When it comes to window tinting, car owners often face a common question: Is factory tint enough, or should I upgrade to aftermarket tint? While both options provide some level of sun protection and privacy, they are not the same in terms of performance, UV blocking, heat rejection, and customization.
So, what’s the difference between factory tint and aftermarket tint? And which option is better for your needs? Let’s break it down.
Table of Contents
What is Factory Tint?
Factory tint is a pre-installed tint that comes with many vehicles from the manufacturer. It’s not a film applied to the glass but rather a dyed layer within the glass itself. This type of tint is typically found on rear windows and SUVs and is primarily for privacy rather than sun protection.
Key Features of Factory Tint:
✔ Dyed glass, not a film
✔ Provides privacy but little to no UV or heat protection
✔ Standard darkness level (usually 15-20%)
✔ Cannot be removed or adjusted
What Factory Tint Does (and Doesn’t) Do:
✅ Privacy: Factory tint darkens the glass, making it harder for people to see inside.
❌ UV & Heat Protection: It does not block harmful UV rays or significantly reduce heat inside the vehicle.
❌ Glare Reduction: Since it lacks heat-rejecting technology, it does little to improve driving comfort.
❌ Customization: You cannot change the level of factory tint without adding an aftermarket film.
What is Aftermarket Tint?
Aftermarket window tint is a film applied to the windows after the car is manufactured. Unlike factory tint, it offers a wide range of benefits, shades, and performance levels that can be customized based on your needs.
Key Features of Aftermarket Tint:
✔ Applied as a film on top of existing glass
✔ Customizable in shade and performance
✔ Blocks up to 99% of UV rays
✔ Reduces heat and glare
✔ Improves safety by reinforcing glass
What Aftermarket Tint Offers:
✅ Heat Rejection: High-quality aftermarket tints, like ceramic and carbon films, can block up to 80% of heat, keeping your car cooler.
✅ UV Protection: The best tints block 99% of UV rays, preventing interior fading and skin damage.
✅ Glare Reduction: Reduces glare from the sun and headlights, improving driving visibility.
✅ Customization: Available in different shades, allowing you to choose the best look and performance for your car.
Factory Tint vs. Aftermarket Tint: Which One is Better?
While factory tint provides basic privacy, aftermarket tint is the better choice if you want actual sun protection, heat rejection, and glare reduction. Let’s compare them side by side.
1. UV Protection
- Factory Tint: Does not block UV rays effectively.
- Aftermarket Tint: Blocks 99% of harmful UV rays, protecting your skin and preventing interior fading.
2. Heat Rejection
- Factory Tint: Does little to reduce heat inside the car.
- Aftermarket Tint: High-performance films (ceramic, carbon) can significantly reduce interior heat, making your car more comfortable.
3. Privacy & Security
- Factory Tint: Provides privacy but does not strengthen glass.
- Aftermarket Tint: Adds privacy and security by reinforcing the glass, making it harder to shatter.
4. Glare Reduction
- Factory Tint: Offers minimal glare reduction.
- Aftermarket Tint: Reduces glare from sunlight and headlights, improving driving safety.
5. Customization
- Factory Tint: Fixed level of darkness, cannot be changed.
- Aftermarket Tint: Available in multiple shades and performance levels, allowing for full customization.
Can You Apply Aftermarket Tint Over Factory Tint?
Yes! If your vehicle has factory-tinted windows, you can still apply aftermarket window film for added protection and performance. A professional installer can apply a high-quality tint over factory glass to enhance heat rejection, UV blocking, and glare reduction.
Example:
- If your rear windows have factory tint, but your front windows don’t, you can apply aftermarket tint to match the shade while adding UV and heat protection.
- If you want better heat rejection, adding a ceramic or carbon tint film over factory tint will significantly improve comfort and performance.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you only want privacy, factory tint might be enough. But if you want true sun protection, heat rejection, and glare reduction, aftermarket tint is the best choice.
For the best results:
✔ Choose a high-quality ceramic or carbon tint for superior UV and heat protection.
✔ Get professional installation to ensure a flawless finish.
✔ Select a shade that meets legal limits in Orlando while providing the best performance.
Upgrade to High-Performance Window Tint in Orlando
If you want better sun protection, heat rejection, and a more comfortable ride, Turbo Tint Orlando offers premium aftermarket window tinting in Orlando. Visit us today to get the perfect tint for your car!
