Do new cars come with tinted windows

Tint World®  has been the #1 car window tinting installation center for over 30 years, but even with our experience in automotive window tinting, our Tint World® locations often get asked about the difference between factory tinted windows versus aftermarket window tinting for cars, truck and SUVs.

Most, if not all, new models, especially SUV’s and Mini-Vans, come equipped with a dark, 15% visible light transmission “factory tint” on vehicle windows, other than the front driver and passenger windows and of course, the windshield.

What’s the difference between stock factory window tint and custom aftermarket window tinting?

Most consumers believe that since the glass is already tinted, there is no need to install an after-market window film, other than potentially matching their front windows to the existing tinted glass. SUV owners are not aware that the factory tinted glass has a very limited heat rejection coefficient and in most cases virtually no ultraviolet; UVA or UVB reduction!

While the glare is reduced by nearly 80% and passengers have additional privacy, the heat gain through factory tinted glass is very often extreme for passengers and the UV rays can remain unblocked!

For our Tint World® technicians, there are two issues that our professionals need to consider when approaching a factory tinted vehicle:

* The first is the critical requirement to “match” the color of the aftermarket window film and the flat reflectivity; or rather non-reflective, elements of the “factory tinted” glass. It makes little sense for an SUV driver to install a window tint that is shiny or a completely different color hue, as compared to the balance of their vehicle’s glass. This issue is resolved by having a non-reflective window film installed like the Tint World® “Supreme Carbon Package” or the “Ultimate CXP Package” Technology Window Films. In both instances, the front driver and passenger windows will have a perfect color match to the rear glass.

* The second is the critical requirement of vehicle owners to be familiar with their local state tint laws and only install front window visible light transmission films that meet the statutes. For example, the requirement in Florida is a 28% VLT for front windows. The installation of window film on a windshield is not legally permitted, with the exception of a strip that is frequently installed on the top of the windshield glass from the interior right up to the AS1 line.

Custom Beats Pre-Tinted Window Tinting for Cars, Trucks and SUVs

The aftermarket professionally installed films by Tint World® have nearly 99.9% UVA and UVB rejection and heat rejection at a factor of double or more compared to the “factory tinted” rear windows, protecting the safety and health of passengers.

Many SUV drivers will have a very light 50% VLT film or higher installed on the interior glass of the “factory tinted” glass to gain double the heat rejection and UV rejection without adding any additional reflectivity to the glass! In addition, with the rapid growth of onboard electronics and Bluetooth technology, these Tint World films will not interfere with EM signals that also relate to GPS, radar detectors or premium satellite radio like XM or Sirius.

This is a new age in window film technology and Tint World® offers solution tint packages that will match any budget. To learn more about the options that you have for window tinting, visit our window tinting page and go to your local Tint World® location for more information to find your perfect window tint!

Do cars come with factory and pretinted windows?

Usually not, but they’re becoming more and more common as a luxury item in certain makes and models.

Tinted windows make your car look cool and give it a futuristic look. Plus, the darkened windows give you a much-needed sense of privacy. 

“Tint” refers to the dark shade that your car’s windows have, and these shades usually come with some level of UV protection, which helps against the harsh sun when you’re driving out on a sunny day. 

But do all cars come with tinted windows?

Different cars come with different shades of tint, with varying percentages. But mostly, SUVs and Minivans come with pre-tinted windows from the factory. State laws restrict tinting of the windshield, the driver, and front passenger windows so they aren’t tinted. The back windows usually come with a dark tint, which usually has a 15% light transmission.

Keep reading to learn more about tinted windows!

SUVs are usually allowed to have tinted windows, which is why you’re going to see SUVs and minivans come with factory-tinted windows. The reason behind this is due to the state laws affecting the two types of cars.

Although people might refer to their SUVs as cars, it is actually not the case! 

SUVs have different treatments when it comes to tint-related laws, and as such, they are allowed to have the rear windows tinted.

This is because the rear windows are not important for the driver’s visibility.

The driver can easily operate an SUV without using the rear windows, using the side view mirrors and the front windows.

Cars, or sedans, are smaller in size, and it is assessed that the driver can use all the windows to help them drive. Therefore, it is important that these windows aren’t tinted, including the rear windows.

Why do SUVs get special treatment?

SUVs and other larger automobiles can have tinted windows because they fall into the Multi-Passenger Vehicle category. 

These cars are able to carry ten or more people. Aside from this, these vehicles are built on different chassis that are better suited for off-roading.

However, the exact laws depend from state to state, so make sure you check your state laws if you want exact information on what types of tints are allowed on what cars and why.

How to know if your car windows are factory tinted?

If you want to make sure that your car is fitted with windows that the manufacturer originally tinted, you can try these different methods.

Several cars have tinted windows that have a small OEM logo in one corner of the glass, along with quality certification information. 

These glasses don’t have any exterior film pasted onto them. Rather, you will note that the tint is embedded within the glass itself.

This is due to the glass being colored during its manufacturing process. Compared to aftermarket tinting, factory tinted glass will have no seams at the ends. 

Aftermarket tint ends just at the bottom of the window, and you might be able to see it when you fully roll your window up or down.

Since there is no film, factory tinted glass won’t have any unsightly bubbles as well.

Bubbles can be created as air pockets might become stuck between the glass and tint film that is put onto the glass.

Several state laws also prohibit tinted windows on cars, so if you have a car whose front windows are tinted, they are definitely not factory tinted.

What is factory tint percentage?

Before you get into factory tint percentage, you need to know why it matters!

The percentage affects Visible Light Transmission or VLT.

This means that a window with 15% VLT will only allow about 15% of the light inside of the car.

Factory tint usually is high on the rear window to reduce heat transmission and light and reduce the chance of the driver being blinded by lights from cars behind them. 

These windows usually have around 15-20% VLT, and deflect around 80-85% of light.

Can I get my windows tinted?

Yes! Even if your car comes with no tint or slight tint on the rear windows, you can always opt for an aftermarket tint.

Aftermarket tints are applied to the window and are removable as well. With professional application, they should look just as good as factory tint.

How many types of tints are there?

When you go to get your car tinted with aftermarket tinting options, you can choose from several options, each with its unique qualities.

Dyed tinting

Dyed tinting involves wrapping the glass in several layers of film that has been dyed to a color of your choice, which absorbs any incoming sunlight.

These are the cheapest, but don’t offer the same level of UV protection, and will become faded over time.

Carbon tinting

Carbon tints are expensive but worth it! 

They won’t fade over time and have much stronger UV protection, which will block out the sun’s rays, effectively making your car much cooler. These are also very aesthetically appealing, with a matte finish.

Crystalline tint

This tint is just for UV protection and doesn’t offer any privacy features. These are great for users who don’t mind the lack of privacy but want to stay protected from any UV rays.

Hybrid

Hybrid windows are a combination of several dyed layers with a metal layer between them. This metal layer is usually titanium or some other metal. 

These tints are more expensive than simple dyed tints but do not have a reflection like some glasses that have a mirror-like reflection.

Can I have my tint removed?

Unfortunately, if your car has tinted windows from the factory, you will have to get the whole glass changed. 

However, if you have any aftermarket tints installed, then you can easily have them removed or changed by a professional!

Final thoughts

Well, there you have it! A detailed guide on the different types of tints, along with helpful advice on whether cars come with tinted windows, what types of cars have them, and how to get it installed or removed. 

We hope this was helpful, and you had your query resolved!

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