There are a number of benefits to choosing the correct 3M window tint for the windows of your vehicle. For example, you can save on auto insurance by not displaying a tinted window on your vehicle. You can cut down on road noise and other noise pollution. And, of course, depending on where you live, you may choose to install a carbon or ceramic window tint option. But what is the difference between carbon and ceramic? Let’s find out!
Carbon Film: The Original Window Tinting Material
Carbon film is the original window tinting material and is still widely used today. It has low reflectivity and is easy to install. It can’t be tinted darker than 3 percent because it does not absorb heat properly. It is usually clear or translucent and has a low white light transmittance. The low light transmittance of carbon film means that light from the sun will pass through it and reach your car’s windshield, but that light will be limited in its ability to make its way inside your vehicle.
Ceramic Film: A More recent Window Tinting Material
Ceramic film is a recent window tinting material with higher reflectivity and is heat resistant. It’s more expensive than carbon film, but it gives the car a premium look. It’s also easier to tint because it is colour-coding based on the car’s interior lighting. This means that heat can pass through the tint without significantly conducting away energy. The polymers used to make ceramic window tinting are different from the materials used to make carbon film, so there are many advantages to choosing ceramic window tinting.
Key Differences Between Carbon Film and Ceramic Film
Carbon film has low reflectivity. This means that it reflects almost all light that enters the car and lets only a tiny fraction of light pass through. On the other hand, a very high percentage of light passing through a ceramic film window has very low reflectivity. This means that very little light gets through the car’s glass panel and is reflected in the driver’s eyes. Why is this a problem? Light that passes through a very low-reflectivity window will be reflected back to the car’s interior and will cause any occupants inside the car to be unable to see correctly. Additionally, the carbon film is easy to tint.
Light that is predominantly in one colour, like 70% red, will have a low lighting transmittance. On the other hand, light that is predominantly in another colour, like 70% blue, will have a high lighting transmittance. The opacity of a window tint is determined by a combination of light transmittance and opacity. A low light transmittance means that more light will pass through the window tint, and a high light transmittance means that less light will pass through the window tint.
A car with a carbon window tint is essentially invisible to the outside world. A car with a tinted window has less visible light shining back into the car’s interior.
When Should you Install a Window Tint?
Most car window tinting kits come with a pre-installed tint that needs to be used for the best results. If you’re not sure which type of window tinting to choose for your car, follow these steps:
- First, measure the outside of your car windows. You’ll need the length of the panels and the width. The plus and minus signs will help you convert these measurements into degrees Celsius.
- Second, decide which type of window tinting you want on your car. There are a couple of different types of window tinting, and you’ll have to choose the right one for your car’s windows.
- Finally, mark the location of the window tint on the car using a marker. This will help you when you’re applying the window tint.
While there are many advantages to choosing the right 3M window tint for your car window, there are also a few things to consider when choosing a tint for your car. Make sure that the colour you choose will fit your car’s paint job well and give your car a better, more aerodynamic look.