The average age of cars on the road in the US has risen to 12.6 years old. With the excessive rise in the cost of new cars, along with the fact that the average car is lasting longer than it did a decade ago, used cars have grown to hold a larger and larger percentage of the cars on the road.
Keeping a used car looking nice and long lasting comes with many maintenance tasks. Things like changing the oil, checking the brakes, getting a new battery, or changing out the tires are all things that typically come to mind. One of the secret upgrades that people use to keep their older cars looking nice is tinted windows.
For many car owners, especially those in hot climates like Austin, window tinting can provide numerous advantages, and get people to start asking if you got a new car! At Dixie Tint Pros, we’ve helped hundreds of clients improve their vehicles through the addition of high-quality window tints. Here, we’ll explore why you should consider this upgrade for your used car.
Tinted windows offer a wide range of benefits for used car owners. From UV protection to enhancing the vehicle’s appearance, there are plenty of reasons to consider window tinting.
Used cars often show signs of wear and tear, particularly when it comes to their interiors. Sunlight can cause significant damage over time, fading your upholstery, cracking leather seats, and deteriorating plastic surfaces. High-quality window tint acts as a shield, blocking up to 99% of harmful UV rays and helping to preserve your car’s interior even after it already shows signs of aging.
For those who value privacy, window tinting is an ideal solution. Tinted windows make it harder for outsiders to see into your vehicle, which is especially important if you frequently leave valuables inside. Not only does this enhance your security, but it also adds to the aesthetic appeal of your vehicle, particularly for luxury car owners.
Austin is known for its hot summers, and entering a car that’s been sitting in the sun can feel like stepping into an oven. Window tinting reduces the amount of heat that enters your vehicle, making the interior cooler and more comfortable. For those looking for superior heat protection, ceramic window tint is highly effective, offering both UV protection and maximum heat reduction.
Adding tinted windows to an older car can give it a more modern look that refreshes its overall appearance. Whether you prefer a lighter tint or darker blackened windows, window tinting is a cost effective way to de-age your older car.
Driving in the Austin sun can be challenging, particularly when harsh glare impairs your vision. We all know the feeling of driving home in the Fall and Winter months where the sun sits right at eye level. Window tint helps reduce glare, providing a clearer view of the road and making for a safer driving experience.
Before tinting your windows, it’s important to ensure your tint complies with Texas tint law. In Texas, there are specific regulations and laws regarding how dark your tint can be, especially on the front windows and windshield. To avoid potential fines, always choose a reputable tint shop like Dixie Tint Pros, where we ensure all installations meet state requirements.
When it comes to window tinting, professional installation is key. At Dixie Tint Pros, we have years of experience and use the highest quality window tinting materials. Our professional installers apply the tint seamlessly, ensuring a perfect finish that will last for years. Whether you’re searching for “window tint near me” or “tint shop near me,” trust our team for expert service and top-notch results.
Tinting your used car’s windows is a practical upgrade that enhances comfort, safety, and style. From protecting your car’s interior to reducing heat and glare, window tinting offers plenty of benefits for Austin drivers. At Dixie Tint Pros, we provide premium window tinting services tailored to your needs. If you’re in Austin, Dripping Springs, or Lakeway, TX and are looking for “car tints in Austin” or “window tint near me,” contact us today to schedule your appointment!
We provide ceramic and dyed window tints to all of our customers and are an exclusive distributor of Autobahn window films. All of our tints are multilayered and provide protection against scratches, heat, and UV rays
The darkness of window film is regulated based on the Visible Light Transmission or VLT – the percentage of visible light allowed in through the combination of the film and the window. Texas laws contain specific regulations based on the type of vehicle. The requirements for sedans, SUVs and vans are as follows.
- Windshield: 25% VLT tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or top 5 inches, with less than 25% reflection
- Front Side Windows: Must allow more than 25% of light in
- Back Side Windows: Any level of darkness
- Rear Windows: Any darkness can be used with side outside mirrors, 25% VLT without.
For more information visit the Texas Department of Public Safety’s website here.
The cost of window tinting can vary depending on the size of your vehicle, the windows you want to tint, and the type of film you choose. Generally, the larger the vehicle and the higher the window counts, the more it will cost. Premium Window Films, like our Nanoflex Premium Ceramic window film, start around $125 per window while our quality cost effective Carbon Terraflex Window Films can be as low as $59 per window. Despite our business being window tints, Dixie Tint Pros is completely transparent when it comes to pricing. You will know your out-the-door cost before you arrive at one of our stores, if you request a quote from us.
The short answer is no, it is not illegal to have window tint on your car’s windows. However, Texas regulates the amount of light that your tint can block. Your vehicle tint must follow Visible Light Transmission or VLT standards established by the state of Texas. For more information about Texas Window Tint Laws, visit the Texas Department of Public Safety’s website here.
Carbon tints are made from sheets of polyester or another laminate materials that include microscopic Carbon particles that, depending on quantity, can provide varying shades from very light to very dark. Ceramic window tint is the highest quality window film on the market and is made from polyester or laminate based sheets. They are available in a variety of shades and colors. The main difference between ceramic tint and carbon tint is that ceramic tint is coated with ceramic particles at the end of the manufacturing process. Ceramic tints blocks visible sunlight, adds privacy, blocks harmful UV rays, glare, and heat.