How Much to Tint Car Windows? 2024 Price Guide
Having your car windows tinted can provide many benefits – reducing heat and glare from the sun, protecting your interior from UV rays, keeping prying eyes from seeing inside, and even helping maintain your privacy. But how much does it actually cost to tint your car windows? The price can vary quite a bit based on the type of vehicle you have, the quality of film you choose, percentage of tint, and more.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how much to tint car windows, including:
- Average tinting costs for different vehicle types
- Factors that impact the price like film type and percentage of tint
- Cost breakdown by specific window
- Price difference for DIY kits vs professional installation
- Tips for getting the best deal on quality tinting
- Whether the investment in car window tint is worth the cost
We’ll also include a handy comparison chart of leading window tint brands and provide a pros and cons analysis. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Average Cost to Tint Car Windows
The average cost to tint the windows on a standard 4-door sedan falls between $150 to $400, with most people paying around $250. Here’s a quick look at estimated tinting costs by vehicle type:
- Small sedan – $120 to $300
- Midsize sedan – $150 to $350
- Large sedan – $200 to $450
- SUV – $200 to $450
- Truck – $250 to $500
- Luxury vehicle – $300 to $550
As you go up in vehicle size and window space, especially with large SUVs and trucks, the tinting costs will also rise. Luxury vehicles also cost more to tint given the frequently larger surface area and use of premium films.
You can also opt to just tint select windows, like only the front driver and passenger windows, which would start around $70-$150. But most people prefer to tint all the windows on their vehicle for full benefits.
DIY tint kits typically range from $20-$100, a much cheaper option compared to professional installation. But the finished results may not be as high quality. We’ll dive more into the pros and cons of DIY vs professional a bit later.
Factors That Impact the Price of Tint
There are several important factors that affect the total price you’ll pay to tint your vehicle’s windows:
Type of Vehicle
The size and type of vehicle plays a big role in cost. As mentioned above, an SUV with more windows and larger surface area will be more expensive than tinting a compact car. If the vehicle has complex window shapes or curves, this also raises the installation time and film material needed.
Window Tint Material
There are 3 main options when it comes to film material:
- Dyed – The most affordable option using a dyed polymer film. Provides decent UV protection.
- Carbon – Blocks more heat and UV compared to dyed. Provides privacy.
- Ceramic – Most expensive but highest heat rejection and UV protection. Improves clarity.
The higher quality the material, the greater visible light and heat will be blocked. This improved performance comes at a higher price.
Percentage of Tint
The percentage or degree of visible light blockage will impact the price. A lighter tint of 25% will cost less than a dark limo tint of 5% which blocks more light. However, the legal limit for tint darkness varies by state, typically allowing anywhere from 35-75% visible light transmission for front windows. This percentage limitation must be considered alongside your preferences.
Additional Services
Extra tinting options and services will also add to the total cost:
- Clear UV tint – Only blocks UV rays while letting visible light through.
- Colored tint – Amber, yellow, orange, blue, grey colored film.
- Warranty – 1 year, lifetime, etc. More coverage costs more.
- Removal – Taking off old tint if present.
- Rain guards – Visors above windows.
Location
Like most services, location impacts the price. Larger cities will be more expensive compared to small towns and rural areas. Cost of living, competition, overhead, and labor rates in your city or state will factor into the quote.
Cost by Window Type
Another consideration is how much it costs to tint specific windows in your vehicle. Here are rough estimates:
- Windshield – $120 to $300
- Front doors – $50 to $150 each
- Rear doors – $50 to $100 each
- Back window – $80 to $180
As you can see, the windshield is usually the most expensive window to tint given its large size and curvature. The back window also runs higher due to its typical large surface area. The front driver and passenger doors tend to be the cheapest to tint.
Some states prohibit windshield and front window tinting beyond certain levels due to visibility requirements. Make sure to check your local regulations.
DIY Tinting vs Professional Installation
One of the biggest factors affecting tint cost is whether you tackle it yourself with a DIY kit or hire professional window tinters. Let’s compare the two options:
DIY Tint Kits
The benefits of DIY tinting include:
- Much cheaper – kits start around $20
- More control over the process
Downsides of DIY tinting:
- Results likely won’t be as clean and bubble-free
- Difficult to apply perfectly on curved windows
- Mistakes are very hard to fix
- No warranty or quality guarantees
Kits found online and in auto stores include pre-cut tint film that you spray with application fluid and smooth out. It can be tricky getting a perfectly smooth, professional looking finish. Any bubbles, creases, or debris leads to redoing panels and buying more film.
Professional Tinting
Hiring a professional window tinting company provides these advantages:
- Higher quality, pro-grade materials for better heat and UV blockage
- Smoother, bubble-free application using tools and experience
- Warranties and guarantees for defects and bubbling
- Can properly prep glass and clean edges
- Knowledge of legal limits
The downside of professional installation is the higher cost, typically starting around $200 and up per vehicle.
If you have an expensive luxury vehicle, professionally installed tint is highly recommended to get clean, flawless results and coverage in case of issues down the road. But for an older economy car, a DIY kit may suffice.
How to Get the Best Deal on Tinting
If you want to get quality professional window tinting at a fair price, here are some tips:
- Read reviews – Check Google, Yelp, etc. for local installer reviews. Look for consistent 5 star ratings.
- Verify licensing and credentials – Reputable tinters should have licenses and manufacturer certifications like 3M.
- Ask about warranties – At minimum get 1 year warranty. Lifetime is ideal.
- Get quotes – Don’t go with just one shop. Get 3+ quotes for price comparison.
- Look for current deals – Ask about any specials or coupons. The off-season winter has better pricing.
- Request a bundle discount – If adding tint to multiple vehicles.
- Negotiate – Politely ask if they are able to match a lower quote. Most want your business.
Taking the time to find the right installer for you will pay off for years to come each time you drive your tinted ride.
Is Window Tinting Worth the Investment?
As you decide if you should budget for tinting your car’s windows, here are some benefits to consider:
UV Rays Protection
Window film blocks 99% of UV rays from entering your vehicle. This helps prevent sun damage to skin and reduces fading on dashboards and leather interiors which cuts costly repairs.
Heat Reduction
Darker tinted windows can block as much as 60% of heat from sunlight and keep interiors cooler. This reduces air conditioning usage which saves gas.
Extra Privacy and Security
The darker the tint, the harder it is see into the car from the outside, providing privacy. Tint deters potential thieves scoping parked vehicles.
Improved Shatter Resistance
Window tint holds broken glass together if the window breaks or is damaged. This provides added safety and security.
Better Resale Value
Vehicles with window tinting tend to command a higher resale price compared to untinted. It shows car care by owners.
Based on these excellent benefits, quality window tint is likely worth the investment if you plan to drive your vehicle for years or need extra privacy. Just be sure to get quotes from professional installers first.
Car Window Tinting Prices Comparison Chart
| Brand | Price Range | Warranty | UV Protection | Heat Rejection | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3M | $$$ | Lifetime | 99% | Up to 60% | Industry leader, many finish options |
| Llumar | $$ | 10 years | 99% | Up to 55% | Wide selection of tint films |
| FormulaOne | $ | 1 year | 98% | Up to 38% | Budget option |
| Huper Optik | $$$$ | Lifetime | 99% | Up to 84% | Ceramic construction |
| SunTek | $$ | 10 years | 99% | Up to 73% | Carbon nanoparticles |
Pros and Cons of Window Tint
Pros
- Reduces interior heat and AC costs
- Blocks harmful UV rays
- Increases privacy
- Shatter resistance for safety
- Reflects glare off glass
- Aesthetically pleasing look
- Potential better resale value
Cons
- Illegal to be overly dark in some states
- Night driving visibility reduced
- Dark film still fades over time
- DIY kits could lead to bubbles
- Professional installation costs more
- Can interfere with radio reception
Conclusion
The cost to tint your car’s windows runs approximately $200-$500 on average depending on vehicle size and type of tint material. To get an accurate quote for your specific car’s windows, contact 3+ professional tinting companies in your area.
Be sure to consider percentage limits in your state, warranty length, and benefits like heat reduction and UV protection when choosing a shop and window film. Quality professional tinting is likely worth the investment for driving comfort, privacy, and safety.
