How Much Does Car Window Tinting Usually Cost?

Before you decide to get your car tinted, you need to find out the typical cost of car window tinting. Here's a price range, and the factors that affect it.

With an average of 246 days of sunshine each year, Tampa is one of the sunniest cities in the Sunshine State. That means sunscreen is a staple for most residents.

Did you know your car can benefit from sunscreen too? Protection from the sun is one of the many benefits of car window tinting. A more comfortable and sharper-looking ride is another.



If you're considering adding this feature to your car, you'll want to know more about the cost of car window tinting. Read on about what you could pay for professional car window tinting.

Reasons to Tint Your Car Windows

The sun is brutal on a car's interior. Like human skin, the upholstery inside your vehicle can suffer from sun damage. If you have leather seats, exposure to the sun's UV rays can cause them to warp and crack.

If preventing damage to the inside of your car isn't enough, what about shielding you from UV rays?

A leading cause of skin cancer is UV ray exposure. Tinting can significantly reduce the number of UV rays that penetrate your car's windows.

Protection isn't the only benefit of car window tinting. Here are several other legitimate reasons to tint your car windows.

• Reduce glare
• Offers privacy
• Provides safety

While tinted windows may shatter during an accident, the tint material can help protect you from broken glass. Reducing glare means you'll drive without squinting—so less distraction—or you'll arrive at your destination with a pounding headache.

Factors that Determine Your Cost

Car window tinting offers you many benefits. How much will adding this layer of protection and comfort cost?

Several factors go into determining the final cost of car window tinting service. They include the following:

• Vehicle type
• Number of windows
• Tint darkness
• Tint material
• Brand
• Installation process

Should you decide to tint over your factory-tinted windows, you shouldn't need to remove the prior tint. If the car window tinting service needs to remove prior window tint due to age or quality, that could add to the final cost.

How Vehicle Type Affects Window Tint Cost

The single most significant factor in car window tinting cost is the type of car or truck you drive. Vans and SUVs with a lot of window glass generally cost more than smaller cars.

If your car has a sunroof, it will add to the cost.

A professional car window tinting company normally uses templates based on standard window sizes. If you drive a classic car, you may pay a bit more for window tinting. That's because there may not be an existing template, meaning vehicle-specific materials will need to be ordered.

Types of Car Window Tint

You'll have a few tint material options when you take your car in for window tinting service. The type of tint you choose is another factor that determines your cost.

These are the options you'll have when using a professional service:

• Dyed
• Metalized
• Carbon
• Ceramic

You may also decide on a hybrid tint. This type of tint contains a combination of dyes and metal particles. There are multiple dyed layers with a thin metal layer sandwiched in between.

The dyed tint is the most cost-effective—upfront—of the different types of car window tint. It tends to fade faster than some other materials, which may mean, over time, it's less effective.

You'll pay less for a hybrid than a metalized tint, but they're more expensive than dye tints. In the long run, if you choose your tint materials based on durability and longevity, you won't go wrong.

In the next section, we'll discuss ceramic and carbon window tints.

Cost Difference Between Carbon and Ceramic Window Tint

Carbon window tint is more expensive than the three types mentioned above. Once you see why you'll likely appreciate the reason for the cost difference.

Calculating the Cost of Car Window Tinting

Using all the factors discussed in this article, the car window tinting service you choose will create an estimate. On average, you'll spend between $50 and $850.

Labor costs can add to the final price if you need unexpected work done to the car windows. Also, removing a previous tint job or if you have an unusual-size window will add to the cost.

You'll find the dyed film and metalized tint materials on the lower end of the price scale. Hybrid sits in the middle, followed by your highest-priced options, carbon and ceramic.

While some people attempt DIY window tinting—to save money and, maybe, even have a little fun—professionals provide the best and longest-lasting window tinting. Since this is what they do every day, you'll enjoy the benefit of expertise and guarantees for work done.

For the most accurate cost, requesting an estimate from a car window tinting service near you is always best.

Ready to Schedule Car Window Tinting?

While our article on the cost of car window tinting provided an overview, you'll be able to get an estimate with a cost breakdown from a professional car window tinting service.

Here in Tampa, Leo's Touch Window Tinting offers stellar service and a warranty on their work. Our clients love us, and we think you will too. 

Reach out today and request a free estimate. We look forward to helping you upgrade your ride.