Vehicle Window Tinting: 4 Essential Safety Tips
Tinting your vehicle’s windows is a simple, effective way to minimize sun glare and ensure a little more privacy.
Why is this important? Reducing brightness while at the wheel is a real help for drivers in areas prone to sunny weather or truckers spending all day on the road, particularly with huge vehicles to manage.
Meanwhile, added privacy is a bonus if you tend to catch naps during long journeys (again, another benefit for truck-drivers traveling night and day).
photo/ Jan-Marco Gessinger
Tinted windows just look great too, lending a distinctive touch to any vehicle. But there are a few things you have to keep in mind when tinting your windows, so check out these 4 essential safety tips to learn more!
#1. Is it Legal?
Local laws may dictate how much tinting you can apply to your windows. The majority of states demand front windows allow 35 – 50 percent of light to pass through, though they’re typically more lenient on the rear end of the car.
You have to still be able to see other vehicles on the road, pedestrians, signals and animals around you. Taking your tinting too far may increase the risk you pose to yourself and others, especially if you do most of your driving at night.
Make sure you look into your state’s laws — you could end up with a ticket from the police if you don’t. Research tinting laws in any other states you plan to visit too.
#2. Choose the Film Carefully
You can add the tints to your windows yourself if you know what you’re doing, though let a professional handle the job if you’re in any doubt.
The last thing you want is to mess up and fit it incorrectly. Choose a reliable tint film to ensure it’s easy to apply and likely to last longer.
#3. Don’t Rush
Take the time to weigh up all your options, consult professionals and consider the practicalities.
Are you exposed to enough sun in your regular driving routine to justify the expense? Do you know the different types of tint film available? What benefits can you expect if you spend a little more than you plan to?
Rushing into a decision could leave you with a poor-quality, impractical film that causes more problems than it solves.
#4. Clean your Windows Carefully
Cleaning your tinted windows is a little more complicated than untreated ones. If you use the wrong type of product or tools, you could end up stripping the film off and ruining it.
Opt for an ammonia-free cleaning fluid, as this can cause the film to peel from the window. Make sure you only rely on non-abrasive cleaning tools too, to avoid scratching the film.
Tinting your vehicle’s windows is a smart investment if you really need it, but remember: safety is paramount. With tinting film on your windows, you’ll be at reduced risk of sun glare on bright days, but taking the visibility too low could leave you unable to see as you need to.
Take no chances when investing in window tinting. The time you put into researching and considering all the risks will be worthwhile if it keeps you safe on the road.
Do you have tinted windows on your vehicle? If so, what advice would you give to another driver thinking about it?
For more useful tips on vehicle care, and especially when you need any type of roadside assistance anywhere across Huntington Beach, contact Mighty Towing!
Author: Colin Steinway
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