When you’re on the hunt for the best window tinting service, it’s important to take into consideration several factors.
As a driver looking into the best window tint options for your car in warm, sunny Nevada, you've probably been exposed to the two most popular choices; carbon tint and ceramic tint. Each option has its advantages and is tailored to specific needs, but to determine the best option for your vehicle, it's important to understand the differences between them. In this article, we’ll use our expertise at Team Acme to go over the specifics of carbon versus ceramic tint. We’ll discuss aspects such as the pros and cons of each type, the recommended window tint percentages in Nevada (and what’s allowed here in the first place), factors to consider during tint application, and the importance of window tinting overall.
Window tinting is a process that involves applying a thin, shaded film (the window tint product) on the inside of a car’s windows. Apart from the aesthetic appeal of having darker windows, window tint has a variety of practical benefits such as reducing light glare, safeguarding the interior of the car from UV rays, and most importantly, decreasing (rejecting) heat. In places like Nevada, a state with scorching summer temperatures and a high average UV index of 6.49, keeping your car cooler inside can greatly impact comfort levels, fuel efficiency and the lifespan of your car's interior.
Carbon tint is made as a film embedded with carbon particles. Carbon can be incredibly effective at blocking infrared light, and also tends to maintain its color and performance longer than other tint options, like dyed film. Similarly to ceramic tint, carbon window tint also allows for clear electronic signals in your vehicle. Carbon tint has been the standard in window tint for years, and is the base grade of product allowed in the state of Nevada.
Ceramic tint is a premium window tint option made using tiny, non-conductive ceramic particles that help the tint to reject heat and UV rays (this is sometimes called nano-ceramic technology). Ceramic window tint also allows for clear electronic signals in your vehicle.
Here at Team Acme, though we offer both carbon and ceramic options, we recommend ceramic tint. Check out this page about why we work with SunTek Ceramic IR window tint to optimize results for our clients.
While it’s true that both carbon and ceramic tint options offer better heat rejection than traditional metallic or dyed tints, ceramic tint wins out here as far as performance goes. It blocks more heat and keeps car interiors much cooler (a feature that may be important to you living in Nevada).
Those concerned about their skin health and keeping their car’s interior protected against UV damage may make their decision based on UV protection. Ceramic tint excels over carbon in this category too, often blocking more UV rays than carbon tint will, while also offering options for lighter tint without compromising UV-blocking performance.
While both options are designed with quality in mind and are meant to last, ceramic tint is generally better-favored for its durability and longevity with regard to clarity and fading. Carbon tint comes in a close second place, however, with great longevity for its price point.
Carbon and ceramic tints are tied in this category, with both beating traditional tint options by a landslide when it comes to low interference with your car’s technology. Your radio signals, cell phone signals, and GPS will maintain top function even with carbon or ceramic tint.
Out of carbon and ceramic options, you’ll end up paying more for ceramic tint due to its high performance and advanced nanotechnology. However, living in the hot Henderson climate may very well make this extra cost worth it – in fact, even Consumer Reports shares the opinion that if you’re living and driving in warmer climates, ceramic tint is worth the cost.
Neither tint wins best prize in this category, as it ultimately comes down to the preference of the car owner. Carbon tint offers a matte finish that some prefer for its sleek look. Ceramic tint has a slightly more reflective quality and allows for lighter tint options (even clear).
For Tesla drivers in Nevada, selecting the appropriate window tint is especially important. The distinct characteristics of a Tesla, like its larger windows and one-of-a-kind glass roof, mean that your tint decision carries even more weight and impact than it would for a conventional vehicle. Tesla drivers are advised to opt for ceramic tint, as its higher heat rejection and high clarity are well-suited for the increased surface area of the car’s windows.
A window tint percentage communicates the amount of light that passed through that level of tint. (Ex. a 20% tint would allow 20% of the light to pass through the tint, while blocking the other 80%.) Some standard tint percentages that are common on the roads are 50%, 35%, 20%, and 5% (which is also known as “limo” tint).
Since each state has its own laws about how tinted car windows are allowed to be, it’s important to be aware of the laws in your location before choosing a tint level. For cars in the Henderson area, Nevada law requires that:
When taking into consideration the hot and sunny climate in Nevada, it’s clear that heat rejection and UV protection must be top priorities. Those two factors have an immense effect on a car’s ability to stay cool and protect against the harsh sun. Ceramic tint is often recommended as it boasts the best heat rejection and UV protection, making a noticeable difference in both car maintenance and driver comfort. However, carbon tint can be an effective budget-friendly choice that still offers solid performance in the Henderson heat.
The amount of time the tinting process will take for your car is based on factors such as the number of windows you decide to tint and the type of tint you select. Ceramic tints may require more time compared to carbon tints (due to their thickness and a more intricate installation process). Typically, a professional installation can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, having your vehicle in and out in less than the time it takes to watch two movies!
If you're thinking about upgrading your window tint but still have an existing, older tint on your car, it's recommended to have automotive professionals handle the removal process. This way, you'll get top-notch service and prevent any potential harm to your windows that could happen during the removal process.
A professional service provider might follow a process similar to this:
When you’re on the hunt for the best window tinting service, it’s important to take into consideration several factors. You’ll want to locate a reputable service provider that has experience in both carbon and ceramic tints, with strong customer reviews, and high-quality product. If you’re in the Henderson area, Team Acme would be honored to help you with any of your carbon or ceramic window-tinting needs.
In the end, choosing between carbon and ceramic tint for your vehicle comes down to your budget, aesthetic preference, and the needs of your specific vehicle and situation. In the Henderson climate, we truly do recommend ceramic tint for its superior performance in nearly every category, but are impressed with carbon tint’s performance at a lower price point. No matter the tint you opt for, choosing to tint your car’s windows will certainly make living in the warm Nevada weather more comfortable and efficient for years to come.
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