Tinting windows has become almost mandatory for every car owner. A feat that was initially done by spray painting windows in World War II, window tinting has certainly advanced significantly. Early commercial attempts in the 60s yielded varying results, with dark purple tinted sheets prone to bubbling and fading. Fast forward to today, and you’ll find window films composed of complex layers of varying materials, all working together to protect your interior from damaging rays and keep it cool.

Are you contemplating tinted windows for your new vehicle? Or perhaps you’re looking to replace outdated window tinting?

Whatever the case may be, there are several crucial factors to consider beforehand. Here are five questions you should ask yourself before investing in window tinting in Boston.

What Is Your Budget?

You may be surprised to learn that there is quite a variety of window tints on the market today. All of them make use of different materials in their layers to achieve the best results. As such, some tints are more advanced than others, and their price tags reflect as much.  

While there are certainly window tints available for every budget, you may end up sacrificing some UV protection or heat protection. In practice, it is unknown if you’ll even tell the difference between a tint that rejects 97% of UV rays versus one that protects against 99%. We ensure that even the tints we carry on the lower end of the price spectrum still provide more protection than an uncovered piece of glass.

Also, make sure you choose a reputable tint installer, like us, who will ensure that your tints lay correctly. Cheapening out on the installation process can result in misaligned tints and air bubbles that ruin the look of your vehicle.

If you are unsure of what your budget will allow, don’t hesitate to reach out to our helpful team.

What Are Your Reasons?

People have various reasons for wanting window tinting in Boston. What’s driving your interest? For some, it’s purely about aesthetics. They appreciate the sleek appearance of tinted windows and value the added privacy for themselves, their passengers, and their belongings. Carbon window tints provide a unique matte look to your windows, while metallized window tints give your windows an extra shine.

What about keeping your car cool during Boston summers? When you park your vehicle under direct sunlight on a hot day, the interior temperature can skyrocket to unbearable levels. Window tinting can significantly reduce the heat inside your car on those sweltering summer days, eliminating the need to blast the AC for an extended period before it becomes comfortable to step inside.

Beyond the discomfort, prolonged exposure to heat and sunlight can wreak havoc on your car’s interior. Harmful ultraviolet rays can lead to various components’ fading, cracking, and peeling.

UV rays not only damage your interior but are also a leading cause of skin cancer in the nation. With the left side of your body constantly open to sunlight through the driver’s side window, a window tint can drastically reduce the amount of UV rays that hit your skin, lowering the risk of damage.

Therefore, window tinting isn’t just a cosmetic enhancement for your vehicle; it’s also an investment in your health and well-being.

What Are the Legal Tint Limits in Boston?

Another crucial consideration is understanding the legal tint percentages allowed in your state. Just because you’re fond of the aesthetic appeal of pitch-black windows doesn’t mean it complies with the law. 

Moreover, keep in mind that window tint regulations can vary significantly between states. If you split your time between Massachusetts and other states, ensure that your window tint adheres to the legal standards of the state with the stricter guidelines.

Tint limits use a film’s VLT, which is expressed as a percentage and describes the amount of light that passes through. For example, a 5% tint will only allow 5% of light to pass through, making it very dark. So, what are the permissible tint limits in the city of Boston?

• Windshield. A non-reflective windshield tint can appear along the top six inches of the windshield.
• Front Side Windows. The legal limit for front window tints is 35%.
• Back Side Windows. The legal limit for back-side window tints is 35%.
• Rear Window. The legal window tint percentage for the rear window is 35%. The legal limit changes for vehicles such as SUVs and Minivans, which allow for a darker tint of 20% on the back window.

If you still are unsure about the laws, we are more than willing to help you understand the rules better and show you what each tint level looks like.

Which Windows Do You Want Tinted?

Depending on your budget and preferences, you might not necessarily want all the windows in your car to be tinted.

Some individuals may hesitate to tint their windshields, fearing it could impair their driving visibility. Therefore, many companies opt for clear UV tint on windshields, providing protection without compromising vision.

Regarding the other windows, you can select a tint that is either entirely transparent or very dark (within the legal limit of your state). Some people choose to tint only their front side windows, while others opt for tinting all windows.

There’s no universally correct answer; it’s a matter of personal preference.

Is There Existing Tint on Your Windows?

A final consideration is whether your car already has tinted windows.

Some newer vehicles come equipped with factory-installed clear tint on the windows, which you might not even be aware of. If you apply tinting to windows that already have tinting, the result will be significantly darker. This could inadvertently push you beyond the legal tint limit for your state. For similar reasons, if you previously had a company install window tint, you’ll need to remove it before getting a new tint.

Along with our tint installation services, we also offer tint removal services to ensure your car’s windows are ready for a new set of tints.

Install Window Tints Today

Window tinting is undoubtedly a practical choice for anyone living in Boston.

It not only helps keep your car cooler and safeguard its interior but also plays a pivotal role in protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. With a wide range of tint percentages available, there is certainly a tint just right for you.

So, if you’re ready for new car window tints or still have more questions, contact the dedicated team at ProCarSound&Security, who will be more than happy to assist you.