Car Window Tinting - What're The Pros And Cons

Of the many car upgrades and customisations, car window tinting is one of the most common. The process involves applying a film onto the insides of your car windows to darken them. But what are the pros and cons of paying for tinting?

Car window tinting has its fair share of pros and cons. You’ll benefit by enjoying added privacy and less heat. Plus, tinting increases security by making it harder to see what’s inside the car while providing shatter protection. They can also develop bubbles or come undone if not applied correctly. High-quality tint film is expensive, and the laws regulating them can change with time

Choosing whether to tint your car is a significant decision for any car owner. So, read through this guide to understand the pros and cons better before you make a final decision.

How Are Car Windows Tinted?

Firstly, it’s essential to understand how window tinting is performed on cars like yours.

The process of tinting a car window is very straightforward. It involves the application of a film on the inside of each window.

Any tinting workshop you go to will have plenty of different films in stock, each with different qualities. For starters, each film has a different visible light transmission (VLT) level, which you’ll learn more about in the next section.

Once you choose which film you’d like for your cars, the technicians will begin by ensuring your window surfaces are cleaned thoroughly. That will ensure the tint film can stick perfectly without any flaws.

Then, they’ll cut the film to size and apply it to your vehicle’s windows. This part of the process takes several hours. Once you get your car back, you’ll have to give the tint film several days to cure completely.

Don’t be surprised if you find that the people tinting your car windows are graduates from an automotive college. After all, automotive graduates build careers and businesses in all parts of the automotive industry!

What Is Visible Light Transmission (VLT)?

Whether or not you study in automotive college, you must understand visible light transmission (VLT) and how it applies to car window tinting.

Simply put, visible light transmission (VLT) measures how much light the window tint film will allow. In other words, the lower the VLT, the darker your windows will appear.

VLT is crucial because each film already has a fixed VLT and cannot be changed. If you want lower VLT numbers, the shop will choose a film that matches that number.

VLT isn’t just important when it comes to the overall cost of tinting your windows. Besides that, VLT is also regulated by the government here in Malaysia. So, for example, you cannot make your tinted windows too dark (i.e. with too low of a VLT measurement), or you risk getting a hefty fine.

What Are The Pros Of Tinting Car Windows?

Tinting car windows can be pricey, but there is plenty of value that you’ll get in return. Here are the benefits of tinting your car windows, especially in Malaysia:

1. Increased Privacy

The first and most apparent benefit of tinting your windows is increased privacy. When done correctly, pedestrians and other road users can’t see so easily into your vehicle.

2. Better Security

Tinted windows also increase your vehicle’s overall security, and that’s done in two ways. Firstly, the increased privacy makes it more challenging for would-be thieves to see valuable items inside the vehicle. As a result, your car becomes less of a tempting target.

Besides that, you can also choose a tinting film with security features. These films not only make your windows darker, but they also make the window less likely to break if someone tries smashing it.

Remember: nothing can make your car 100% secure, but a tinting film with security features will certainly reduce the likelihood of theft in your vehicle.

3. Reduced Heat

Another reason many people get their cars tinted is to reduce the amount of heat from the sun, particularly in our hot Malaysian climate.

Simply put, the tinting film prevents some of the sun’s UV rays from penetrating into your car. As a result, your car won’t heat up as much as before when you park out in the open.

4. Shatter Protection

Lastly, having tinting film on your car’s windows will reduce the likelihood of the glass shattering, whether by accident or on purpose.

Earlier, you saw that tinting film with security features will make it more challenging for criminals to smash your window in. Besides that, the film also protects against shattering caused by other hard objects.

What Are The Cons Of Tinting Car Windows?

Tinting car windows clearly has plenty of benefits, but there are a few drawbacks that you should also be aware of.

Here are the cons of tinting car windows:

1. Reduced Visibility

Firstly, tinted windows offer you less visibility because of the reduced light coming through. So, even though people have a more challenging time looking into your vehicle, you’ll also find looking out a bit more difficult than before.

2. Changing Laws

As you read earlier, car tinting is regulated by laws determining how dark your windows can be. The challenge with those laws is they can change over the years.

Suppose your tinted windows are legally compliant today. However, there might come a time when the law changes, and you’ll have to get your window tint redone.

3. Potential Wear And Damage

Tinting car windows doesn’t always happen without problems. Whether you apply the film yourself or go to a workshop to do it, there’s always the chance of bubbles forming under the film. Worse yet, the film could peel off by itself after an extended period.

Those problems typically happen when using low-quality tinting film that’s sold for cheap prices. Besides that, the people applying the tinting film might not be properly trained.

4. Costs

Lastly, you must also consider the costs. As you read above, finding cheaper car window tinting options is possible. However, there’s an added risk of the film coming undone or developing bubbles.

High-quality tinting film applied by a skilled and experienced professional will cost you significantly more. That can be an issue if it exceeds your desired price range.

Final Thoughts

Overall, car window tinting offers plenty of value to drivers, especially in Malaysia and its hot climate. However, you must always understand the benefits and drawbacks of any vehicle upgrade, especially something you expect to last at least several years.

You can learn more about cars, car parts, and even car accessories at the website of TOC Automotive College, the best automotive college in Malaysia. The website is frequently updated with articles to help you become well-informed car owners and drivers!