High-quality window tint acts as a shield, blocking up to 99% of harmful UV rays and helping to preserve your car’s interior even after it already shows signs of aging.
2. Increased Privacy and Theft Prevention
For those who value privacy, window tinting is an ideal solution. Tinted windows make it harder for outsiders to see into your vehicle, which is especially important if you frequently leave valuables inside. Not only does this enhance your security, but it also adds to the aesthetic appeal of your vehicle, particularly for luxury car owners.
3. Beat the Heat with Cooler Interiors
Austin is known for its hot summers, and entering a car that’s been sitting in the sun can feel like stepping into an oven. Window tinting reduces the amount of heat that enters your vehicle, making the interior cooler and more comfortable. For those looking for superior heat protection, ceramic window tint is highly effective, offering both UV protection and maximum heat reduction.
4. Improving Your Car’s Style
Adding tinted windows to an older car can give it a more modern look that refreshes its overall appearance. Whether you prefer a lighter tint or darker blackened windows, window tinting is a cost effective way to de-age your older car.
5. Reducing Glare for a Safer Drive
Driving in the Austin sun can be challenging, particularly when harsh glare impairs your vision. We all know the feeling of driving home in the Fall and Winter months where the sun sits right at eye level. Window tint helps reduce glare, providing a clearer view of the road and making for a safer driving experience.
Don’t Forget About Texas Tint Law
Before tinting your windows, it’s important to ensure your tint complies with Texas tint law. In Texas, there are specific regulations and laws regarding how dark your tint can be, especially on the front windows and windshield. To avoid potential fines, always choose a reputable tint shop like Dixie Tint Pros, where we ensure all installations meet state requirements.
Choosing the Right Tint Shop
When it comes to window tinting, professional installation is key. At Dixie Tint Pros, we have years of experience and use the highest quality window tinting materials. Our professional installers apply the tint seamlessly, ensuring a perfect finish that will last for years. Whether you’re searching for “window tint near me” or “tint shop near me,” trust our team for expert service and top-notch results.
A Smart Investment for Your Used Car
Tinting your used car’s windows is a practical upgrade that enhances comfort, safety, and style. From protecting your car’s interior to reducing heat and glare, window tinting offers plenty of benefits for Austin drivers. At Dixie Tint Pros, we provide premium window tinting services tailored to your needs. If you’re in Austin, Dripping Springs, or Lakeway, TX and are looking for “car tints in Austin” or “window tint near me,” contact us today to schedule your appointment!
ABOUT AUTHOR - PAUL W.
Paul has extensive experience in providing window tinting services and is considered an expert of window tint application techniques and window tint care strategies.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The darkness of window film is regulated based on the Visible Light Transmission or VLT – the percentage of visible light allowed in through the combination of the film and the window. Texas laws contain specific regulations based on the type of vehicle. The requirements for sedans, SUVs and vans are as follows.
- Windshield: 25% VLT tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or top 5 inches, with less than 25% reflection
- Front Side Windows: Must allow more than 25% of light in
- Back Side Windows: Any level of darkness
- Rear Windows: Any darkness can be used with side outside mirrors, 25% VLT without.
For more information visit the Texas Department of Public Safety’s website here.
The cost of window tinting can vary depending on the size of your vehicle and the type of film you choose. Generally, the larger the vehicle, the more it will cost. Additionally, the cost increases the more window that you need tinted. Finally, the cost will depend on the window film you choose. At Dixie Tint Pros, we only stock the highest quality film for your vehicle.
The short answer is no, it is not illegal to have window tint on your car’s windows. However, Texas regulates the amount of light that your tint can block. Your vehicle tint must follow Visible Light Transmission or VLT standards established by the state of Texas. For more information about Texas Window Tint Laws, visit the Texas Department of Public Safety’s website here.
Dyed or “regular” tint for years was the most common type of window tint material. Dyed tint is made from sheets of polyester or another laminate materials that can be dyed in varying shades from very light to very dark. Ceramic window tint is similar to regular film in that they are made from polyester or laminate based sheets and are available in a variety of shades and colors. The main difference between ceramic tint and regular tint is ceramic tint is coated with ceramic particles at the end of the manufacturing process. Ceramic tint also blocks visible sunlight and adds privacy. Ceramic tint blocks harmful UV rays, glare and heat.
The easiest way to tell is to look for a sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb. If there is no sticker, you can hold a piece of white paper up to the glass. If you can’t see the paper, then the windows are tinted.
Can Window Tint On Your Car Exceed The Legal Limit?
Curious about how dark you can legally tint your car windows? This article breaks down Texas tint laws, the risks of exceeding legal limits, and how to stay compliant while achieving the look you want. Discover the benefits of professional installation and alternative options for darker tints from Dixie Tint Pros, Austin’s trusted tinting experts.
Blackened Windows vs Tinted Windows
When comparing window tinting to blackened windows, both offer various benefits such as privacy, heat reduction, and UV protection. However, window tinting allows for more customization while blackened windows are often more expensive and less flexible. Dixie Tint Pros can help you make the best decision based on your needs and Texas’s regulations.
Which Windows Can Be Tinted on a Car?
Wondering which car windows you can tint and why you’d want to? We’ve got you covered (pun intended). From the windshield’s top sun strip to your front and rear windows, tinting offers benefits like glare reduction, UV protection, and privacy.
Should You Tint Your Car Windows? What Austin Drivers Need to Know
Enhance your driving experience in Austin with window tinting. Discover the benefits of UV protection, heat reduction, and increased privacy. Dixie Tint Pros offers expert advice and high-quality installations to help you decide if tinting is right for your vehicle.
