Windshield tint is getting increasingly popular among car owners because of the aesthetic appeal it adds to your vehicle, besides the added functionality.
What’s the ideal windshield tint percentage? That has been a long-drawn-out debate. So, I’ll not get into that. Not entirely, anyway!
Instead, I’ll compare two common windshield tint percentages car owners often choose to use, 50% and 35% tints.
In my 50 vs. 35 windshield discussion, I’ll try to give you a clear idea about the pros and cons of these two tint percentages. So, have a read and decide which one suits you better.
Read More: 20 vs. 35 Windshield Tint
50 vs. 35 Windshield Tint: Which One’s Better?
First, let’s cover the fundamental question; Do higher tint percentages mean darker windshields? No, it doesn’t.
The tint percentage indicates the percentage of visible light the tint coating allows to enter your car. So, a 50% windshield tint will let 50% of available light get in.
In the case of a 35% windshield, only 35% of the available light will get to enter through the windshield.
So, lower windshield tint percentages mean darker windshields. Now that we have gotten that out of the way let’s get to the question: Which one is better, between a 50% windshield tint and a 35% windshield?
The 50% tint will not be as dark as the 35% tint. If you aim for more privacy, 50% might not cut it. But, many people should find it dark enough.
At 50% tint, you strike a great balance between visibility and darkness. The windshield will get dark but will not compromise your on-road view.
If you choose to tint your windows, the 50% tint could be a great choice if they are lightly colored. But, it will not go well with darker window color tones.
35% tint will appear gorgeously dark but do keep in mind that it can dangerously limit your visibility. Exterior glamor and practicality can never be a good trade-off. However, it could be a great choice for your rear windshield since it blocks out more heat than a 50% tinted windshield.
Read More: 15 vs. 5 Tint
50 and 35 Windshield Tint: Are They Legal?
States regulate windshield tints to minimize accidents and prevent criminal activities. If the windshield tint is too dark, drivers will not get to see properly what’s coming their way. By the time they notice an obstacle ahead, it could be too late to react.
Also, criminals use overly tinted windshields on their getaway vehicles to avoid detection. Therefore, you will be drawing unwanted attention from law enforcement officers with heavily tinted windshields and windows.
In most states, you will be okay to use both 50%tints and 35% tints on your windshields. As you can imagine, the 50% tint has more legal leeway than its 35% counterpart. However, it is illegal in some states, like Alaska, California, and Delaware.
It would be best if you head to your local DMV or check their website to know for sure how much tint is allowed in your area.
You would not want to find out when the police ask you to pull up in the middle of the road and hand you a hefty fine for breaching windshield obstruction laws.
You might think, ‘’Well, my provider would have told me if mine was illegal!’’. Hate to break it to you, but you are wrong! The seller has no obligation to tell you whether or not a windshield tint is lawful in your area.
You can’t ask the seller for a refund if you have to remove the tint for violating the local windshield tint law.
Read More: 50 vs. 70 Windshield Tint
Is 35% Tint Dark On the Windshield?
35% tint is not too dark on the windshield, but again, it varies from person to person.
Personally, I think the 35% tint is the most balanced windshield tint, but many drivers might find it difficult to see through the tint, particularly at night.
Is 50% Tint Dark Enough?
I believe that most people will find the 50% tinted windshields dark enough. It blocks out 50% of the available light, which is quite a lot. So, yes, I would say 50% tint is dark enough.
Is 35 tint hard to see at night?
Yes, 35 tint is very dark and can be difficult to see through at night.
Tint darkness is measured by Visible Light Transmission (VLT), and 35 tint has a low VLT of only 15%. It will be much harder to see out of lighter tints with a VLT of 35-50%.
Is 35 percent tint worth it?
Yes, a 35 percent tint can be worth it if you want a darker look for your car. It can also help reduce heat and glare from the sun and can provide some privacy.
However, it is important to consider the drawbacks of such a dark tint, including reduced visibility at night, the potential for violation of tint laws, and the possibility of the tint fading or bubbling over time.
Last Opinion
Folks, that’s all I had to say about the whole 50 vs. 35 windshield tint debate. Personally, I prefer the 35% tint as I don’t find it too obstructive while driving. It keeps the interior cool and gives you a decent amount of privacy. But that doesn’t mean the 35% tint will be better for everyone.
You need to make sure that you can see through the windshield without any problem. 50% tint is dark enough; you will realize it when you see it in person. So, no need to pick the 35% tint over 50% if you are not 100% convinced that you have optimum windshield visibility.
