Window Tinting vs. Sunshade: Which One Is Better?

When parked without shade, cars are heavily impacted by the sun. According to researchers, cabin temperatures can rise to over 60°C, and dashboard temperatures can exceed 90°C, after 60 minutes in the sun. Within 90 minutes, a parked car can reach temperatures high enough to cook a lamb loin. After just 10 minutes of exposure to humid, 60-degree heat, the human body can suffer from hyperthermia, heatstroke, and ultimately, acute organ failure and death.

Interior car components, particularly dark plastic, dashboards, seats, and upholstery, endure significant thermal stress when exposed to direct sunlight, humidity, and ambient temperatures above 60°C. Steering wheels begin to delaminate and peel. Plastic can soften and even melt (it can also emit benzene, a harmful chemical linked to anaemia and poor immune systems). Cloth seats can fade, and leather will almost certainly crack over time.

So, it would be wise to have your car tinted or sunshade installed. But which one is better? Which one suits you the most? Let’s take a look…

should I tint my car windows or buy sun shades?

Deciding whether to tint your car windows or buy sunshades depends on your specific needs and preferences. Both options offer benefits, and understanding these can help you make an informed choice.

Window Tinting

Benefits:

1. Permanent Solution:
   • Once installed, window tinting provides ongoing protection without needing to be removed or adjusted.
2. UV Protection:
   • High-quality window tints can block up to 99% of harmful UV rays, protecting your skin and preventing interior fading.
3. Heat Reduction:
   • Tinting can significantly reduce heat inside the car, making it more comfortable and lessening the load on the air conditioning system.
4. Glare Reduction:
   • Tinted windows reduce glare from the sun and headlights, enhancing driving comfort and safety.
5. Privacy:
   • Tinting adds a layer of privacy, making it harder for outsiders to see inside the car.
6. Aesthetic Appeal:
   • Many people prefer the sleek look of tinted windows.

Considerations:

1. Cost:
   • Professional window tinting can be relatively expensive, especially for high-quality tints.
2. Legal Restrictions:
   • There are legal limits to how dark you can tint your windows, which vary by state or territory.
3. Permanent Nature:
   • Once applied, tints are not easily removable or adjustable.

Sun Shades

Benefits:

1. Cost-Effective:
   • Sun shades are generally much cheaper than professional window tinting.
2. Ease of Use:
   • Sun shades can be easily installed, removed, and stored as needed.
3. Flexibility:
   • You can choose when and where to use sunshades, such as only using them on the front windshield or side windows as necessary.
4. No Legal Restrictions:
   • Sun shades are not subject to the same legal limitations as window tinting.

Considerations:

1. Temporary Solution:
   • Sun shades need to be put up and taken down every time you park, which can be inconvenient.
2. Limited Coverage:
   • Sun shades primarily protect the parked car and offer limited benefits while driving.
3. Less Comprehensive Protection:
   • Sun shades might not block as much UV light or heat compared to window tints.

Which is Right for You?

Choose Window Tinting If:

• You prefer a permanent solution that requires no daily setup.
• You want comprehensive UV and heat protection at all times.
• You value privacy and reduced glare while driving.
• You are okay with the higher initial cost and potential legal constraints.

Choose Sun Shades If:

• You want a more affordable option.
• You prefer flexibility and the ability to remove the shades as needed.
• You don’t mind taking a few moments to install and remove the shades when parking.
• You are primarily concerned with protecting your car when parked rather than while driving.

Both window tinting and sun shades have their advantages and drawbacks. If you seek a long-term, hassle-free solution with continuous benefits, window tinting might be the better option. If you prefer a low-cost, flexible, and easy-to-use solution for specific situations, sun shades could be more suitable.

Consider your budget, local laws, and how you use your car to make the best decision for your needs.

What is the legal car tint in Australia?

In Australia, the legal regulations for car window tinting vary by state and territory. These rules are designed to ensure driver safety and maintain visibility on the road while allowing some level of personal preference for car aesthetics and comfort.

Here’s a breakdown of the legal car tint regulations across different regions in Australia:

Visible Light Transmission (VLT) Standards

The most critical aspect of car window tinting laws in Australia revolves around the Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentage. VLT refers to the amount of light that can pass through the window and tint film. A lower VLT percentage means a darker tint. Each state and territory has specific VLT requirements for different windows in the vehicle.

Front Windscreen

In all states and territories, the front windscreen must allow a high level of light transmission. Typically, the VLT for the front windscreen must be at least 70%. Some states allow a tinted strip at the top of the windscreen, often referred to as an “eyebrow,” but its depth and VLT can vary.

Front Side Windows

For the front side windows (the driver and front passenger windows), the VLT must generally be at least 35%. This regulation is quite consistent across the country to ensure that the driver has a clear view of the road and surrounding traffic.

Rear Side and Rear Windows

The regulations for rear side windows and the rear window (back windshield) are more lenient. Most states and territories allow a VLT as low as 20% for these windows. In some cases, if the vehicle has dual side mirrors, darker tints may be permissible.

Specific State and Territory Regulations

Here are some specifics for each region:

• New South Wales (NSW): Front windscreen must have a VLT of at least 70%, front side windows at least 35%, and rear windows at least 20%.
• Victoria (VIC): Front windscreen requires 70% VLT, front side windows 35%, and rear windows 20%.
• Queensland (QLD): Similar to NSW, with 70% VLT for the front windscreen, 35% for front side windows, and 20% for rear windows.
• Western Australia (WA): 70% VLT for the front windscreen, 35% for front side windows, and 20% for rear windows.
• South Australia (SA): Front windscreen VLT must be 70%, front side windows 35%, and rear windows can be 20%.
• Tasmania (TAS): Front windscreen VLT of 70%, front side windows 35%, and rear windows 20%.
• Australian Capital Territory (ACT): Front windscreen requires 70% VLT, front side windows 35%, and rear windows 20%.
• Northern Territory (NT): The regulations are slightly different, with the front windscreen requiring 70% VLT, front side windows 35%, but the rear windows can have a VLT as low as 15%.

Medical Exemptions

In certain cases, individuals with specific medical conditions may apply for an exemption to allow darker tints. These exemptions are considered on a case-by-case basis and usually require documentation from a medical professional.

Enforcement and Penalties

Compliance with these tinting laws is enforced through regular vehicle inspections and police checks. Penalties for non-compliance can include fines and orders to remove the illegal tint.

Are car sun shades worth it?

Car sunshades can be a worthwhile investment for many drivers. They offer several benefits that enhance comfort, protect your vehicle, and improve the overall driving experience. Here’s a detailed look at why car sun shades might be worth considering:

Benefits of Car Sun Shades

1. Temperature Control
   • Heat Reduction: One of the primary benefits of using a car sunshade is the significant reduction in the temperature inside your car. Sun shades block a substantial amount of sunlight and heat, keeping the interior cooler.
   • Comfort: A cooler car interior is more comfortable for both the driver and passengers, especially during hot summer months. This means no more burning your hands on the steering wheel or seats.
2. Protection from UV Rays
   • Interior Protection: Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause damage to your car’s interior, including fading and cracking of the dashboard, seats, and other surfaces. Sun shades block UV rays, protecting your car’s interior from premature ageing.
   • Health Benefits: UV rays can also be harmful to your skin, even through car windows. Using a sunshade reduces your exposure to these harmful rays, providing a layer of protection for you and your passengers.
3. Energy Efficiency
   • Reduced AC Use: By keeping the car cooler naturally, sun shades can reduce the need for air conditioning. This can lead to better fuel efficiency and less strain on your vehicle’s AC system, potentially saving you money on fuel and maintenance in the long run.
4. Improved Visibility and Safety
   • Reduced Glare: Sun shades help reduce glare from the sun, which can improve visibility when driving. This is particularly useful when the car is parked, as it reduces the blinding glare when you return to your car.
   • Enhanced Privacy: Some sun shades offer additional privacy by obstructing the view into the car from the outside, which can deter potential thieves by hiding valuable items from sight.

Types of Car Sun Shades

1. Foldable Sun Shades
   • These are typically made of a reflective material and can be folded up for easy storage when not in use. They are placed on the inside of the windshield and help block sunlight effectively.
2. Roll-Up Sun Shades
   • Similar to foldable shades but can be rolled up. These shades are also easy to store and offer good sun protection.
3. Custom-Fit Sun Shades
   • These are designed to fit the specific make and model of your car. They provide the best coverage and are often more effective at blocking sunlight compared to universal shades.
4. Magnetic and Static Cling Sun Shades
   • These types of shades adhere directly to the window using magnets or static cling, making them easy to install and remove. They are often used on side windows rather than the windshield.

Considerations When Buying Sun Shades

• Fit and Coverage: Ensure the sunshade fits your car’s windows properly to maximize effectiveness.
• Material Quality: Look for durable materials that can withstand high temperatures and provide adequate UV protection.
• Ease of Use: Consider how easy it is to install, remove, and store the sunshade.

Now, what happens when you have car window shades or car sun visors installed?

The sun radiates energy within the electromagnetic spectrum, primarily short-wave energy like infrared (heat) and ultraviolet radiation. Without shade, visible light from the sun passes through the windows and is absorbed by whatever it touches. Infrared light cannot escape through the glass, causing the cabin to heat up.

Enter: Car sun shields. These affordable accessories – you can usually buy OEM car sunscreens for under $100 – absorb or even reflect visible light, depending on the auto sunshade material and colour. Black sunshades for car windows will absorb more infrared (heat) and trap it in the vehicle, while metallic or reflective sunshades will bounce more infrared and visible light away. A good car sun cover or shade can reduce cabin and dashboard temperatures by about 8% to 25%.

This reduction may not seem like much, but a 25% decrease in heat and the elimination of direct sun exposure to soft-touch plastics is significant. (You’re also maximizing your car’s resale value!) So, buy a windshield sunshade – any sunshade – and make a habit of putting it up every chance you get.

Conclusion

Both window tinting and sun shades offer valuable benefits to car owners looking to protect their vehicles from the sun’s damaging effects. Window tinting has several benefits, they provide a permanent, comprehensive solution with continuous UV and heat protection, privacy, and aesthetic enhancements. However, it comes with higher costs and legal restrictions.

On the other hand, sun shades are cost-effective, flexible, and easy to use, although they offer temporary protection primarily when the car is parked. Ultimately, your choice should depend on your budget, local regulations, and specific needs.

Whether you opt for tinting or sun shades, both solutions will help protect your car’s interior, improve comfort, and potentially increase your vehicle’s longevity.