How to Determine Your Car Window Tint Percentage Without a Meter

When you purchase a car, whether brand new or second-hand, it’s crucial to be aware of the window tint percentage. This knowledge is not just for aesthetic reasons but also to ensure compliance with local regulations. Tinting your car windows offers benefits like UV protection, climate control, and enhanced safety during accidents. But the question remains: how can you accurately determine your window tint percentage, especially if it’s within legal limits?

How to Check Window Tint Percentage at Home?

Window tint percentage essentially indicates the amount of visible light that the tinted window allows to pass through.

• For instance, a 5% tint means only 5% of the light can penetrate, resulting in a very dark window.
• Conversely, an 80% tint will be much lighter, allowing 80% of the light to pass through.

Simply put, the lower the percentage, the darker the tint.

Checking the window tint percentage at home is not as complicated as it may seem. With a few simple methods, you can easily determine the level of tint on your windows. Here are some effective ways to do it:

1. The Naked Eye Test

Believe it or not, your eyes can be a pretty accurate tool for this task. Here’s a simple rule of thumb:

• Park the vehicle in a well-lit area outside.
• Ensure all windows are fully closed.
• Look through the tinted windows to the other side of the vehicle.
• If you can clearly see the inside of the vehicle and the outside of what is opposite the window you are looking through, the tint is probably no darker than 35%.

This method has been used for over 20 years by vehicle inspectors and has proven to be about 90% accurate. However, always remember that this is just a guideline and not a definitive test.

2. The Shade Card Test

This is a more hands-on approach that requires a bit of preparation:

1. Print 10 different shades of grey, ranging from black to white. Each shade represents a 10% increment.
2. If you want a more precise measurement, consider printing 100 shades with a 1% value each.
3. Hold the printed shade card behind the tinted glass.
4. Observe the visibility and determine which shade matches the tint. That shade will give you the approximate tint percentage.

3. Use a Light Meter App on Your Phone

Technology has made it easier than ever to check tint percentages. Here’s how:

• Download a Light Meter App on your smartphone.
• Some apps, like Tint Meter, are designed specifically for this purpose.
• After measuring both external and internal illumination, the app will display the degree of transparency of the automotive glass as VLT (Visible Light Transmission) in percentage.
• Remember, the light sensor on most smartphones is located at the top of the screen, next to the speaker and front camera. Ensure your screen faces the window correctly for accurate readings.

4. Use Formula to combine Factory & Aftermarket Tint

There are two primary types of window tints:

• Factory Tint: This tint is embedded during the manufacturing process and cannot be removed.
• Aftermarket Tint: Applied post-manufacturing, this tint can be added on top of the factory tint.

It’s essential to consider both types when calculating your car window tint’s overall percentage.

To determine the tint percentage, start by identifying the factory tint percentage. Once known, multiply it with the Visible Light Transmission (VLT) of the aftermarket film. For example, if the factory VLT is 60% and the film VLT is 7%, the formula would be 7×60/100 = 4.2%. Thus, the combined tint percentage is 4.2%.

5. Request a Free Test from the State Authority

If you’re still unsure about the tint percentage or just want a professional opinion, consider this option:

Your local state inspection station might offer a free test using their specialized tint meter. It’s always a good idea to check with them and get an expert’s perspective.

Removing Excessively Dark Window Tint

Realize your tint is too dark? Here are a couple of DIY methods to remove it:

1. Soap Method

• Dish soap and water
• Glass cleaner
• A knife or blade
• Paper towels

Start by cleaning the windows. Then, gently peel off the tint using the blade, beginning from a window corner. It’s advisable to test on a smaller window first to avoid mistakes.

2. Hairdryer Method

• Hairdryer
• Glass cleaner
• A knife or blade
• Paper towels
• Cloth

With an extension cord, use the hairdryer on its highest setting to heat a window corner until the tint starts to curl. This will enable you to peel off the tint layer.

Cleaning Post Tint Removal

After removing the tint, there might be adhesive residue on the windows. Use a soap-water mixture or a hairdryer to deal with this. Finally, clean the windows with glass cleaner.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does window tint percentage mean?
   It represents the amount of visible light that can pass through the tinted window.
2. How do law enforcement officers check the tint percentage?
   They use a tint meter, which measures the amount of light passing through the window.
3. Can I remove a dark window tint by myself?
   Yes, methods like the Soap Method and Hairdryer Method can be used to remove window tints at home.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several ways to check the window tint percentage at home. Whether you trust your eyes, use a shade card, or rely on technology, you can easily determine the level of tint on your windows. Always remember to check local regulations to ensure your tint is within legal limits.