Window Tint Percentages for Cars 2024
Have you decided to tint your car for privacy, heat reduction and improving cars visibility but still confused about dark or light tint? Don’t worry, we have got your cover. The lightness or darkness of a tint depends on the Visible Light Transmission (VLT), which is often referred to as the window tint percentage.Window tint percentages can vary widely, ranging from as dark as 5%, to as light as 80%.
The darkest 5% blocks most of the light for maximum privacy while the lightest allows more light through and offering clearer visibility.With so many types of window tints and percentage options available, it can be challenging to choose the top window tint for your car that fulfills your needs. Let’s have a look at how the difference in window tint percentages affects visibility, privacy, heat reduction, and overall driving comfort.
How does car window tint percentage work?
Car window tint percentage, measured by Visible Light Transmission (VLT), tells you how much light passes through the tinted window. The lower the VLT percentage, the darker the tint because less light is allowed through.
For example:
- If you want a dark window tint percentage (like you see on limo windows), you would ask for a 5% tint, which means only 5% of light will pass through the window, making it highly private and hard to see through from the outside.
- On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter tint, you might ask for something like 70% or 80% tint, which allows more light to come through, providing a clearer view while still reducing some glare.
Car window tint percentage examples
5% Tint (Limo Tint):
This is the window tinting darkest percentage, allowing only 5% of visible light to pass through.It provides maximum privacy making it very difficult for people to see inside the vehicle.By absorbing and reflecting sunlight while blocking UV rays the 5% tint creates a much cooler and more comfortable interior, especially in hot, sunny conditions.A lower window tint percentage display provides a sleek, dark look by making the window appear darker from the outside.The downside is, it severely limits visibility, especially at night, which can be a safety issue when driving in low-light conditions.
Best For:
- Being a lowest window tint percentage it’s best for locations with very high temperatures where blocking maximum sunlight is essential.
- Works perfectly for rear windows where privacy is important and visibility is less of a concern.
Not Suitable For:
- Such low window tint percentages are not ideal for night driving as they can severely limit outward visibility.
- Front windows due to legal restrictions in many regions and safety concerns.
20% Tint:
The most popular window tint percentage for those wanting a darker look and increased privacy, but still allows some visibility from the outside. It blocks a good amount of sunlight, keeping the car cooler.Offers a darker appearance and increased privacy while still allowing some visibility from the outside.Blocks a good amount of sunlight, helping to keep the interior cooler.Provides decent glare reduction and protects the car’s interior from UV damage.Still might limit visibility at night, making it harder to see out of windows in low-light conditions.
Best For:
- Those who want a darker look while still allowing some visibility.
- Hot, sunny climates where heat reduction is important.
- Rear and side windows for enhanced privacy without completely obstructing outward visibility.
Not Suitable For:
- Front windows, depending on local laws.
- People who drive frequently at night, as it may still reduce visibility.
35% Tint:
A good window tint percentage offering a balance between darkness and visibility. It’s dark enough to reduce glare and heat but still allows for clear visibility both inside and outside the car providing a good balance between privacy and visibility. It’s easy to maintain clear visibility with this tint.It reduces glare and heat buildup, making the car more comfortable during sunny conditions while offering adequate protection from UV rays that can fade the interior.Typically, window tint percentage options like this are legal in more areas for front windows compared to darker tints. However, it provides less privacy than darker options, as people can still see inside the car to some extent.
Best For:
- One of the best window tint percent levels for drivers who want a good balance between privacy, visibility, and heat reduction.
- Areas with moderate sunlight where reducing glare and protecting the car’s interior is important.
- Vehicles that need to maintain good outward visibility, such as family cars.
- A typical window tint percentage that is legal for front windows in many areas
Not Suitable For:
- Maximum privacy, as this percentage still allows a good amount of visibility from the outside.
50% Tint:
This is a lighter window tint percentage, allowing 50% of light to pass through. It provides minimal privacy but still reduces glare and helps with heat control.Allows more natural light inside the vehicle, making it easier to see out, especially at night.Legal in many areas, even for front windows, because it doesn’t significantly darken the glass.
Best For:
- Perfect window tint percentage for drivers who prioritize outward visibility and don’t mind sacrificing privacy.
- Areas with moderate or lower temperatures, where glare is a concern but heat reduction isn’t the top priority.
- Front windows where darker tints might not be legal.
Not Suitable For:
- Hot climates where maximum heat reduction is needed.
- People who prefer a darker tint or want more privacy.
70% Tint:
This is the best window tint percentage for windshields allowing 70% of light through. It barely darkens the window but helps reduce UV rays and some heat without affecting visibility.One of the lightest tints available, allowing excellent visibility both during the day and at night.
Best For:
- Drivers who want to maintain excellent visibility while still enjoying some glare and UV protection.
- Regions with mild climates where privacy is not a major concern but blocking UV rays is important.
- Those looking for a nearly clear window tint for aesthetic reasons while still getting some benefits of a tinted window.
- Legal in most regions for front windows.
Not Suitable For:
- Privacy or significant heat reduction, as it only minimally darkens the windows.
80% Tint:
This is a very light tint that allows 80% of visible light to pass through. It barely darkens the window, so it maintains excellent visibility while still providing some protection from UV rays and reducing glare. It’s a great option for those who want to keep their windows mostly clear but still benefit from some heat and UV reduction.Hardly noticeable, so it keeps the natural look of the car windows.Legal window tint percentage in almost all areas due to its high visibility.Almost no privacy protection, as it barely darkens the window compared to above window tint percentages available.
Best For:
- Percentage in window tint for people who prefer a natural look for their car windows and want to keep the visibility almost fully intact.
- Mild climates where glare reduction and UV protection are more important than heat reduction.
- Window tint automotive percentage for locations with strict tinting laws that allow only very light tints.
Not Suitable For:
- Privacy or those who want to block out sunlight significantly.
Window Tint Percentages Recommendations for Cars:
For Maximum Privacy & Heat Reduction (Hot Climates):
5% or 20% Tint works best, especially in areas where high temperatures are common. However, you’ll need to check local laws for front windows to apply these window tint levels.
For Balanced Privacy, Visibility, and Heat Reduction (Moderate Climates):
35% Tint offers a great compromise, blocking some heat and sunlight while maintaining decent visibility and privacy. It’s also typically legal for most windows.
For Good Visibility with Some Sun Protection (Moderate to Cool Climates):
50% Tint is ideal for those who prioritize outward visibility while still reducing glare and offering some heat control.
For Clear Windows with UV Protection (Cool or Mild Climates):
70% or 80% Tint works well for those who want nearly full visibility but still want to block UV rays and reduce minimal glare without affecting the look of the windows.
Conclusion:
With a wide range of window tint percentages available, selecting the perfect tint for your car can sometimes feel overwhelming. However, if you take the time to identify your priorities—whether it’s enhancing privacy, improving visibility, reducing glare, or managing heat inside the vehicle—the decision becomes much easier. It’s equally important to keep in mind the legal restrictions in your state, as many areas have specific regulations governing the allowable window tint levels. By balancing personal preferences with legal requirements, you can confidently choose a window tint percentage that not only enhances the comfort and style of your car but also ensures safety and compliance with the law.
