How Many Grades Are There for Car Window Tinting?
3 Answers
Car window tinting can be broadly categorized into four grades. 1. Dyed Film. Commonly referred to as standard film, its main component is a dyed, adhesive-coated ordinary chemical film. This type of heat-insulating film neither insulates heat nor blocks UV rays or provides explosion-proof protection. Additionally, its light-blocking properties can easily lead to traffic accidents while driving, and it tends to fade over time. Moreover, when heated, it emits odorous gases that can harm human health. 2. Semi-Reflective Paper. Car dealers often give this type of tint to users as a complimentary item. It offers a heat insulation rate of about 20% to 30%, but after one or two years of use, its surface undergoes oxidation and deteriorates. 3. Metal-Coated Reflective Infrared Explosion-Proof Heat-Insulating Film. This film is wear-resistant, semi-reflective, and explosion-proof. The ultra-thin metal coating selectively reflects infrared rays from sunlight, thereby providing heat insulation with a rate exceeding 50%. This is currently the main type of high-end explosion-proof heat-insulating film. 4. Non-Metal Layer Heat-Insulating Explosion-Proof Film. This represents the most advanced technology in heat-insulating films, utilizing polymer materials as the insulating layer. It offers extremely high light transmittance, strong glare reduction, excellent heat insulation, and minimizes reflection on the windshield, significantly enhancing driving safety.
Last time I went to the 4S store for window tinting, the staff told me there are roughly four tiers. The cheapest economy type costs around one to two thousand yuan, with thin material and average sun protection—the car still gets hot in summer, and it fades within a year at most. Next is the mid-range option, priced around three thousand yuan, offering much better heat insulation and UV protection; mine lasted over two years without bubbling. The high-end tier starts at five thousand yuan, featuring ceramic films with excellent heat insulation and good transparency, plus noise reduction and anti-glare effects. There’s also a custom luxury option, costing tens of thousands, using branded materials that make the car look as cool as new. Choosing a tier depends on budget and needs—I found the mid-range option very cost-effective. Don’t forget to check the warranty; cheaper tiers might not include service coverage.
The grade of car window film primarily depends on the material type. From my experience, ordinary dyed film is the lowest tier—affordable but prone to aging, discoloration, and poor heat insulation. Metalized films fall into the mid-range category, featuring added metal layers that significantly improve heat rejection and scratch resistance, making them ideal for daily driving. High-end options like nano-ceramic films are pricier but offer exceptional heat rejection, long-lasting shatterproof performance, and UV protection to prevent interior damage. Top-tier security films are professional-grade, even bulletproof-level, prioritizing safety despite their premium cost. Material technology dictates performance and longevity, so consider light transmittance and durability rather than just the price tag when choosing.
