Doing any kind of modding on vehicles usually comes with a very expensive bill. Even changing things as simple as a tailpipe can cost an entire fortune. Because this is an expensive luxury, most people just forget about doing any kind of modding on their cars. However, putting a tint on the car windows is one of those things that will not leave a hole in your wallet. It is a small change of appearance, but it is still nice to do and see without spending a fortune.
However, the costs of tinting the windows can vary. Many different factors can have an influence on the final price. The vehicle model, the type of the tint, its color, and other important elements.
To help you decide whether you should do this type of modding to your vehicle, I am going to explain the exact costs of tinting the windows on your car in 2024.
Keep in mind, the price of these services tend to change from season to season. So, even if I give you an accurate answer to your question, you should still be ready for some kind of variation in pricing.
Make sure it is legal
Before you make a decision and get in your car to tint its windows, it may be a good idea to take a step back and do some research about this entire process.
It is very important to understand that cities, states, and countries may have different rules and regulations regarding light transmittance. If you go against these rules, you will probably end up paying a hefty fine. I am talking about thousands of dollars.
I assume that you are not interested in paying such fines. That is why you have to find out the regulations in your state on this certain topic. For example, certain states allow a minimum of 50% of light transmittance while others a minimum of 25% or even less. The difference between these two values is huge.
I understand that most people want the darkest tint possible, but if it is illegal in your state, I vote against it. In the end, the risk is on you and no one else.
Should you do it by yourself?
If you have been reading online on forums about car tint, you probably have seen thousands of people recommending to do the job by yourself. Sure, DIY projects are great for saving a lot of cash, but this project is not the one where you should be trying to DIY it.
There are a lot of mistakes you can make and steps to botch. The risk is simply too high, so just take your car to professional services and let them do their job. Yes, it is going to cost more, but at least you know you will be getting quality products and services as suggested by www.tintfrisco.com.
However, assuming that you have some kind of previous experience on this matter or something similar, I do not see why you should not try on your own. If you are confident in your skills, I say go ahead.
How much light transmittance do I need?
One of the factors that will have an impact on the price of this tinting project is the percentage of VLT or visible light transmission.
VLT is widely accepted as the value that determines the level of tint on windows. The higher the percentage of VLT, the more light will enter through the windows. For example, 80% VLT means that 20% of the light will be blocked. 20% VLT is 80% of the light blocked, or in other words, very dark.
Deciding on how much VLT you should go will not be easy. As I mentioned previously, you will have to keep in mind the laws and regulations in your state, but it will be necessary to think about visibility. Having a windscreen that is too dark can be dangerous. Darkening the back window too much can also be dangerous. You will not be able to see who is behind you, etc.
To be on the safe side, it is recommended to go with 50% VLT. This is the most balanced option as you will get enough visibility while still being protected from the UV rays and the warmth of the sun. Of course, a darker tint always results in a higher price. So, if you want to save some money, consider a higher percentage VLT.
Average costs
Now that we have cleared some things about vehicle window tints, we can start talking about how the prices are looking in 2024.
By comparing some of the prices between 2020 and 2024, I think that it is clear that this is probably one of the better years to use such services. The prices have dropped quite a bit, so why not use that moment to your advantage and save some money?
On average, companies that offer such services charge around $30 to $60 per window. The tint itself can cost as low as $50 for the entire car, but I recommend going with the more expensive options because they are overall of higher quality. Higher quality usually leads to better durability and better protection from UV rays. The higher-quality options vary anywhere between $250 and $500. Keep in mind that this is the price for the entire vehicle.
To sum it up, for a regular sedan, the entire project can cost you somewhere around $300 which is not a lot of money, consider the other modding options. Of course, if you go with the higher-quality tint, the price may rise up to $500.
Larger vehicles such as RVs, trailers, and vans might be more expensive. Average pricing of around $400 and up to $700.
As you can see, adding a tint to car windows in 2024 is quite affordable even when going with the higher-quality products. I hope that I managed to clear up all uncertainties and confusion you had on this matter.
