What shade of tint is best?

The best shade of window tint depends on your goals for privacy, heat rejection, visibility, legality, and vehicle type, but most people find a balance around 35 percent to 20 percent for side windows. Tint percentage refers to visible light transmission, meaning how much light passes through, so 5 percent is very dark limo tint, 20 percent is dark, 35 percent is medium, 50 percent is light, and 70 percent is almost clear. For best overall daily driving, 35 percent is often recommended because it provides good heat and UV rejection, reduces glare, offers some privacy during the day, yet still allows good visibility at night and is legal for front side windows in many states like California where 70 percent is required. For more privacy and heat rejection on rear windows, 20 percent is popular, giving a darker look while still allowing you to see out at night. For maximum privacy, 5 percent limo tint on rear windows is best but makes night driving difficult and is illegal on front windows in most states. For windshields, a light 70 to 80 percent ceramic tint that is almost clear is best for heat rejection without reducing visibility. Ceramic tint is considered best for heat rejection regardless of shade. So best shade is 35 percent for legal front windows and 20 percent for rear for balance.