At WSS Westminster Speed and Sound, our window tint installations are done 100% in-house to provide the highest levels of quality and client satisfaction. We use industry standard software to cut our film ahead of time with a plotter. This ensures that you get a perfect fit, every time, and we never use your window as our “cutting board.”

Windows Tint Benefits

Car window tinting is often regarded as a decorative enhancement but offers significant practical benefits beyond aesthetics. Applying tint to your windows can upgrade your vehicle’s performance, safety, and longevity. This practice brings comprehensive benefits such as heat reduction, UV radiation protection, enhanced visibility, increased safety, and conservation of your car’s interior. As we delve into the details, it will become clear that tinted windows are a worthwhile investment in preserving your vehicle and enhancing your driving experience.

Overheating

Car window tint is integral in mitigating vehicle overheating, a benefit precious during the warm summer. Tinted windows significantly reduce the amount of solar heat the car absorbs. We have films that can reduce infra-red heat by as much as 97%, which can dramatically lower interior temperatures. This reduction in solar heat means the air conditioning system doesn’t have to work as hard to cool the cabin, improving fuel efficiency and comfort for passengers. Moreover, maintaining a cooler interior environment helps preserve the dashboard, seats, and other interior components from the damaging effects of excessive heat and sun exposure, ensuring that the car’s interior remains in prime condition for a longer period of time. In essence, window tinting is a shield against the sun’s relentless heat, making it a critical factor in enhancing both the performance and the longevity of your vehicle’s cooling system and interior comfort.

UV Protection

One of the most significant benefits of car window tinting is its ability to block harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. High-quality window tint can filter out up to 99.9% of these damaging rays, providing protection akin to wearing a high-SPF sunscreen. This UV shielding is crucial not only for preserving the vehicle’s interior—preventing fading, cracking, and deterioration of upholstery, leather, and dashboards—but also for safeguarding the health of the occupants. Prolonged exposure to UV rays is a known risk factor for skin cancer and premature aging, making window tinting an essential preventive measure for individuals who spend significant amounts of time in their vehicles. Therefore, the UV protection offered by window tint transcends mere vehicle care, extending vital health benefits to all passengers by creating a safer, more shielded vehicular environment.

Accident Protection

Car window tint enhances vehicle safety, particularly in an accident. The film used in window tinting acts as a strong adhesive layer holding the glass together, preventing it from shattering upon impact. In the aftermath of a collision, this can protect the car’s occupants from being injured by flying shards of glass, serving as a passive safety feature. Moreover, tinted windows can reduce dangerous glare from the sun, headlights, and reflections, improving visibility and reducing the likelihood of accidents due to impaired vision. The prevention and protection aspects of window tinting contribute significantly to overall vehicle safety, making it an essential installation for drivers prioritizing the well-being of themselves and their passengers.

Safer Driving

Window tinting significantly contributes to safer driving conditions by addressing two primary hazards: glare and visibility. Firstly, reducing glare from direct sunlight, headlights, and reflective surfaces is crucial. Imagine a rainy night with oncoming headlights. Now imagine being able to significantly reduce that glare. By minimizing this distraction, drivers experience less eye strain and improve their ability to focus on the road ahead, regardless of the time of day. Secondly, window tint enhance privacy and security within the vehicle, discouraging potential theft by limiting the visibility of valuables inside the car. However, tint is designed to maximize outside viewing for the driver, ensuring that visibility is maintained, which is crucial for safe driving. This balance between reducing unwanted glare and preserving the driver’s ability to see clearly contributes to a safer, more comfortable driving experience, highlighting the importance of window tinting in promoting road safety.

Privacy

The privacy benefits of car window tinting cannot be understated, acting as a visual shield for your vehicle’s interior. By darkening the windows, tinting limits the ability of outsiders to peer inside, providing an added layer of privacy for passengers and security for personal belongings left in the car. This aspect is particularly valuable in urban environments and parking lots, where privacy is often compromised. The tinted windows create a discreet space, allowing occupants to travel more comfortably without feeling like they’re in a fishbowl. They also deter potential thieves, who are less likely to attempt to steal from a vehicle when they cannot easily see its contents. In essence, window tinting offers a simple yet effective means to enhance your car’s privacy and security, fostering a more secure and private environment within your vehicle.

Health

The health benefits of car window tinting are a compelling testament to its importance beyond aesthetics and privacy. By blocking up to 99.9% of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, window tint serve as a crucial barrier protecting the skin and eyes of the vehicle’s occupants. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation is a known risk factor for skin cancer, including melanoma, and can also lead to cataracts and other eye damage. The protective layer offered by window tint can significantly reduce these risks, acting like a sunscreen for the vehicle’s interior. Additionally, by controlling the car’s internal temperatures, tinting helps mitigate the potential for heat-related illnesses and enhances overall comfort during longer journeys. This dual action of protecting against harmful radiation and maintaining a cooler, more stable interior environment underscores the significant health benefits of investing in high-quality car window tinting.

Windows Tint Installation

Car window tint installation is a specialized process that involves the application of a thin laminate film onto the interior of vehicle windows. Benefits range from enhancing privacy and aesthetics to blocking harmful UV rays along with reducing interior heat and glare. The process requires precision techniques to ensure an accurate fit and a smooth finish. With various available tint types, each offering unique benefits, car window tinting can be customized to match specific needs and preferences.

Installation Process

The installation process for car window tint is meticulous, starting with thoroughly cleaning the windows to remove debris. Once clean, the window’s exact dimensions are measured, and the chosen film is precisely cut, often aided by a computer-controlled plotter for accuracy. The film is then applied to the window’s interior, avoiding creases or bubbles, which calls for a steady hand and attention to detail. A heat gun may be used to shape the film flawlessly to the window’s contours. The edges are meticulously worked on to secure the film in place. After the application, the film needs time to cure, which can vary depending on the film type and weather conditions. Three to four days is a common curing time. Done professionally, window tint installation can provide a seamless look that enhances the car’s appearance and functionality.

Installation Machine

The installation machine, or plotter, is crucial in modern car window tinting. Operating with precise computer-aided design (CAD) software, the plotter ensures that the window tint film is cut accurately to the exact measurements required for a specific vehicle’s make and model. This precision-cutting technology minimizes the risk of human error and significantly speeds up the installation process. The non-contact system of the plotter allows for a nearly perfect cut that not only fits the window dimensions but also respects the curvature and unique shape of each pane, reducing waste and guaranteeing a clean, professional finish upon application. As such, plotters have become indispensable in creating a customized and exact fit for window tints in the automotive industry. We have a plotter dedicated to window tint only.

Windows Tint Film Types

Window tint film types come in various materials, each designed for specific purposes and benefits. The films range from simple, budget-friendly dyed film to premium, technologically advanced ceramic film. Other types include metallic and carbon films, each offering its unique combination of aesthetic appeal, UV protection, and heat rejection capabilities. Understanding the properties and advantages of each film type is critical when considering window tinting for a vehicle, as it enables the customization of attributes to meet individual preferences and requirements. 3M’s Crystalline film is far and away the most advanced product on the market.

Film Types

Car window tinting films fall into several major types, each offering distinct advantages. Dyed films provide privacy and are the most cost-effective option, although they offer less UV protection and can fade over time. Metalized films, incorporating microscopic metallic particles, reflect heat and UV rays efficiently, adding durability to the windows but potentially interfering with radio and GPS signals. Carbon window tints boast a matte finish and effectively block infrared light without the risk of fading, making them a middle-ground option for those seeking performance without the metallic film’s drawbacks. At the top end, ceramic films utilize advanced ceramic particles to offer superior heat rejection, UV protection, and minimal interference with electronics, making them the preferred choice for drivers prioritizing functionality and long-term durability. Each film type has been designed to meet diverse needs, from simple aesthetic enhancements to comprehensive protection against the sun’s harmful effects. We do NOT offer any metalized films in our store.

Here are the four types of film we offer. Simply click the link for a more in-depth description of each film:

Geoshield APEX film is our highest-tech product and has revolutionary performance. It reduces heat and glare, making your drive safer and more comfortable. It also reduces eye strain. Finally, the 99% UV reduction protects the interior and your skin and eyes from sun damage. If you are looking for the ultimate, you just found it. Click HERE to be taken to our product spotlight on Apex.
Ceramic IR is a fantastic film. It offers incredible heat reduction and glare reduction along with UV protection that is only surpassed by Geoshield APEX. Click HERE for more information.
Color Stable IR is the starting point of our performance-grade films. It offers great looks, affordable heat rejection and a lifetime warranty. Click HERE for more details.
Obsidian is our entry level film, but it is still extremely well made and long lasting. Simply click HERE for more information.

Manufacturers

The market for car window tinting is served by various window tint manufacturers known for their commitment to quality, innovation, and a broad product lineup to suit different consumer needs. Among the leading names, 3M stands out for its comprehensive range of high-quality tint, including the renowned Ceramic IR series that uses advanced multilayer nanotechnology for exceptional heat rejection without compromising visibility. The vast majority of film brands on the market are sourcing the manufacturing, or at least some of the raw materials. 3M is a truly vertically integrated company, which is why their products are superior in the performance and longevity.

Percentages

Window tint percentages refer to the visible light transmission (VLT) level – the amount of light that can pass through the film and into the vehicle. Lower percentages indicate darker films that allow less light to pass through, whereas higher percentages mean lighter films that let in more light. For example, a film with 5% VLT is very dark and blocks 95% of sunlight, whereas a film with 70% VLT is much lighter, almost clear, and almost all light can penetrate. Each state or country has its own legal limits for window tint percentages, so checking local regulations before purchasing is essential. Remember, the correct percentage depends on balancing your privacy preferences and ability to see clearly, especially during night-time when visibility is crucial. Our team are experts in this area and will help you choose the darkness level that best suits your needs.

Window Tinting Gallery

Check out our gallery of window tinting on our client’s vehicles.

BMW

Honda

Mercedes

Chevy

Chevy Corvette Window Tint Protects Westminster Client’s Car

A client came to Westminster Speed and Sound looking to have the windows tinted on his 1999 Chevrolet Corvette. Right from the get-go, two important things were in play here. Number one, as GM cars age, their interiors are prone to fading and cracking due to the sun’s harmful UV rays. Second, the rear window on a C5 Corvette is challenging to work on, so not everyone has a technician with enough skill to make it turn out perfect.

Ford

Toyota

Audi

Dodge

Porsche

Window Tint Laws

Window tint laws vary widely across different jurisdictions but are implemented to ensure safety for all road users. The core aspect of these regulations is the Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentage mentioned earlier, which denotes how much light can pass through the tinted windows. Laws may vary for different windows of the vehicle; for instance, rear windows might be permitted to have a lower VLT percentage compared to front-side windows. In some areas, reflective or mirrored tints may also be prohibited. Beyond VLT, specific tint colors may be disallowed, and there may be restrictions towards tinting windshield windows to any significant degree. Given the variety in these laws, verifying specific local regulations before proceeding with window tinting is recommended to ensure compliance with safe driving and to avoid legal complications or penalties.

Window Tint FAQs

What is car window tinting?
Car window tinting involves applying a thin layer of film to the windows of a vehicle. This film serves various purposes, including enhancing privacy, reducing glare, blocking harmful UV rays, and improving the vehicle’s aesthetics.
Why should I consider tinting my car windows?
Tinting enhances privacy and security, reduces harmful UV rays that can damage your skin and car’s interior, minimizes heat build-up inside the vehicle, reduces glare from sunlight and headlights, and adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of your vehicle.
What are the different types of window tint film?
The main types include dyed, metallic, carbon, and ceramic window tints, each with distinct advantages in aesthetics, heat rejection, UV protection, and price.
What are the benefits of each type of window tint film?
Dyed films provide basic privacy, metallic films reflect heat well and add strength to windows, carbon tints offer better UV protection and do not fade over time, and ceramic tints provide superior heat rejection and UV protection without signal interference.
What does the window tint percentage mean?
The tint percentage, or VLT (Visible Light Transmission), refers to the amount of visible light allowed to pass through the tint film. A lower percentage (5%) indicates a darker film that allows less light through, while a higher percentage (70%) means a lighter film that allows more light.
What are the legal limits for window tint percentages in my area?
Legal tint limits vary from place to place, and it’s essential to check with local traffic laws or a reliable car window tint installer to confirm this information.
How long does it take to install car window tint?
Depending on the vehicle’s size and the number of windows, installing window tint typically takes 1-3 hours.
How long does car window tint last?
Quality window tints can last up to 10 years or more with proper maintenance. However, factors like sunlight exposure, installation quality, and tint type can affect longevity.
How to clean tinted car windows properly?
Avoid using cleaners with ammonia or abrasives. Use a gentle, ammonia-free cleaner and a soft microfiber cloth to clean window tint gently to extend their lifespan.
Will window tinting interfere with my phone/GPS signal?
Generally, dyed, carbon, and ceramic tints shouldn’t cause signal interference. However, metallic tints can potentially interfere with these signals. We do not sell metallized films.
Does car window tint provide UV protection?
Yes, most quality window tint block up to 99% of the sun’s harmful UV rays, protecting your skin and eyes while helping to prevent the car’s interior from fading.
Can window tint prevent glass from shattering upon impact?
While not its primary function, quality window tint can provide an extra layer of protection, helping to hold glass shards together upon impact.
Can I tint the windshield of my car?
Most laws restrict windshield tinting to a minor top strip to block sun glare. It’s best to confirm with local laws before proceeding. Ask one of our staff for more information about our clear films for windshields.
How much does it typically cost to have my car windows tinted?
Prices for window tinting can range from approximately $100 to over a $1,000 or more, depending on the type of tint, vehicle size, and the number of windows being tinted.
What should I look for when choosing a window tint installation service?
Look for factors like customer reviews and ratings, experience, range of services, film quality, warranty offered, and service after the sale.