The sight of cars with tinted windows has become a relatively common sight, but many people still lack a basic understanding of this type of upgrade. As a result, they may find it difficult to feel like they are making an informed choice for their car. The following answers should help provide you with some of the information you may feel like you are missing. 

Are There Practical Benefits to Tinted Car Windows?

There is a common assumption that tinted windows are only done for aesthetic and privacy purposes. While a professionally done tint can both improve your car's appearance and keep individuals from looking in your car, there are other important benefits that can come from this type of upgrade. 

For example, tinted windows can substantially lower the amount of heat that your car absorbs during the hot summers, and this can be particularly valuable to those living in arid environments. In addition to keeping much of the sun's heat out of your car, a properly tinted window can also substantially reduce the amount of glare that you will encounter while driving. 

Does It Matter What Type of Tint You Have Installed?

Interestingly, the type of material that is used on your car can have profound impacts on the way you use your vehicle, but this is a factor that many people make the mistake of overlooking. As a result, they may simply choose the most affordable option, which is often a tint that is metallic based. Unfortunately, this can have a negative impact on your cell phone reception because the metal in the tint will reflect much of the signal from the cell phone towers before it has a chance to reach your phone.

You can mitigate this problem by simply choosing to have a ceramic or plastic based tint applied to your windows. While these tints may cost a little more than metal ones, they will not interfere with your cell phone reception, and they will often last for much longer. As a result, you should always make sure to ask whether your glass tinting professional uses a metallic based tint. 

Having the windows on your car tinted can be an aesthetically pleasing and practical upgrade for your vehicle. Unfortunately, you may not be very informed about tints, but learning some of the practical reasons for installing a tint and the importance of avoiding metallic based tints should make it easier for you to make sound decisions when you are making choices regarding your car's new tint. For assistance, talk to a professional like Icon Tinting & Graphics.