Is Ceramic Car Window Tinting Worth the Extra Cost?

This option is a top choice for those looking to stay cool in the summer heat

With summer temperatures on the rise, now might be a good time to consider window tinting for your car. With various options available, ceramic-based tinting has become a premium choice—but is it worth the premium price?

“In general, ceramic is more effective than traditional tint,” says Mike Crossen, a Consumer Reports auto technician. “It’s going to block a higher percentage of UV light, which will keep the car cooler and slow the fading of your car’s interior. It also adds protection from the sun’s rays without the need for darker tint. You can have a lighter tint that still offers superior protection.”

Ceramic window tinting is a process that uses multilayered film that’s infused with microscopic nonconductive ceramic particles. Manufacturers claim that ceramic tinting blocks 99.9 percent of ultraviolet rays. The installation process involves the same amount of labor as nonceramic options, but ceramic tinting usually costs several hundred dollars more than other methods.

Before adding any aftermarket tint make sure you check your state laws regarding the amount of tint you can put on your car windows. There can be different standards for front side windows as well as the windshield. SUVs typically come with darker rear and rear side windows from the factory. Also keep in mind how much you’re driving at night because the darker your windows the harder it is to see.

As for beating the summer heat when you park your car, a winning combination is covering the inside of your windshield with a sunshade and installing ceramic tinting on your side and rear windows. Keeping your car cool is not only a comfort issue but also a safety issue.

“People often think that it has to be a really hot sunny day for your car to heat up quickly. And that’s not true at all,” says Emily Thomas, Consumer Reports’ auto safety manager. “It’s important that you never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle. Your car can heat up very quickly even on a cloudy day.”

Also, if you have child car seats in your vehicle, the metal buckles can get really hot, Thomas says. Be careful that the metal parts don’t burn your child when you put them into the seat. Your best bet is to cover the car seat with a blanket when you exit the vehicle to help keep any metal parts from heating up in direct sunlight.

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