How Much to Tint Car Windows? Breaking Down the Costs
Tinting the car windows can enhance the look of your car and provide many benefits. The two most common benefits are protecting the interior from UV rays and increasing privacy inside a car. If you are wondering how much to tint car windows, this guide will help you know the average cost. Read this guide to learn about the costs of window tinting for different cars. You will also learn about the types of window tints and their benefits.
Table of contents
- What is window tinting?
- How much to tint car windows
- Factors affecting the window tinting cost
- Types of window tint shades
- Common misconceptions about tinting costs
- Conclusion
- FAQs
What is window tinting?
Window tinting is the process of applying thin film to the car windows. The films come in various shades and are made from different types of materials. The main purpose of window tinting is to reduce the amount of sunlight inside a car and keep it cool. Moreover, it also increases privacy and protects the interior from fading or damage.
How much to tint car windows
The cost of window tinting varies based on different factors, such as the size of the car of the car and the number of windows. Here is a breakdown of the cost of window tinting for different scenarios:
2 door windows
Tinting two-door windows means applying film to either two back windows or two front windows. For two-door windows, the average cost of dyed film is $175, ceramic film is $225, IR ceramic film is $275, and IR Plus ceramic film is $375. This is a popular option for people who just want to add privacy to their back seats or protect the front space from the sun.
Single-cab trucks
The single-cab truck has two front windows and a small rear window. The average cost of window tinting is $265 for dyed film, $340 for ceramic film, $415 for IR ceramic film, and $565 for IR Plus ceramic film.
Extended-cab truck
The extended cab truck has two front windows, two rear side windows, and one back window. The window tinting cost for an extended cab truck is $310 for dyed film, $400 for ceramic film, $485 for IR ceramic film, and $655 for IR Plus ceramic film.
Full-size vehicle
The full-size vehicle contains four side windows, one front, and one back window. But you might want to know how much to tint car windows. Tinting full-size vehicles costs $350 for dyed film, $450 for ceramic film, $550 for IR ceramic film, and $750 for IR Plus ceramic film.
Mid-size SUVs and wagons
Wagons and SUVs are usually big in size and cost more to tint. Tinting all the windows of these vehicles costs $440 for dyed film, $595 for ceramic film, $690 for IR ceramic film, and $940 for IR Plus ceramic film.
Extra Large SUVs and wagons
Large SUVs and wagons also cost more because they usually have six side windows, one front window, and one back window. But you might want to know how much it costs to tint a car window. The average cost for dyed film is $570, ceramic film is $730, IR ceramic film is $895, and IR Plus ceramic film is $1220.
Large SUVs and vans
The large SUVs and vans also have six side windows, one front window, and one back window. However, their size is a little bit smaller than the windows of extra-large SUVs and vans. Tinting all the windows of large SUVs costs $525 for dyed film, $675 for ceramic film, $825 for IR ceramic film, and $1125 for IR plus ceramic film.
Front visor strip and front windshield
If you only want to tint the front strip of the windshield, it will cost less. The cost ranges from $135 for dyed film to $135 for clear ceramic film, $210 for IR ceramic film, and $285 for IR ceramic film. In comparison, tinting the whole windshield with dyed film costs from $175 to $310, depending on the car size.
Moreover, ceramic film costs from $225 to $400, IR ceramic film costs from $275 to $480, and IR plus ceramic film costs from $375 to $660.
These price details are gathered from the Allfloridatinting website and are an approximation. The prices may vary slightly at different window tinting service providers, who may charge different rates based on their location, service quality, and other aspects.
Factors affecting the window tinting cost
When considering how much to tint car windows, it is essential to understand the different cost-affecting factors. Some of the most important financial factors are described below:
Quality of tint film
The quality of the tint film is one of the most influential factors in determining the cost of window tinting. For example, the dyed window tint film costs less, and the IR ceramic film costs more. The choice depends on your budget and the reason behind window tinting. We recommend you invest in a better-quality film for superior performance and long-lasting results.
Type of vehicle
The type and size of the vehicle also impact the cost of window tinting. Tinting small vehicles like wagons and hatchback cars costs less, whereas tinting large vehicles like SUVs and buses costs more. Moreover, the complexity of the shapes and curves of car windows impacts the average price.
DIY vs. professional
If you want to know how much to tint car windows, decide between DIY installation and professional help. Tinting the windows yourself is less costly, and you will only have to pay for tint film and other tools. In comparison, hiring professionals is expensive due to the high cost of tint installation. DIY installation is only recommended if you have the skills and necessary tools.
Geographic location
The geographic location also impacts the window tinting price. For example, the tinting price is very high in cities as compared to villages due to higher demand. Moreover, the climate conditions in a specific region also impact prices, such as the temperature level. In hot areas, the demand for window tinting is high, which results in higher prices.
Legal regulations
If you want to know how much it is to tint a car window, thoroughly understand the legal regulations. Legal regulations vary in different countries or cities and can impact the price. For example, some regions have strict rules about the darkness of window tint. In these regions, using dark film on windows is illegal, and service providers charge more for that.
Additional services
Other than the general charges, there are several additional services that can reduce costs. Some of the additional services include removing old tint, adding protective coatings, or applying speciality films like anti-glare or infrared-blocking tints.
For example, if you want to remove the old window tint film, you will have to pay an additional fee. Moreover, if you are also considering wrapping the car, figure out how much wrapping you need. It will help you estimate the cost and make an accurate budget for vehicle customization.
Seasonal discounts
The cost of window tinting also varies based on seasonal discounts. Some tint shops offer seasonal discounts or promotions during certain times of the year. So, if you want to know how much to tint car windows, check out whether there are seasonal discounts or not. It is a good idea to keep an eye out for special discounts and go to the tint shop when you get a discount.
Types of window tint shades
There are different types of window tint shades, each with its own benefits. We differentiate tints based on their darkness or visibility level. Here is the list of the most common types of window tint shades:
- Clear tint: It has a 100% visibility level, and it is just for the protection of the window.
- Light tint: This tint has around 80% visibility and is used to reduce the effect of UV rays.
- Mild tint: Mild tint has a 70% visibility level and provides protection from UV rays and a little bit of privacy.
- Medium tint: If you need more privacy and protection, choose the medium tint. It has around 50% visibility.
- Dark: The dark tint comes with around 35% visibility and is used for enhanced privacy.
- Similarly, the intense dark tint has 20% visibility, and the limo tint only has around 5% visibility.
Common misconceptions about tinting costs
There are a few common myths about how much it costs to tint car windows. Here is a list of some common myths that you should not believe:
- Tinting is too expensive.
- DIY tinting has the same quality as professional
- All tint films have the same quality.
- The lifespan of all tints is equal.
- Using expensive and high-quality tint is a waste of money.
Conclusion
So, how much to tint car windows? The overall tinting cost depends on the number and size of windows. Another factor that affects the cost is the type and quality of the tint. For instance, the dyed tint film is very cheap, whereas the IR plus ceramic film is expensive. Hopefully, you understand everything about the price of window tinting after reading this guide.
FAQs
How much does tinting car windows cost?
The cost of tinting car windows depends on the size of the windows, the number of windows, and the type of tint. The average cost of tinting a vehicle with ten windows ranges from $350 for dyed film to $750 for IR plus ceramic film.
Is it cheaper to tint car windows myself?
Yes, it is cheaper to tint car windows yourself, but it results in bad outcomes. Professional installation ensures better quality, longer-lasting results, and rare chances of potential issues like peeling.
Does window tinting protect against UV rays?
Absolutely yes. The window tinting protects against harmful UV rays and protects your skin and car interior. The blocking capacity of window tint depends on its darkness level.
How long does window tinting take?
The average duration of tinting the whole vehicle is 2 to 3 hours. However, the exact duration depends on the size of the vehicle and the complexity of the window shape.
Is window tinting legal everywhere?
No, different countries and regions have different rules about window tinting. Some countries completely restrict window tinting and only allow transparent tints, while some countries allow a slightly dark tint, like 20% or 35%.