Here are few things to consider when having your windows tinted, from the thoughtful folks here at Action Glass.

PRO: Window tint can keep your car up to 60% cooler than regular windows. Window tinting is a highly effective way to keep your air conditioning in and hot rays out. Even getting into the car after it’s been baking in a blacktop parking lot for 6 hours while you were at Michigan’s Adventure in Muskegon will be bearable, and you don’t have to worry about your skin grafting to the leather seats either.

PRO: Speaking of leather, high-quality window tint blocks 99% of UV rays, which are harmful to both your skin and your seats. Tinted windows can protect your upholstery, eyes, and arms from the sun’s damaging UV rays.

PRO: Window tinting cuts blinding glare caused by water, sun, and snow so you’ll be able to see better and drive safer. You know that breathtaking view of Lake Michigan you get  right where Lake Michigan Drive dead ends into Lakeshore Drive  near Kirk Park? You’ll actually be able to enjoy it now without running your car into that hedge fence again.

CON: The same thing that keeps you from seeing glare works from the inside too. Light from navigation units, LED center consoles, and built-in TV screens can reflect off of window tint inside the vehicle, making it distracting and hard to see around when driving at night. The darkness of your tint is also a contributing factor, if you have anything darker than a medium tint on your windows you’ll only be able to see shapes, and that isn’t safe driving.

CON: Michigan laws are pretty strict regarding window tinting. You can do what you want with the rear and back side windows, but the two front windows and your windshield can only be tinted on the top six inches of the window. This is fine if you’re just trying to shield your eyes from the sun because your visor is full of CD’s that will go all over the place if you move it, but looks kind of, you know, silly with super-dark or decorative tints. And window coverings can only be reflective of 30% of all refracted light, so no silver or gold tints either. Sorry iRoc Z.

CON: We can’t bring up the law without mentioning that police officers hate window tinting. Not only could there be something illegal going on behind those tints, they like to be able to see your hands when they pull you over to make sure you’re not going to run or pull a gun or something. If you decide to get tints, be sure to roll all four windows down, place the keys on the dashboard, and put your hands at 10 and 2 on the steering wheel if you get pulled over, so they know right away you’re safe. Because of this mystery factor, an officer might be more inclined to pull you over because your vehicle looks suspicious. Also, as of a few years ago, the law states that police are allowed to pull you over because of your tints. The law used to state that an officer could site you for illegal window tints if he pulled you over for a seperate violation, but changed about the same time the seat belt law did. Your sweet black mirrored tint just became probable cause, bro, and that’s something to be aware of.

Be sure if you do decide to get your windows tinted that you do so with concern for safety and visibility, and respect for the law. Medium to light tints often look natural and still reduce heat and glare, without making your vehicle look like it’s got something to hide. Be sure to pick a reputable auto glass shop to tint the windows for you, instead of doing it yourself. Purple peeling and bubbling window tint is unsightly and hard to see through. If you’re going to get your windows done, make sure they’re done right, and compliant with the law.