Tinting windows on the car
Here we give answers to many of the questions that often pop up when talking about tinting car windows with window tint film.
Tinting car windows can be both simple and inexpensive, or complicated and costly. No matter what type of window tint film you choose to tint the windows, it is important to choose a high-quality window tint film to give the best appearance and comfort. If you are going to do the job yourself, be sure to choose a precut window tint film to facilitate the job. It saves many hours of work.
Frequently asked questions about tinted car windows
Is it legal to tint the windows with window tint film?
Yes, it is legal in large parts of Europe. It is normaly legal to tint the windows behind the driver with window tint film with whatever degree of toning is desired. The windows at and in front of driver's seat, that is to say the windows in the driver's field of vision shall in most European countries have a light transmittance in both directions of at least 75% for the windscreen, and at least 70% for other window. If you still want to tint the windows in the front of the car, we advise against choosing a window tint film that is darker than 50%, as it makes it difficult to interact with other road users (eye contact) and dark driving.We advise against all illegal use of window tint film. Make sure to check applicable laws in your country.
Why should I tint the windows of my car?
People tint the windows of cars mainly to create sun protection. Most people probably think that the windows of a car are tinted dark to create a cool look for the car, but a dark window tint film also gives a cooler car. A high-quality window tint film reduces a large part of the sun's heat radiation and lowers the temperature in the car considerably, which is appreciated not only by the driver but also by dogs and children traveling in the car. Most people who tint the windows with window tint film also feel that it helps to reduce use of the car's air conditioning, which lowers the car's fuel consumption. In addition, a dark window tint film provides good visibility protection in the car, which reduces the risk of burglary if valuables have been forgotten and left out.There are also many people today who worry about the sun's radiation and its health effects. By applying window tint film in the car, you can reduce a very large part of the sun's UV- and IR-radiation. If you are worried about your skin, or if you have a job that means you spend a lot of time in your car and are exposed to a lot of sun, it can be nice to tint the windows with window tint film, from the point of view of both comfort and safety. If you do not want a dark window tint film, there are light-tinted window tint films which are designed to reduce heat and radiation. Read more in the section about different sunscreens for cars.
Is it possible to tint factory-tinted windows with window tint film?
It is of course possible to tint windows which are already factory-tinted by applying window tint film. Factory-tinted windows are usually tinted because the glass itself is tinted, meaning to say that it is stained, so you will not be adding a film onto another film. An ordinary untoned car window usually has a natural tinting level of 15-25%, so the glass is not completely crystal clear. A factory-tinted car window is normally at the level of 25-30%, but this can of course vary depending on the manufacturer and the customer's wishes.Which tinting level should you choose?
Irrespective of which tinting level you choose for the window tint film to tint the windows on your car, there is always good heat reduction and good visibility even when driving in the dark, given that you choose a good-quality window tint film. Therefore, choose the degree of tint of the window tint film based on what look you want for the car, and how much transparency into the car you want or need. Tinting levels of over 80% usually give completely black windows, a "limo look" and no transparency into the car. Gradients below 80% give the impression that the car has black windows, but there is usually some transparency. Tint grades below 50% are "transparent" and give a discreet appearance with good transparency. Light window tint films are mainly used to lower the heat from the sun coming in the car without limiting visibility for example from the front windows of the car.Can you tint the windows yourself?
Yes, you can do the job yourself and save quite a lot of money, instead of leaving the car with a car maintenance company that would be well paid for the work. Whether you choose to tint the windows of your car with removable window tint film, or with so-called professional adhesive-mounted window tint film, you can today buy precut film which fits the windows of your car model to facilitate the work.Is it difficult to tint the windows yourself?
No, it is not difficult to tint the windows on your car yourself if you choose a precut, removable window tint film. Applying this type of window tint film requires no prior knowledge or special tools. It is enough that you are generally handy and a little careful. If you choose an adhesive-mounted window tint film, you need to be knowledgeable and have some special tools to get successful results.Tinting with adhesive film or non-adhesive film?
Traditional adhesive window tint film is usually made of polyester, a rigid thermoplastic that softens upon melting. Applying adhesive window tint film to a curved window involves heating and shrinking the window tint film to shape it to that of the window, or alternatively, strips of window tint film are joined over the arched areas. Adhesive window tint film is very sensitive to folding. If there is a fold in the window tint film, it is very difficult to magic it away from the eye. Applying traditional window tint film to get perfect results requires substantial knowledge and special tools. Therefore, such window tint film is often called "professional film".Adhesive-free window tint film for tinting car windows is made of flexible PVC and does not need to be heated, shrunk, shaped or joined for application to a curved window. This window tint film is so thin and stretchable that it molds and forms itself according to the window’s curvature. It attaches through static adhesion, which lets it stick just like traditional adhesive window tint film, but it can easily be removed and reapplied again without any risk of bubbles, folds or scratches. Applying removable window tint film successfully requires no prior knowledge or special tools, but only that you are accurate and methodical.
Is it possible to tint heated windows with window tint film?
Yes, it is possible to apply window tint film to heated windows. More and more cars have electrically heated windows, meaning to say windows without the classic loops on the surface, and there are of course no problems with mounting window tint film in this case. There is also usually no problem with applying window tint film to windows that have surface heating coils, as long as you do not scratch too hard and damage the heating coils, and also that you are careful to squeeze out all the mounting fluid so that the film completely adheres to the window. The most important thing to keep in mind when tinting heated windows with window tint film is to not turn on the heated window for a few days after applying the film, so that it can dry and attach properly first.Tint windows with EVOFILM®
EVOFILM® is an adhesive-free removable window tint film of the highest quality which offers very good protection against UV- and IR-radiation. EVOFILM® is easy to apply, and no prior knowledge or special tools are needed for successful results. EVOFILM® is delivered precut for all car models for quick and easy application.
