A Short History of the Window Tint
The first-ever appearance of the window tint came somewhere around World War II, with EZ Eye being one of the most popular manufacturers back then.
In those days people tried DIY-ing and often ended up with uneven, inconsistent, and inferior quality films that didn’t have the same properties and benefits of a window tint.
The first real film was produced in 1966 and began life as a dye-based material. It was quickly replaced with metallic films, then ceramic window tints.
5 Car Window Tint Facts You Should Know About
There’s a Device That Can Measure Tint Percentage
Law enforcement has a device they can use to determine the window tint percentage on your car. Police officers often have these in tow when checking for vehicles that have a darker window tint than what’s acceptable.
Specifically, the device can measure VLT levels and may be used to charge a driver of window tint violation. So the next time you get a window tint installation done make sure it’s within your state or city guidelines.
A Woman Invented the Windshield Wiper
On a somewhat related note, the modern convenience we enjoy today is all due to a woman’s foresight.
Mary Anderson is an American inventor who patented wiper blades. She was given the patent for a ‘window cleaning device’ in the year 1903. Then, in 1923 a fellow by the name of Raymond Anderson added intermittent wipers- a mechanism that controls the speed and frequency of wiper blades.
There’s Already a Smart Glass
Auto glass is moving forward at a tremendous pace, which bodes well for window tint. Nowadays car and glass manufacturers can add special tints, UV filters, and even a heads-up display. In the future, we can look forward to driving directions and maps integrated into the windshield.
There are Different Window Tints
Although classified under a single name, window tints have several variations, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
For instance, metallic tint films are good at blocking the sun’s heat and keep your interior cool and comfortable. There are dye-based films that don’t work as well as their metallic counterparts but come in lighter shades and won’t interfere with radio or cellular signals.
Some Countries Ban the Use of Window Tint
Did you know that window tints are illegal in some countries? It’s true!
In some cases, car manufacturers are forced to add pre-determined car window tints with a specific VLT level. As for the reason why the laws range from sensible to the truly absurd.
In the US, window tinting rules are dictated per state. The higher the VLT, or visible light transmission levels the lighter the tint.
Burbank Window Tint is the most recommended window film supplier and installer for home and automotive window tinting. For more information about our high-quality window films for residential and commercial home and automotive applications, call us today at (818) 626-5883 or fill out our online contact form.