How to Choose the Right Window Tint Shade

Window Tinting: What You Need to Know

Window tinting uses a window film made of treated polyester laminate or a ceramic film to darken your windows. The window film uses an adhesive to stick to your car's window, and it is scratch-resistant. 

Typically, the purpose of auto window tint is to make your car's windows darker. However, there are options available that are clear but still offer the benefits of window tinting. 

Window tint shade is considered in percentages. Window tint percentage refers to the light that is able to pass through the window film and into the car. This concept of light being able to pass through the window is also known as visible light transmission.

Lower tint percentages let less light in your car. This means lower window tint percentages are darker than higher window tint percentages.

For example, a 10% window tint shade is significantly darker than an 80% window tint shade because it only lets in 10% of the light in the car. 

The Benefits of Window Tinting

There are a variety of reasons why you should tint your windows, but here are a few of the main window tint benefits:

• reduces glare
• reduces heat
• protects your interior from UV damage
• promotes safety and security
• enhances the look of your car

The glare from bright light outside of your car can cause vision issues, headaches, and even dangerous driving conditions. Auto window tint reduces this glare to create a more comfortable atmosphere. 

Auto window tint also reduces the heat that transfers from the outside to your interior. Intense heat in your car is uncomfortable and can damage your car's interior or other items in your car. 

Ultraviolet radiation is not only a concern for the interior of your car but also for your passengers and yourself. UV radiation causes the interior of your car to deteriorate faster, and it can cause skin cancer. 

Tinting your car's windows also keeps it safe and secure. Darker windows means other have a hard time seeing the contents of your car, which can discourage them from breaking into it to steal. 

There are a variety of styles to choose from to enhance the look of your car with auto window tint. You can choose to go for a bold and striking look or take a more subtle approach. 

How to Choose the Right Window Tint Shade

Choosing the right window tint shade does not have to be complicated or confusing. Consider the following:

• The reason you are tinting your car's windows
• The legal window tint percentage in Georgia
• How do you want your car to look



Knowing these things before choosing your window tint shade can help the process be easier for you. 

Why Are You Tinting Your Windows?

The reason behind this question can help you pick the right window tint shade.

For example, if the reason you want to tint your car's windows is the decreases the risk of UV radiation, you may want to get a higher window tint percentage, which decreases UV light expose without significantly changing the look of your car. 



If the reason you are tinting your windows is to cut glare and reduce vision strain, you would need to consider getting a dark window tint shade. To increase privacy, you would also need to consider a dark window tint shade. 

What Is the Legal Window Tint Percentage in Georgia?

Regardless of the reason you want to tint your windows, the window shade will have to be within the legal window tint percentage. In Georgia, the legal window tint percentage depends on what type of vehicle you are tinting.

For sedans, the window tint shade must let in at least 32% of light. Sedans are considered passenger cars like hatchbacks, coupes, and convertibles. 

The legal window tint percentage is different for SUVs and vans. SUVs and vans fall under the category of multi-use vehicles, which also includes pickup trucks and campers. 

For these vehicles, the front side windows still need to let in 32% of light, but the back side windows and the rear window can be any level of darkness. 

There are also legal limits on a window tint's reflectivity. In Georgia, any type of vehicle's tint reflection cannot be more than 20% reflective. 

What Do You Want Your Car's Style to Be?

Choosing a window tint percentage that allows only a small amount of light to pass through will darken the appearance of your windows. For many, this also means increasing the "cool factor" of a car. 

Luxurious and expensive vehicles like limousines and sports cars typically have a darker window tint shade, so adding a darker shade to your car is an easy way to look better. 

If you like the way your car looks as it is but you still want the other benefits of tinting your windows, you can get a lighter window tint shade.



Using a higher window tint percentage will still block out UV rays and cool your car's interior without changing the look. 

Get Your Windows Tinted by Professionals

Now that you have a better idea of what window tint shade is best for you, what's next? Getting your windows tinted!

DIY window tinting may sound tempting, but to ensure you get quality results, seek out window tinting professionals.

We at Solarworks Glass Tinting use top-of-the-line window film and are professionally trained in the installation process. If you want to get your windows tinted, contact us and get your free estimate today!