How Many Grades Are There for Car Window Tinting?

[FinnLee]

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.

[DiAnastasia]

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.

[MasonDella]

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.

[OCamila]

Window films come in three grades: low, mid, and high-end, which I've just selected. The low-end costs around a thousand yuan, providing basic sunshade but with limited effectiveness. It's decent value for money but less durable. The mid-range, priced between two to five thousand, offers significantly better heat insulation and privacy protection, along with a longer lifespan. The high-end starts from seven to eight thousand, featuring ceramic types with superior heat insulation that can even save on air conditioning costs. Choose the grade based on your car usage—for instance, frequent long-distance drivers might prefer the high-end for added comfort. Don’t forget to check the light transmittance regulations to avoid fines for overly dark tints.

[BlakelyAnn]

I've changed the film on my old car several times, and the quality mainly depends on installation and durability. The economy type costs under a thousand yuan, but the installation is rough and prone to bubbles, affecting aesthetics. The mid-range starts at two thousand, with better materials and craftsmanship, easy maintenance, and no fading for five years. The high-end costs four to five thousand, comes with warranty services, has excellent heat insulation, saves fuel, and enhances safety. From practical experience, choosing a grade should balance budget and lifespan; the low-end saves initial costs but needs frequent replacement, making it more expensive in the long run.