Window tint
Window tint, adhesive film or sun shade window film. There are different types of window film with different functions.
One person uses it to style his or her car and another to keep the sun out.
Another use of window film is extra safety. You can order sun shade window
film and anti-burglary film at Winparts. We explain the differences below.
Sunshade window foil
One type of window tint is sunshade window film . Foil that helps to protect against the heat of the sun and
UV-light. The sun protection foil will greatly reduce the bright sun rays and
light reflections. It also protects you and your passengers against harmful
UV-radiation. Tinted window film such as sun protection foil can also help to
reduce the heat in the car. It can make your car a lot more comfortable during
hot summer days, especially if you don't have air conditioning.
Anti-burglary foil
In addition to sunshade window foil, you
can also opt for
anti-burglary window film, also known as safety window film.
Anti-burglary foil is a transparent window tint. You apply the window film to
the inside of your car windows. When a thief tries to break into your car by
smashing the window, the foil helps the glass to stick together. This prevents
the glass to shatters easily, ensuring that the interior of your car remains
glass-free. Whether it is a collision or vandalism, anti-burglary window films
have been specially developed to hold a broken window together.
Window tint UK laws
First of all, always make sure that your
vehicle complies with UK legislation. It´s good to know that completely masking
your car windows is under no condition allowed. This is especially applicable
to the front screen window, and the windows at the drivers and passenger side.
There are no rules for tinting the rear windscreen or rear passenger windows. The
degree for tinting front windscreens and front side windows depend on when the
vehicle was first used. For vehicles first used on April 1st 1985 or later, the
front windscreen must let at least 75% of light through. The front side windows
must let at least 70% of light through. For vehicles first used before April
1st 1985 the front windscreen and front side windows must both let at least 70%
of light through. If your car doesn’t comply, you might get a ‘prohibition
notice’. Which means you are not allowed to use your vehicle until the window
tint is removed. You also risk a penalty notice or court summons. So make sure
you obey the window tint UK laws.
Also, be aware that these rules might be a
bit different from other European countries. Countries on the continent and
member of the EU, need to comply with European directives. The European directive
on the matter state that the light transmittance of the front and side windows
must be at least 55%. During a possible check, the police place a gauge on both
sides of the car window. These gauges see each other through the glass and
measure how much light is being transmitted. A light transmittance lower than
55% can result in a fine and confiscation of your driver’s license. For the
rear windows, the light transmittance may be lower (<55%). However, this
only applies if your car has a left and right side mirror. For additional
advice, you can always approach a car styling company or MOT testing company.
Warning ! Manufacturers are allowed to coat the window screens during production.
As long as the front screen lets at least 75% light through and the front side
windows at least 70%. Be aware that most manufacturers coat their window
screens. So you cannot assume currently by default that the light transmittance
of your car windows is 100%. Therefore, pay attention if you want to tint your
car windows with window tint. It often happens that with adhesive window film
the car windows still come below 55% light transmittance
Buy window film
At Winparts you will find a wide range of
inexpensive window tints. You can choose from different colours and shades. You
also have a wide choice in different levels of light transmittance.
