Tint World® is the #1 car window tinting installation center for over 30 years, but even with our experience in automotive window tinting, our Tint World® franchise owners often get asked about the difference between factory tinted windows versus aftermarket window tinting. To help clear up some of the confusion, our franchise blog will attempt to explain the differences. 
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.
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 un-blocked!
For our Tint World® franchise owners and 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 Tint World® franchise 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.
The aftermarket professionally installed films by Tint World® franchise locations 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 on-board 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.
SUV owners should recognize that they have only tackled one very small portion of their tinting requirements! This is a new age in technology and our Tint World® franchises offer solution tint packages that will match any budget. To learn more about our local Tint World® franchise locations and their capabilities, visit our website. If you would like more information about becoming a Tint World® franchise owner, contact our Tint World® Franchise team online or call us at 1-888-944-8468.
