Many individuals go the route of cost-effective, or more appropriately cheaper, tints under the assumption that “it’s just a film. A thin layer of whatever this material is. What difference does it make?”. Well, the difference is actually massive. The marketing tactics of cheap window tints definitely capture the attention, but do they really hold up to the bold claims they make?
If you’re in the market looking for car window tinting for your car, we’ll lay out a couple of things in this blog post that you ought to know before shelling out your hard-earned money.
What Makes a Window Tint Cheap?
Some companies offer such a steal deal, it is hard not to seal such a deal. Forgive the rhyme, but that’s the kinda marketing and instant hooks that get the unassuming buyer’s attention. Dig deeper, only slightly, and things start the break down and make sense.
Deals too good to be true often are. Here are some common issues with them:
- The cheapest form of window tinting is called dyed window tints, and these are the ones that come most often with DIY kits. While they can reduce glare and darken the windows, they don’t block much heat and tend to fade over time. They also turn purple with prolonged sun exposure.
- Many times, the film itself is made using a single layer. So, it may give the appearance of a window tint from afair, but it is prone to getting damaged and offers none of the benefits of a window tint.
- If the brand isn’t recognised or has no real warranty, there’s usually a reason. These films often degrade quickly, peel, or delaminate, especially in hot climates or with frequent sun exposure.
It is these little cutbacks that help bring the cost of a window tint down. It is like buying knock-off sneakers, but they only look real from afair and aren’t really comfortable to wear.
Professional Tints
Let’s talk about the crème of the crop here. Professional-grade film for window tinting may initially seem like an investment, but that is exactly what it is: an investment.
This investment, if you purchase it from a reputable brand and get the installed professionally, is bound to last you for years. Brands that believe in their product also offer a lifetime warranty on it. Here’s a closer look at what makes a tint “professional”:
1. High-Quality Film
Professional-grade tint films are engineered for performance and durability. They typically include:
- Multiple layers, including UV protection, infrared heat rejection, and anti-scratch coatings.
- Colour-stable materials, so they won’t fade or turn purple over time like cheap dyed films.
- Better clarity, so visibility from the inside stays sharp, even at night.
- Ceramic or carbon technology, which blocks more heat without being overly dark or reflective.
2. Expert Installation
Even the best film will perform poorly if installed badly. A professional installer:
- Cuts the film precisely to fit your windows.
- Uses proper tools to avoid bubbles, creases, or peeling.
- Cleans and prepares the glass correctly before application.
- Has the experience to handle curves, defroster lines, and hard-to-reach areas.
You’ll get clean edges, full coverage, and a factory-quality finish that looks seamless.
3. Manufacturer-Backed Warranty
Professional films often come with lifetime warranties covering:
- Fading
- Bubbling
- Peeling
- Cracking
- Colour change
Cheap tints typically come with little to no warranty, or one that’s hard to claim if something goes wrong.
4. Legal Compliance
Pros know the tint laws in your state or area. They’ll help you choose a film that stays within legal limits for visible light transmission (VLT), so you don’t get fined or have to remove it later.
5. Custom Recommendations
A reputable tint shop will ask how you use your vehicle, what kind of sun exposure you deal with, and what your budget is. They’ll tailor the film to your needs, rather than giving you a one-size-fits-all product.
It’s Raining Repairs!
With both the cheap and professional tints compared, here’s something that must’ve popped out as obvious now. Window tinting isn’t something you do on a regular basis. Cheap tints are applied, cheaply, and they look good for some time till they start to peel, rip, and bubble. The owner of the car in this hypothetical scenario gets rid of these and installs new ones. The cycle keeps repeating itself.
With professional window tints, you get them installed and you’re done. No more tinkering around or worrying about replacement for the years to come, whilst ensuring no window tinting laws are broken.
Window Tint Laws in Michigan
Michigan tint laws depend on the type of vehicle and the window location. For all vehicles, the windshield can only have non-reflective tint on the top 5 inches or above the AS-1 line. On passenger cars, front, rear, and backside windows must allow more than 35% of light in. For SUVs, vans, and trucks under 10,000 lbs, the front side windows still need to allow over 35% light in, but you can use any level of darkness on the rear and back side windows.
Additionally, reflective, mirrored, metallic, red, yellow, or amber tints are not allowed. Maryland does allow medical exemptions for darker tints with a valid doctor’s note. Violating these rules can lead to fines ranging from $50 to $110, depending on where you are and how serious the infraction is.
Conclusion
Long story short, know the basics before applying a window tint. The cheap ones may look good for a day or two, but they aren’t going to look good for long, and neither will they provide you with the benefits of a window tint. For those thinking about the long term and wanting the actual benefits of a window tint, go with a professional tint installed by a professional.
