When you’re cruising around Wilmington, NC, you might notice that more and more vehicles have tinted windows. Window tinting isn’t just about giving your car a sleek, stylish look. It’s also about increasing privacy, blocking harmful UV rays, and keeping your car cooler during those hot summer days. But if you’re thinking about getting your windows tinted, you might wonder: what is the most popular window tint percentage in Wilmington, NC?
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of car window tinting in Wilmington, NC, helping you understand the different tint percentages available, why they’re popular, and which one is the best choice for your vehicle. Whether you’re getting your first tint job or upgrading your ride, this guide will help you make an informed decision. Let’s get started!
Why Car Window Tinting Matters in Wilmington, NC
Wilmington is a sunny city, and with that comes intense heat during the summer months. But, aside from keeping your car cooler, car window tinting in Wilmington, NC, offers a host of benefits:
- UV Protection: The sun’s UV rays can cause skin damage and fading to your car’s interior. Tinted windows block a significant amount of these harmful rays.
- Privacy: Want to keep prying eyes out? Tinted windows provide added privacy, making it harder for people to see inside your car.
- Heat Reduction: A good window tint can lower the temperature inside your car by up to 60%, making it more comfortable during those sweltering summer days.
- Improved Aesthetics: Let’s face it, tinted windows just look cool. They give your car a sleek, modern appearance.
But when it comes to choosing the perfect tint for your car, there are a few important things to consider, including tint percentage.
What is Tint Percentage?
Before we talk about the most popular tint percentage in Wilmington, NC, it’s important to understand what tint percentage actually means.
The percentage refers to the amount of light that can pass through your car windows. For example, a 5% tint (also known as limo tint) means that only 5% of the light is allowed in, making it extremely dark. A 50% tint means 50% of the light can pass through, offering a lighter shade. The lower the percentage, the darker the tint.
Here’s a quick breakdown of common tint percentages and what they mean:
- 70%: A very light tint, offering minimal privacy but still some protection from UV rays.
- 50%: Still relatively light but provides more privacy and UV protection.
- 35%: A balanced tint that offers a mix of privacy, comfort, and UV protection without being too dark.
- 20%: Darker tint, offering more privacy and heat reduction but making it harder to see inside.
- 5% (Limo Tint): The darkest tint, providing maximum privacy and heat protection but significantly reducing visibility.
The Most Popular Window Tint Percentage in Wilmington, NC
So, what tint percentage is the most popular in Wilmington, NC? After speaking to numerous local experts and car enthusiasts, it’s clear that 35% tint is the most widely chosen option.
Here’s why:
1. Perfect Balance of Privacy and Visibility
The 35% tint offers a great balance between privacy and visibility. It’s dark enough to give you privacy and reduce glare from the sun but light enough to maintain good visibility while driving. You won’t feel like you’re driving in the dark, and you’ll still be able to see clearly, even at night.
2. Legal and Comfortable
In Wilmington, the legal limit for window tinting on front-side windows is 35%. This means you can legally have this tint on your driver and passenger windows without worrying about fines. It’s also a safe choice because it’s dark enough to reduce heat and UV exposure but not so dark that it impairs your vision while driving.
3. Ideal for Heat Reduction
Wilmington, NC, gets hot during the summer, and having a 35% tint helps keep your car’s interior cooler. This tint percentage offers good heat rejection, so you don’t have to crank up the air conditioning as much, saving you some fuel.
4. Protects Your Car’s Interior
Another reason people in Wilmington go with a 35% tint is because it helps protect their car’s interior. The tint blocks a significant portion of UV rays, which helps prevent your upholstery, dashboard, and other interior components from fading or cracking over time.
Legal Tint Limits in Wilmington, NC
Before you head over to NVS Customs for your window tinting in Wilmington, NC, it’s essential to be aware of the legal limits for car window tinting in the state. Here’s a quick rundown of the laws:
- Windshield: You can have a non-reflective tint along the top 5 inches of your windshield.
- Front Side Windows: The tint must allow at least 35% of light to pass through.
- Back Side Windows: These can be tinted darker, but it’s a good idea to have side mirrors installed.
- Rear Window: The rear window can be tinted as dark as you want, but visibility might be a concern if you don’t have side mirrors.
Choosing a 35% tint means you’re staying within the legal limits while still enjoying the benefits of window tinting.
Other Popular Tint Percentages in Wilmington, NC
While 35% is the go-to tint percentage for most Wilmington drivers, there are a few other options that are popular as well.
50% Tint
50% tint is often chosen by drivers who want to keep their windows relatively light. It provides some privacy and UV protection but doesn’t darken the car too much. This tint is a good option if you prefer a more subtle change to your car’s appearance.
20% Tint
The 20% tint is a popular choice for people who want a bit more privacy. It’s darker than 35%, which means you’ll get more UV and heat protection, but it may reduce visibility, especially at night. It’s a great choice if privacy is more important to you than visibility.
5% Tint (Limo Tint)
Limo tint, or 5% tint, is the darkest option you can go for. It provides maximum privacy and protection from the sun’s rays, but it can be difficult to see through, especially at night. This tint is often used on commercial vehicles like limos, but it can also be found on some luxury cars. Keep in mind that 5% tint might not be street legal in all areas.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Tint Percentage
When deciding on the right tint percentage for your car, consider the following factors:
- Legal Regulations: Make sure the tint percentage complies with local laws. In Wilmington, a 35% tint on your front side windows is a safe bet.
- Personal Preference: Think about how much privacy you want and how dark you’re comfortable with. Some people prefer a more subtle look, while others want maximum privacy.
- Climate: If you’re looking to keep your car cooler during hot summer days, a darker tint can help block more heat.
- Visibility: While darker tints offer more privacy, they can make it harder to see through the windows, especially at night. Consider how important visibility is to you.
Why Choose NVS Customs for Car Window Tinting in Wilmington, NC?
At NVS Customs, we specialize in high-quality car window tinting in Wilmington, NC. Our team of professionals will help you choose the perfect tint percentage based on your needs, preferences, and local regulations. We only use top-tier tint films that are designed to last for years, ensuring your car looks great and stays protected.
Our tinting process is fast, efficient, and always done with precision. Plus, we offer a lifetime warranty on all of our tint installations, so you can drive with confidence knowing your windows are covered.
NVS Customs Serving the Kelly Community and Beyond in Wilmington, NC
NVS Customs is dedicated to serving the diverse needs of the local community of Wilmington, NC including individuals residing in neighbourhoods like Kelly. With its convenient location near landmarks such as CAPP Farms and major intersections like NC-210 N, (coordinates: 34.44815, -78.25449), we offer car window tinting services.
Get the car window tinting services in Wilmington, NC at Kelly.
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Conclusion
Choosing the right window tint percentage for your car in Wilmington, NC, comes down to balancing privacy, comfort, and visibility. While 35% is the most popular choice, other options like 50% and 20% tint are also popular depending on personal preferences.
At NVS Customs, we’re here to help you navigate your window tinting options and find the perfect solution for your vehicle. Whether you’re looking to enhance your car’s appearance, protect your interior, or stay cooler during the summer, window tinting is a smart choice. Contact us today to get started!
FAQs
- What is the legal tint percentage in Wilmington, NC? In Wilmington, the legal limit for front side windows is 35% tint, and rear side and rear windows can be darker.
- What is the best tint percentage for heat reduction? A darker tint, like 35% or 20%, offers better heat reduction than lighter tints.
- Can I tint my windshield in Wilmington, NC? You can tint the top 5 inches of your windshield with a non-reflective tint.
- How dark can I tint my back windows? You can tint the back side and rear windows as dark as you want, as long as you have side mirrors.
- How long does window tint last? With proper care, window tint can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years.