If you are planning to tint your front windshield, there are plenty of things you need to know if you don’t want to end up on the wrong side of the law. The window tint alludes to the thin cover film applied over the front windshield, side windows, and back window of a vehicle. You can tint your windshield at home or take your vehicle to a good car window tinting shop for exceptional services.
There is no doubt that there are incredible benefits of tinting the front windshield. The window film tint adds an aesthetic value to a car and reduces the glare from the sun. It can also protect the people inside the vehicle as well as the vehicle’s interiors from the damage of the UV rays. It provides added privacy. This is why we have seen a huge number of car owners tinting their car windows to enjoy these benefits.
But when it comes to tinting the car’s windows and windshield, one of the most commonly asked questions is, is tinting legal in the US? Well, the answer is a yes. But the degree of tinting varies from one state to another. That’s why you need to understand windshield tinting laws in your state before you go ahead and tint your windshield or side windows. However, most state laws on vehicle tinting are related to the degrees of “light transmittance” or “luminous reflectance” that the vehicle’s security glass permits. This basically implies the amount of light that can enter a car and amount of visibility the glass permits.
When it comes to windshield tinting, most states require tinting of 5 inches high or in the AS1 line [this is a line found on most vehicle windshields, running parallel to the top of the windshield]. To understand more about window tinting laws, visit this website.
What is involved in windshield tinting?
Before you start applying the window film, you need to prepare all the tools and supplies you will need. They include:
- Window tint
- Spray bottle- to spray your solution
- Duct tape- to hold down the felt liner
- Utility knife- to make neat cuts in the film
- Squeegee- to remove water on the glass or clean its surface
- Razor blades- to remove any debris from the surface
- Soapy water- to clean the windows and grease the shade
- Heat gun- to make the film fit even the curved areas
- Towel/microfiber cloth- to dry the windows
Steps to install the windshield tint
- Prepare the windshield for tinting
You must prepare the windshield adequately before you apply the tint to it. Start by cleaning it. Take your soapy water and apply it to the windshield. Take the blade and scape out any debris. Then dry the glass with your towel and use the squeegee to check for damp surfaces.
- Cut down your window tint film
The next step is to cut the film. You should be very careful when cutting it so that you produce a perfect window shape and prevent any wastage of film. If you find it tricky to cut the film, you can ask someone to help you.
- Apply the film on the windshield
Once you have the right film size for your windshield, use the spray bottle to add application fluid. Remove the outer layer of the film and place the liquid on the sticky end. Place the tint on the windshield and slide it into place. Once the tint is closer to where it will sit, squeegee the tint until it lays flat on the glass surface and most of the solution is out.
How much does it cost to install a window tint?
Car tinting generally varies depending on how many windows, vehicle type, type of tint, and size of the windows or windshield. But it can cost between $50 and $600 for standard, non-reflective tint film.
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