Think Factory Vehicle Tint Offers Performance or Protection? Think Again!

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If you’re driving a wagon, truck or SUV built in the last decade, the chances are it’s equipped with factory vehicle tint on all windows behind the front doors. In addition, many of these vehicles come equipped with large sunroofs or multiple sunroofs like seen in the picture above. Many owners of vehicles like this often choose to only have the front windows tinted to match these back glass panels because they believe that they are already set with the rear windows having factory tint.

However, while this factory specified vehicle tint improves the looks of the vehicle and offers rear passengers some privacy, it does very little to help reduce excessive heat entering through the glass or protecting rear passengers from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Here are two reasons you might want to consider a professionally installed window film on all windows, including the glass that came with factory tint.

Two Benefits of Professionally Applied Window Film Versus Factory Vehicle Tint

Superior Heat Rejection

While a darkened piece of factory vehicle tint may slightly reduce the heat from entering the vehicle, it cannot compare to the heat rejection possible utilizing the modern window film technology. As mentioned above, factory tinted glass is primarily installed for looks and privacy. Many vehicle owners have the front windows tinted to match the rear and provide some heat rejection in the front seats. However, they may assume that the level of heat rejection they now have on the front glass is already present in the rear glass because of the factory vehicle tint. Actually, nothing can be further from the truth. Other than having the “tinted” look, these windows do very little to stop the heat from entering the vehicle.

So, what can be done? You may not want to apply additional window tint on the rear windows for increased heat rejection as the windows are dark enough already with factory tint. There is good news. These windows can be made to perform much better at rejecting heat with newer technology window films without making them noticeably darker than the factory tint already present. Combining these films on factory tinted windows with the window film installed on the front windows will make the vehicle interior much cooler and even possibly reduce the need to run air conditioning as often. So, not only will your passengers be more comfortable, you may even save a little at the gas pump by less frequent AC use.

Skin Protection From Harmful UV Rays

Did you know that your skin is susceptible to sun damage even while simply traveling in your car? What you may not know is that factory tinted automotive glass does very little to block the sun’s harmful UV rays. While most of us would not think of spending significant time in the sun without some form of skin protection, we often ride for hours inside a vehicle with the false impression that we are protected.

A study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology revealed that nearly 53% of skin cancers in the US occur on the left, or drivers’ side of the body. If you’re one of the approximately 208 million licensed drivers in the US, take heed: “The increase in left-sided skin cancers may be from the UV (ultraviolet) exposure we get when driving a car,” said Susan T. Butler, MD, coauthor of the study.

This is one of the reasons why The Skin Cancer Foundation gives many professionally installed window films their Seal of Recommendation that is a symbol of safe and effective sun protection. You can learn more from The Skin Cancer Foundation about sun safety and the advantages of using a window film on your car by clicking HERE.

Hopefully the information will enable you to make an educated choice about having window film installed on your entire vehicle. We should also note, please make sure to check tint laws to understand what window films are legal. You can see the complete list by clicking HERE.

If you would like more information regarding the information contained in this article or the window tinting products we offer, please contact us by calling (210) 863-1633 or email us at jaysdetail@gmail.com. You can also fill out the form below to arrange a quote for your particular vehicle from Jay’s. Fine out why Jay’s Detail Studio is the premier source for car detailing, paint protection, paint coating and window tinting needs in the San Antonio, Texas area.